These patients’ samples were to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) serologic test. (James Gathany/CDC 2020)

Santa Cruz County officials announced Tuesday that they have identified two cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in the county.

Samples collected last Thursday and Friday from two people in their 20s living in the north part of the county tested positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19 that experts say is more transmissible than previous variants.

“While we must remain vigilant against COVID-19 and Omicron, this new variant is not a cause for panic. It is important that we collectively focus on the things we know prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its variants,” such as getting vaccinated or a booster shot, wearing a mask indoors or in crowded settings, county deputy health officer Dr. Cal Gordon said in a news release.

More information on COVID-19 in Santa Cruz County and where residents can get vaccinated or tested can be found at www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus.

Dan McMenamin is the managing editor at Bay City News, directing daily news coverage of the 12-county greater Bay Area. He has worked for BCN since 2008 and has been managing editor since 2014 after previously serving as BCN’s San Francisco bureau reporter. A UC Davis graduate, he came to BCN after working for a newspaper and nonprofit in the Davis area. He handles staffing, including coaching of our interns, day-to-day coverage decisions and management of the newswire.