Carson City health office discusses Omicron variant; choice to end COVID-19 updates in 2022
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Thu, 12/30/2021 - 2:34pm
Beginning the first week of January, Carson City Health and Human Services has decided to end its weekly COVID-19 reporting on the Quad Counties.
"The decision to end the weekly COVID-19 reports was made by all four counties," said Jessica Rapp, spokeswoman for CCHHS. The Quad Counties is made up of Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties.
However, that doesn't mean that residents will not be able to keep an eye on COVID-19 numbers in their communities.
CCHHS will continue to monitor cases, collecting data and conducting case investigations for the statewide database, which can be accessed by visiting https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/
Carson Now will also continue to provide weekly updates based on this data.
However, depending on the situation within the Quad Counties, CCHHS may release information related to COVID as needed.
"Will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary to ensure our communities have the information they need," said Rapp.
CCHHS will also continue to provide vaccinations for individuals 5 and over; however, they are not providing COVID-19 testing any longer due to an increase in test availability from other sources within the community.
"With the increase in testing resources in the community and the decreased demand for testing, CCHHS has paused testing operations," said Rapp. "We are monitoring the situation and are ready to resume testing if necessary."
Omicron
Rapp also provided information regarding the Omicron variant, how to stay safe, and how it is affecting the community.
"Omicron is a new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19," said Rapp. "Viruses constantly change through mutations and cause new variants to emerge."
For example, the flu virus changes often, which is why doctors recommend a new flu vaccine each year, continued Rapp. New variants of the virus are expected to occur.
"Taking steps to reduce the spread of infection, including getting a COVID-19 vaccine, are the best way to slow the emergence of new variants," said Rapp.
According to the CDC, current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.
COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death, said Rapp. Scientists are currently investigating Omicron, including how protected fully vaccinated people will be against infection, hospitalization, and death.
"The CDC continues to recommend wearing a mask in public indoor regardless of vaccination status," said Rapp. "Wearing a mask helps protect against all variants."
While there have been reported cases of Omicron in Washoe County, as of Thursday, Dec. 30, no Omicron variants have been detected in infected individuals within the Quad Counties.
