(WFSB) — Governor Ned Lamont issued a statement earlier today about the emergence of the new Omicron version.
He says, “We are monitoring a new COVID variant of the concern, which was identified by the World Health Organization on Friday. This new version – codenamed Omicron – was first reported to the WHO by government officials in South Africa. Our team at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, led by Commissioner Manisha Juthani, is closely monitoring these developments. While no cases of the Omicron variant have been reported here in Connecticut or the United States to date, we should still remain vigilant. Given the number of countries where Omicron has already been detected, it may already be present in the US.
He continued, “Earlier this year we established a network of laboratories coordinated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health that is performing genomic sequencing on positive test samples to provide an understanding of the variants that are circulating in Connecticut in the region. Our advance planning in the U.S. will help us track Omicron, among other variants that may appear in the future.”
“This news from the Omicron edition reminds us about the importance of getting immunizations and boosters. We have now entered the winter holiday season and still need to wear masks in indoor public places, proper hand hygiene Exercise, get tested, and stay home if you feel sick. That cold could be more than just a cold. Take extra precautions especially when visiting with older or immune-compromised friends or family, says Lamont. important to those who are at higher risk of COVID.
“There is a reason that Connecticut has gained national recognition during this pandemic and that is because of our residents. With your help, we will get through this next stage as well,” he concluded.
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