Three people in Travis County have tested positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19. The University of Texas at Austin Health Services notified Austin Public Health of what could be the first omicron cases identified in the area.
"The omicron variant has likely been identified in Austin," Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in making the announcement on his Twitter page. "This was to be expected. You know what to do: Get vaccinated, wear a mask indoors, social distance and stay home if you don't feel well."
Laboratory tests must confirm the genetic sequencing, according to a release from the City of Austin. The three patients said they hadn’t traveled abroad, leading researchers to believe the variant is spreading in the Austin area.
At least two other cases have been discovered in other areas of Texas, including the two largest counties of Harris and Dallas.
“Our community learned first-hand the dangers new variants can pose," Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority said in the release. "The delta variant arrived in the summer and is still in our community. Now we have the omicron variant. Our mission and our approach remain the same. Get vaccinated, get boosters, stay home if you are sick, wear your masks to protect yourself, your loved ones and our hospital systems from this virus.”
Preliminary reports, according to the release, indicate the omicron variant is a highly transmissible form of COVID-19. The severity of the disease remains uncertain.
"It was inevitable that the omicron variant would arrive in Austin, and we are closely following the data to understand how this new variant will impact our community and hospital system as we continue to fight the delta variant," Adler said in the release. "As we prepare to spend time with loved ones this holiday season, it is now more important than ever to get the vaccine and your booster shots. And it’s always best to wear masks indoors if you’re around unvaccinated people."