Omicron variant identified in western U.P.

By ZACHARY MARANO

zmarano@yourdailyglobe.com

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,” WUPHD Health Officer Kate Beer said. “We encourage residents to take precautions by staying home if you are not feeling well, masking in public or crowded spaces, follow quarantine guidelines and get vaccinated or your booster dose.”

“Vaccinations continue to be our best defense to reduce the severity of symptoms, prevent hospitalizations, and death,” Beer continued.

In just two days before the announcement, there were 396 new COVID-19 cases in the western Upper Peninsula. There were 38 cases in Baraga County, 68 cases in Gogebic, 260 in Houghton, 10 in Keweenaw and 20 in Ontonagon. The case counts do not include positive home tests taken by residents.

The health department said that, with the high transmission rate of the omicron variant, vaccination is more important than ever. Primary vaccinations available for anyone five years and older and booster shots are available for anyone 12 years and older.

The health department is offering free COVID-19 testing at testing sites in Ironwood, L’Anse and Hancock. The clinic in Ironwood is located inside the memorial building on 213 Marquette St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays. No appointments are necessary and all of the services offered at these clinics are free.

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their recommendations for when people who received the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines can receive their booster shots, shortening the interval between completing the initial series and receiving the booster shot from six months to five.