Williamson County Confirms 1st Case Of Omicron Variant

Round Rock TX

20 December, 2021

1:10 PM

Description

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County confirmed its first case of the omicron variant on Monday. The county said a resident was confirmed positive with the virus after lab results indicated the presence of the variant, Williamson County and Cities Health District said in a news release. This is the first confirmed case in Williamson County. A week ago today, there were three "very strongly likely" cases of the omicron variant detected at University of Texas at Austin. It's not clear if those cases have been confirmed to also be positive with the omicron variant. At this time, Travis County has yet to confirm positive omicron variant cases; however, county officials say it is likely already in the community and encourage people to stay safe during the holiday season. Williamson County and Cities Health District have been notified of confirmed lab results indicating the presence of the COVID-19 #Omicron variant in a resident of Williamson County. Read more: https://t.co/HAiG0DjVG6 pic.twitter.com/GVd3vuK55J— WCCHealth District (@WCCHD) December 20, 2021 The virus has been detected in multiple counties including Bexar and Harris Counties. On Monday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo raised the county's COVID-19 "Threat Level Indicator" to the second highest level and advises residents to "minimize contact with others" and avoid "medium or large gatherings." Harris County reported its first case earlier this month, which marked the state's first case of the highly contagious variant. RELATED: Texas' 1st Omicron Variant Case Identified In Houston Area Out of all the COVID-19 variants, preliminary reports indicate the omicron variant is a highly transmissible form of the virus. However, officials say it is still too soon to know the severity of disease. Common symptoms caused by the Omicron variant include cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue, and are the same as other COVID-19 variants. Anyone who feels ill should stay home and get tested. "Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging," said Dr. Amanda Norwood, Local Health Authority and WCCHD Medical Director. "COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Everyone five years and older are encouraged to protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated, and everyone ages 16 years and older should get a booster shot when eligible." Officials said everyone should continue to take all precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones to prevent the spread of germs such as wearing masks, following social distancing practices, staying home if sick, getting fully vaccinated and receiving a vaccine booster. These protective measures also apply to those who were diagnosed with COVID-19 previously. Vaccines continue to provide protection from COVID-19 and its variants. Vaccines are readily available at WCCHD clinics as well as pharmacies, medical offices, and community clinics. WCCHD clinics provide COVID-19 vaccinations which are free and require neither identification nor insurance. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 512-943-3600 or visit the county's website.