Florida confirms first omicron case

Tampa Bay hospital officials confirmed Tuesday the first case of the new omicron variant of COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) verified the case reported at that hospital, said Kimberly Antos, spokeswoman for the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa.

The patient has been experiencing mild symptoms since returning from international travel, said Antos in a statement. “As a result of these continuous and diligent efforts, the Department quickly identifies a presumed case of the Omicron variant in Florida.”

“Florida stands ready to respond through our system of prevention and treatment. Rather than focusing on one solution, the State of Florida will continue to adapt as necessary to protect public health as we have done with previous variants of concern and throughout the COVID-19 response,” says the statement.

Antos urged the use of masks and social distancing for vaccinated and unvaccinated people since the effects and transmissibility of the omicron variant are still unknown.

Earlier today, a statement was released regarding the presumed case of Omicron detected by the Florida Department of Health. This case has now been confirmed by @CDCgov. The Department has released an updated statement below as of 6pm. pic.twitter.com/Zmkx2fszMG

— Florida Dept. of Health (@HealthyFla) December 7, 2021

Despite all the attention the new strain is receiving, the leading cause of infections and deaths in many places continues to be the delta variant.

"Delta is the real risk right now. Omicron is an uncertain threat," Dr. Francis Collins, director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, told The Associated Press.

This new strain, already found in 40 countries, was first confirmed in the United States on December 1. Since then, health officials in several states have reported more cases.

As of Tuesday afternoon, California, New York, Minnesota, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Georgia, Washington, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Utah, Texas and Nebraska have confirmed cases of the omicron variant.