Marin County public health officials predict a surge in cases of COVID-19’s omicron variant, a week after the first case was detected in the county.
The county saw its highest amount of cases in one day since Jan 13., 2021 on Tuesday — 112 new cases despite a high vaccination rate throughout Marin.
Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County public health officer, said the county is transitioning to Omicron variant taking over as the dominant strain, similar to the effects it had on Northern Europe and the Eastern United States.
“Given the detection in Marin wastewater last week, increased number of confirmed cases regionally, yesterday’s spike in cases, and the emerging national data, we should assume new cases are most likely due to Omicron,” Willis said in a statement.
Due to its highly infectious nature, the omicron variant could pose as a risk during the holiday season with social gatherings and busy retail settings, said the county.
“This holiday season, the Omicron variant is an invisible, uninvited guest that may crash your holiday gathering,” said Dr. Lisa Santora in a statement. “A holiday gift to yourself and your loved ones is to not let your guard down when engaging in activities outside of your home.”
Public health officials recommend Marin residents to get their booster shots, as fully vaccinated people are still catching COVID-19, wear a mask, get tested and stay home if sick.
More information on COVID-19 can be found on Marin County Public Health’s coronavirus webpage.