Of these variants, only delta and omicron are still considered variants of concern, Hogan's office said.ĭelta remains the dominant variant and represents more than 99% of circulating strains sequenced in both Maryland and the United States. In addition to the Omicron variant, other such variants identified in Maryland include the alpha variant (B.1.1.7), and the beta variant (B.1.351), both first identified in Maryland in January the gamma variant (P.1), first identified in Maryland in February and the delta variant (B.1.617.2), first identified in Maryland this spring, according to the news release. Viruses constantly change, or mutate, and new variants of viruses are expected to occur over time. It was first identified in the United States on Wednesday. The omicron variant has now been reported in nearly 40 countries. Scientists at the federal and state levels are working with international partners to learn more about omicron, including how transmissible it is, how severe the disease that it causes might be and whether the variant’s genetic changes will alter the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments such as monoclonal antibody infusions. “In addition to getting booster shots, we strongly recommend that Marylanders who have recently returned from international travel or are symptomatic in any way get tested immediately.” “Currently available PCR diagnostic tests and rapid antigen tests will detect COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant,” said MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we will continue to keep Marylanders updated as new information becomes available.”Įarlier this week, the Hogan outlined the state’s preparedness efforts for the omicron variant, including further expanding variant surveillance and making free at-home rapid antigen tests available at the international terminal at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Getting a vaccine or a booster shot is the single most important thing that you can do to protect yourself and those around you. “We urge Marylanders to continue taking precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. “Thanks to our aggressive surveillance system, we have quickly identified the first cases of the omicron variant in Maryland,” Hogan said in the release. More: CDC director says recommendations for protection the same, 'regardless of the variant': COVID updatesĬomprehensive contact tracing efforts are already underway "to ensure that potential close contacts are quickly identified, quarantined and tested," according to the statement. Previously: First confirmed US case of the omicron variant detected in California: COVID-19 updates One unrelated case involves a vaccinated person with no known recent travel history, according to Hogan's office. Two are from the same household, including a vaccinated person who recently traveled to South Africa, and an unvaccinated person who was a close contact. The Maryland Department of Health's Public Health Laboratory, in collaboration with partner laboratories, confirmed the variant cases, according to a statement from Hogan's office.Īll three cases involve individuals from the Baltimore area. The omicron variant was designated as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization on Nov. faces more contagious variants.Watch Video: New COVID variant hits US, 'omicron' strain found in CaliforniaĪNNAPOLIS - State health officials have confirmed the first three cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in Maryland residents, Gov. Adalja added that it’s especially important to be vaccinated now as the U.S. "Even if you’re vaccinated you can get the virus, which means you might be able to transmit that to someone who is not vaccinated who may be in a compromised position."ĭr. "Just give it some thought," he said he’d tell people like Farrell and Dilsaver. Meanwhile, others – like John Ward – felt differently. "Like a flu vaccine or a polio vaccine or smallpox or whatever, all that stuff was worked on over years and years and years and years so I feel like it’s actually been tested and safe, whereas this one was like, ‘alright we need the vaccine,’ and boom, here it is," Dilsaver explained.ĭownload the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather Joseph Dilsaver also said he’s unvaccinated and doesn’t plan on getting the shot anytime soon. But outside of a Charles County grocery store Tuesday, some people still didn’t want to hear it.Īsked whether the new numbers made her rethink her choice not to get vaccinated, Melanie Farrell said no, adding that the fear of the unknown scares her more than COVID.
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