Omicron Variant of COVID-19 Detected in Contra Costa County

Genomic sequencing of positive COVID-19 test results from Contra Costa County has identified three cases with the omicron variant of the virus.

The results confirm the presence of the highly contagious variant in the county and underscore the need for residents to consider healthy choices this holiday season to protect themselves and their loved ones – especially getting a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible.

“We knew it was just a matter of time before the omicron variant appeared in Contra Costa County,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County health officer. “We’ve been encouraging anyone who is eligible to get a booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to do so. With today’s news and the holidays just around the corner, that message is even more important. People who get the booster are far less likely to get gravely ill or be hospitalized. That’s our wish for this holiday season.”

None of the three people infected with Omicron had gotten a booster shot, although two were fully vaccinated. So far, no one has been hospitalized.

Omicron likely circulated in the community for several weeks. It had previously been detected in several other Bay Area counties, and genetic evidence of the variant was detected in a wastewater sample from central Contra Costa on Dec. 8.

Vaccination remains our top protection against omicron and all variants of COVID-19. A timely booster dose maximizes protection against both infection and serious illness.

As of today, just over one-third of eligible Contra Costa residents had received a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are widely available in the county from healthcare providers, pharmacies and Contra Costa Health Service’s (CCHS) no-cost clinics – call 1-833-829-2626 or make an appointment online.

Anyone who is 16 or older and was previously vaccinated can get a booster dose once six months have passed since their last dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two months have passed since they received a dose of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. People over 50 and those with significant underlying health conditions are especially encouraged to get a booster.

While public health experts are not recommending that those who are vaccinated and or who have received the booster dose cancel holiday plans, they are urging caution. Ways to reduce risk of becoming exposed or spreading COVID-19 include:

• Staying home and isolating themselves if they develop COVID-19 symptoms, which can often resemble cold or flu symptoms
• Getting a COVID-19 test promptly if symptoms develop
• Getting a COVID-19 test before traveling or gathering with people who do not live with you, and again three to five days after traveling or gathering
• Wear masks or face coverings in indoor public spaces, and when gathering indoors with people who do not live with you

Home COVID-19 tests are fast, convenient, and available at many drugstores. No-cost testing is also available through CCHS by calling 1-833-829-2626 or making an online appointment.

The 7-day average number of daily new COVID-19 cases reported in the county has increased about 5% over the past two weeks, and the number of people hospitalized in Contra Costa because of the virus has remained stable so far this month.

The delta variant of COVID-19 remains the predominant strain in Contra Costa, accounting for more than 97% of genetically sequenced COVID-19 samples collected in the county.

Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus for updates and more information about Contra Costa’s emergency response to the pandemic.