Lamont: Be ‘vigilant’ as variant concerns grow
Rapid spread of latest COVID strain comes as state is still grappling with delta outbreak
With concern mounting across the globe over the new COVID-19 variant omicron, Gov. Ned Lamont said the state was monitoring developments closely given its rapid spread.
The variant, which was first discovered in South Africa earlier this month, garnered significant attention in recent days as cases
have surfaced across southern Africa, Europe and Asia. While little is known about the variant, the World Health Organization last week designated it a “variant of concern.”
“While there have been no cases of the omicron variant reported here in Connecticut or the United States to date, we still must be vigilant. Given the number of countries where omicron has already been detected, it may already be present in the U.S.,” Lamont said in a statement Sunday.
News of this latest variant, which is described as having a large number of mutations compared to the native strain that started the pandemic, comes as Connecticut, like many states, is still grappling with a rise in cases following the spread of the highly transmissible delta variant.
As of Friday, Connecticut had a daily positivity rate of 3.61 percent after 52,595 tests found 1,900 cases between Wednesday and Thursday. Hospitalizations stood at 300 patients statewide, one of the highest since late summer.
Given its recent discovery, much is still unknown about omicron, according to top health organizations. But considering the number of
mutations, there are studies underway to see if it could be more contagious or potentially evade immunity.
Lamont said the state Department of Public Health, led by Commissioner Manisha Juthani, “is following these developments closely.”
Connecticut set up a network of labs this year, coordinating with officials at DPH, that has been conducting genomic sequencing on test specimens to determine which variants are circulating in Connecticut. The most recent report shows that all of the specimens sequenced in the past three weeks were the delta variant.
“Our advance planning in this area will help us track omicron, in addition to other variants that could appear in the future,” Lamont said.
Lamont urged residents to get vaccinated or get a booster shot if they have already received their initial course of vaccine.
As of this week, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that nearly 72 percent of all Connecticut residents are fully vaccinated. Of those fully vaccinated, more than 21 percent have received a booster dose.
“The best defense against COVID-19 is a good offense,” Lamont said. “This news of the omicron variant reminds us about the importance
of being vaccinated and getting a booster.”
Health experts in Connecticut were also watching the developments with the omicron variant.
“I am concerned because this is the worst time to have a new, potentially more transmissible variant to be introduced with the holidays, the family gatherings— it could provide the right environment it needs to take off,” said Nathan Grubaugh, head of the Yale School of Public Health’s variant surveillance project.
In response to the rising concern over omicron, President Joe Biden restricted travel from a handful of nations in southern Africa.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order that paved the way for health officials to suspend elective procedures to prepare for a swell of new hospitalizations.
Lamont, whose emergency powers from the pandemic extend to February, made no mention of new restrictions or executive orders.
“We have now entered the winter holiday season and still need to mask while in indoor public places, practice proper hand hygiene, get tested, and stay home if you feel sick. That cold may be more than just a cold. It is particularly important to take extra precautions when visiting with older or immune-compromised friends or family who are at higher risk from COVID,” Lamont said.