As Confirmed Omicron Cases In GA Climbs, Officials Say It Could Be Dominant Variant Soon

ATLANTA, GA — There are five times as many confirmed omicron variant cases in Georgia as were reported just a week ago, state officials said.

But there could be many more unconfirmed cases with more on the way, state officials said Wednesday.

“We know that omicron is in Georgia and based on recent CDC estimates, it will likely be the predominant variant in the state soon,” Georgia Department of Public Health spokeswoman Nancy Nydam told Patch in an email.

On Tuesday, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported confirmation of 25 cases of the highly contagious strain of the novel coronavirus.

The new variant was identified in South Africa in late November, and by the beginning of December was popping up in cases around the U.S. Monday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that omicron accounted for more than 70 percent of recent COVID-19 cases, including in the southeastern region which includes Georgia, and has seen omicron represent more than 95 percent of recent cases.

The state Department of Public Health said that as COVID case numbers increase each day, omicron is spreading more rapidly than any other variant. Testing, using genomic sequencing of PCR positive tests through the first week of December still showed that the delta variant was dominant in Georgia, representing 98 percent of new cases at that time.

“Given the rapid transmissibility of the omicron variant, the current proportion of omicron in Georgia is likely similar to that of the national estimate and presumably will account for all new COVID cases in the state in the coming weeks.

In a message to Patch on Wednesday, Nydam said there could be more than just the 25 confirmed omicron cases.

“That is not an accurate picture of the variant in the state,” Nydam said. “Only a small percentage of cases are sequenced. Sequencing takes a long time, and not everyone who is infected with COVID/Omicron gets tested.”

State and federal health officials urged the public to continue the same prevention measures, regardless of the variant.

• Get a COVID vaccination and booster dose.
• For young children who aren't yet eligible for the COVID vaccine, reduce the risk of exposure by making sure the people around them are vaccinated.
• Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth in public indoor settings.
• Physically distance, about six feet, around people outside of your own household.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, and remember that outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
• If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, don’t host or attend a gathering.
• Follow CDC recommendations for holiday travel.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

To find a COVID vaccine or COVID testing location near you log on to dph.ga.gov.