1st Case Of Omicron Variant Detected In Hudson Valley

WHITE PLAINS, NY — The first confirmed case of the omicron variant of the new coronavirus was announced in Westchester County Tuesday.

County Executive George Latimer said the positive case is in a 13-year-old Westchester resident.

"We are concerned about this discovery, and are closely monitoring the situation," he said in a prepared statement.

"With the new variant circulating, the best way we can protect our families and ourselves is by being vaccinated, and by getting a booster shot if you are eligible," Latimer said.

The announcement comes one day after he declared a state of emergency in Westchester as coronavirus infection rates and COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to increase.

Latimer said Monday that 84 people were hospitalized with COVID-19-related illnesses as of Saturday, up from 29 a month ago.

"There is currently a public health threat, I know it has been many months, I know you are tired," he said, "but we — together — must take action to be better prepared to fight COVID and the new variants."

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