Thread by @NYCHealthCommr

Update on the omicron variant: There are currently NO confirmed cases of the omicron variant in NYC. Delta remains the dominant strain – about 98% of sequenced specimens. We do anticipate detecting omicron in the coming days, based on what we know about its global spread.🧵

A lot is still unknown about omicron, because it’s so early, but studies are underway, and we will know more about the variant in the coming weeks. Here is a breakdown of what we currently know in terms of transmissibility, severity and immunity:

Transmissibility: We don’t have reliable evidence yet about omicron’s speed of spread compared to delta. But it does have similar mutations to other transmissible variants, and there are some reports from South Africa indicating potentially rapid spread.

Severity: We have even less evidence about whether omicron contributes to more severe – or, as is possible, less severe – disease. Rigorous investigations are still underway since hospitalizations and deaths lag cases.

Immunity: Preliminary evidence suggests that those who’ve had COVID-19 in the past may be more easily reinfected with omicron. This underscores our strong recommendation to get vaccinated regardless of whether you have already had COVID-19.

Based on what we have seen with other variants, we do expect the vaccines to retain some degree of effectiveness – but precisely how much will take a few weeks to clarify.

We still have a lot to learn about the omicron variant, but its emergence lends urgency to the importance of the precautions we’ve all become familiar with – particularly vaccination, masking and testing.

Vaccination: Get your first dose, second dose or booster TODAY. And parents, please get your child vaccinated as soon as possible – cases have been rising among our youngest New Yorkers in recent weeks: nyc.gov/vaccinefinder

Masking: Today, I am issuing a Commissioner’s Advisory STRONGLY recommending that all New Yorkers wear a mask AT ALL TIMES when indoors and in a public setting – like at your grocery, building lobbies, offices, and stores.

Testing: It’s very important that those who traveled or gathered during the holidays get tested if you haven’t already: on.nyc.gov/covid19testing

It’s natural to feel some anxiety about this new variant – and I’m certainly feeling humility, given all that we’ve been through.

But the Marie Curie quote, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood,” comes to mind.

Our understanding of omicron will advance, and we’ll be able to adjust our public health strategies accordingly.

Until then, let’s bring to bear our tried-and-true tools that are already helping us keep COVID-19 at bay.