The Ohio Department of Health reported yesterday that The Ohio State University laboratory confirmed the first two cases of the COVID Omicron Variant in central Ohio. The two cases were detected in two adult males who tested positive via PCR test on December 7, 2021. These individuals were found to have mild symptoms and are not hospitalized. (WCMH)
Even with the current Delta variant, I have received questions about how to detect Delta variant, Omicron variant, or other variant? Can the tests out now detect which variant it is? Can you know today if you have a COVID variant?
So, what happens is that variants are detected via PCR testing that is usually done by hospitals. However, these positive PCR tests are then sent to larger regional hospitals, like Cleveland Clinic or Ohio State University hospitals, and further testing is done at those facilities. What happens is that these special laboratories perform sequencing and this is where they figure out if it is Omicron. (BBC)
So, the rapid tests that you do a home, or the the rapid tests that are done through offices like ours, these tests do not have the capability to determine whether the COVID infection is Omicron or Delta variant, or other. What we can assume is that we know that Omicron is probably round this community and other communities.
However, the plan is the same. First, do NOT panic. To help prevent Omicron and COVID infections, please get vaccinated for COVID infection, and if you’re up for a COVID booster shot, please get that done. Are the vaccines out now going to work for Omicron? It’s still too early to say. Stay tuned.
Also, if you are not sure if there are vaccinated people where you are going, consider wearing a mask indoors. And finally, continue with your hand washing, hand sanitizer, and social distancing. We’re all in this together!