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Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: January Riddle, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Irvin Jim, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith Wednesday December 1, 2021 11:39 AM Omicron Variant of COVID-19 ID’d in California Joint Statement from the California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health on the First Confirmed Case of the Omicron Variant Date: December 1, 2021 Number: NR21-341 Contact: SACRAMENTO – "As expected, and thanks to California's large-scale testing and early detection systems, the State of California and the San Francisco Department of Public Health have confirmed a case of the Omicron variant in California. Our partners at the University of California, San Francisco identified this case through their sequencing capabilities. California is continuing to monitor the variant's presence and progress through the state's robust Whole Genome Sequencing surveillance. We must remain vigilant against this variant, but it is not a cause for panic. To help detect and prevent the spread of this new variant, the State of California is increasing COVID-19 testing at our airports for arrivals from countries identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We recognize that everyone is exhausted, and the news of a new variant can be overwhelming. It is important that we collectively focus on the things we know prevent the Public Health Brief Richard O. Johnson, M.D., MPH Nichole Williamson Public Health Officer HHS Director Office: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 249 Office: [PHONE REDACTED] e-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] 24/7/365 Emergency Contact Number Dispatch: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 330 ---PAGE BREAK--- Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: January Riddle, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Irvin Jim, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith spread of COVID-19, and its variants. Individuals should get vaccinated and boosted; wear your mask in indoor settings; get tested if you have and stay home if you are sick. As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant and how it can impact all of us, we will share that information through covid19.ca.gov and cdph.ca.gov." Note: This is as anticipated and expected. So far, very preliminary information indicates the following: - Illness appears to be mild - Spread appears to be extensive - Existing tests will still work We fully expect that more cases will be identified in the days to come. We will pass along information as it becomes available. What should you do in the meantime? Nothing different than you should have been doing in days past! COVID19.CA.GOV Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) I CDC