City Of St. Louis: City Of St. Louis Reports Its First Omicron Variant Case

Press release from the City of St. Louis:

December 3, 2021

The Department of Health is awaiting confirmation from the CDC and is following its robust communicable disease investigative process with the case.

The City of St. Louis Department of Health has been notified of a presumed case of the Omicron variant from a City of St. Louis resident. The Department of Health is awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The individual recently traveled within the United States. The Department of Health is following its robust communicable disease investigative process in relation to the case. 

The Omicron variant has received heightened attention due to its speculated ability to spread, potential severity of illness, and possible ability to evade immunity. Very limited information is currently available on these factors. The global scientific community continues to share information about Omicron with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The City of St. Louis Department of Health will continue to share information about the variant as it is received. 

“We have proven mitigation strategies that work to protect us from SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and while we gather more information on the Omicron variant, COVID-19 safety measures are our strongest defense,” said Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of Health for the City of St. Louis. “Getting vaccinated for COVID-19, including getting boosters, remains critical to greatly reducing the severity of disease and death. Also, properly wearing a face covering when indoors around individuals not in your household, practicing social distancing, and regularly using proper hand hygiene practices – washing hands often with soap and water or using and sanitizer when soap and water are not available are all proven ways to prevent becoming exposed and getting infected with COVID-19.” 

Visit the City of St. Louis COVID-19 Vaccine website or vaccines.gov to find a list of upcoming vaccination options near you.

This press release was produced by the City of St. Louis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.