Public Health Officials Urging Vaccination and Boosters Against COVID-19 Omicron Variant

COVID-19 cases have risen 587% since the end of November in Orange County, with 1,010 new cases reported last week. Orange County health officials urge the public to take steps now to protect themselves and others and to avoid overwhelming hospital capacity and healthcare workers.

Most new cases are due to the extremely contagious variant Omicron, which is spreading rapidly and is expected to cause the pandemic’s highest rates of COVID-19 infections in the coming weeks. Vaccinating and boosting against COVID-19 remain the most effective ways for people to protect themselves from serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Early evidence shows boosters provide a significant level of protection against Omicron.

This Winter Everyone Should

• Vaccinate and Boost: Get vaccinated now, including obtaining a COVID-19 booster as soon as you are eligible. This is critical for those over age 65, those with underlying medical conditions and healthcare workers. The Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are the best choice for most people. Layer protection with a flu shot.
• Test: Get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Mask: Wear a face covering indoors in public, even if you are vaccinated. If possible, wear a medical grade mask for more protection, such as a surgical mask, procedural mask, KN95, or N95.
• Avoid large gatherings: Omicron has spread quickly even in gatherings of vaccinated people where proof of negative tests was required.

Extra Protection Is More Important Now

“Omicron is highly contagious; therefore, well-fitting and high-quality face masks are immensely important. Wearing masks is nothing new. Masks have been among the most effective ways to limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Renee Price, Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. “With Omicron surging, we have to be more conscientious and diligent. Please take the necessary precautions by wearing masks and wearing them properly."

Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart said, “If people wear face coverings and avoid indoor gatherings, it could help to flatten the curve. Currently our percentage of positive tests is 11.2% which is way above our goal of 5% or below. It is important for us to flatten the curve to make sure we all continue to have access to hospital care when we need it, whether it’s for COVID-19 or all of the other life-threatening conditions that demand care in a hospital.”

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