First Georgia case of omicron variant identified, quarantined in New Jersey

New omicron variant detected in several U.S. states as it continues to spread

As of Friday at least 6 states have reported cases of the omicron variant, but U.S. health officials say they are prepared to fight the new variant.

ATLANTA - A Georgia resident who is currently in New Jersey has tested positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19, the Georgia Department of Public Health announced late Friday.

The GDPH said the person recently traveled from South Africa and was in Georgia for two days before traveling on to New Jersey where they took a test. The individual is fully vaccinated and is in isolation.

Health officials are using contact tracing to try to track the person’s movements and test those who may have had contact.

Biden Administration unviels plans to combat the omicron variant

The new plan comes as the first case of the omicron variant was detected in the United States and a potential surge in cases looms for the winter.

"Vaccination and boosters are key to preventing further transmission of COVID-19 and help prevent new variants like Omicron from emerging," said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health. "Only 51% of Georgians are fully vaccinated and of those individuals, less than 20% have received booster doses."

Toomey said the best way to fight this ongoing pandemic is to get vaccinated. Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant and experts are re-evaluating the vaccines’ effectiveness against the new strain.

CDC monitors major airports for new omicron variant

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are monitoring Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and three other major air hubs as health experts remain vigilant in identifying the spread of the new omicron variant of COVID-19.

The GDPH recommends the following for vaccinations:

"All Georgians over the age of 5 are now eligible for COVID vaccination. Booster doses of vaccine are recommended for adults 18 and older who completed their first series of vaccines at least six months ago. The CDC also recommends general prevention measures such as wearing a mask in public settings, staying 6 feet from others, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and frequently washing your hands to protect against COVID-19."

Health officials also encourage frequent testing. For more information visit dph.ga.gov.

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