Omicron variant identified in western U.P.

By ZACHARY MARANO

[email protected]

HANCOCK — The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department reported Saturday that the omicron variant of COVID-19 was identified in its five-county coverage area.

According to a release from the WUPHD, the variant was identified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories in one case in Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties.

“It is important to know that not all COVID tests are sequenced. With the rapid rise in case counts over the last few days, we can be certain that there are additional cases,”...