The City Of New Orleans Issues Statement On First Probable Case Of The Omicron Variant In Orleans Parish

Press release from the City of New Orleans:

December 3, 2021

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans has received reports from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) of the first probable case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Louisiana involving an individual in the Greater New Orleans area who recently traveled within the United States.

"There is still much we do not know about this new variant in our community while we continue to deal with the effects of the last deadly strain. But the tools to protect ourselves and our family remain the same: masks and vaccinations are our biggest defense," said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Director of the New Orleans Health Department. "Don't wait until it's too late- anyone 18+ that received their second dose of the vaccine six months ago should get their booster shot now for the highest level of protection. And if you haven't gotten your COVID shot at all, you are at great risk from a variant that may be even more contagious than Delta. We must act now to keep Omicron from creating another devastating surge, so mask up and get fully vaccinated for your family, friends and city."

CDC and LDH recommend everyone 5 years of age and older get vaccinated and that everyone 18 years of age and older get a booster.

Residents can find a vaccine site near them by visiting ready.nola.gov/getvaccine.

This press release was produced by the City of New Orleans. The views expressed here are the author’s own.