On Wednesday, Dec. 8 health officials reported the first case of the Omicron in Yavapai County, Arizona.

Omicron a new COVID-19 variant was first identified in South Africa, and later in December one the first case was identified in the United States. Now the variant has made its way Southwest of the Country to Arizona. Though not much is known about the new variant, COVID vaccinations and boosters are recommended to face the new variant. Don Herrin, Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) interim director states, “We do know that current COVID vaccines have remained very effective against Delta and other variants” informing that COVID vaccines and boosters may very well work on the new variant.

 As of Wednesday, Dec. 8 Arizona’s total of cases was 1,301,597 and 22,779 deaths. Reporting 3,506 new cases and 18 deaths that day, according to ADHS. 

While wanting to avoid overreaction to the news as stated by Leslie Horton, director of the Yavapai County health agency, safety precautions should still be taken. Such as, the usage of masks, social distancing, and following Center for Disease Control and Prevention COVID safety measures.