First Case Of Omicron Variant Identified In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — The first case of the coronavirus omicron variant has been identified in Rhode Island, Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health announced Saturday.

The state identified the case through the ongoing genomic surveillance program coordinated by the Department of Health's State Health Laboratories.

In a release, McKee encouraged Rhode Island residents, "this is not cause for panic."

"We fully expected that omicron would eventually be detected in Rhode Island as it has been in our neighboring states. I want to be clear: Rhode Island is prepared," McKee said. "Just like when the Delta variant was identified in Rhode Island, Rhode Islanders will come together to take the actions necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones."

Confirmation of omicron comes a day after McKee signed executive orders extending a requirement to wear masks in schools and extending a state of emergency. Both will now remain in place through Jan. 8.

The state of emergency has been in effect throughout the pandemic in Rhode Island, first declared by then-Gov. Gina Raimondo on March 9, 2020. At that time, few cases had been reported in the state; however, the move was made to allow the governor greater flexibility in responding to the ever-changing situation.

Over the coming week, McKee plans to announce a "comprehensive set of actions" to address the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Rhode Island. The actions, which focus on vaccination, testing, masking, and hospital staffing capacity, will also help address the growing number of COVID-19 patients in state hospitals.

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