First Case of New Coronavirus Strain Found in the Region

A case of the Omicron variant has been identified in a specimen from a Wisconsin resident with recent travel history to South Africa. The person was fully vaccinated and had had a booster. They reported mild symptoms and have not needed hospitalization. It will take several weeks to determine Omicron’s transmissibility, impact on disease severity, and the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments against it. Governor Tony Evers said in a statement, “We’ve been prepared for this news and will continue trusting the science to help keep Wisconsinites and our communities healthy and safe.”