ALBANY- The first cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant have been confirmed in New York State.
So far, the five cases appear unrelated and have been confirmed through sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. One case is from Suffolk County with a history of travel to South Africa. The individual was asymptomatic while traveling home and after returning became symptomatic. Sequencing performed at the Pandemic Response Lab confirmed the presence of the Omicron variant.
The other four cases are New York City residents. Two cases from Queens and one from Brooklyn were confirmed at the lab, while the other case, whose borough of residence is still being determined, was confirmed by the New York City Public Health Lab.
Governor Hochul said it was only a matter of time before it would reach New York.
“I also want all New Yorkers to know that we are prepared for this and will continue to communicate openly with New Yorkers as we work closely with our partners at the national, state and local level,” she said. “Thanks to the life-saving tools at our disposal, like vaccines and boosters, we have the tools in our arsenal to fight this pandemic – including the Delta and Omicron variants. I urge every New Yorker to take the necessary steps to keep themselves and their communities safe: get vaccinated, get boosted and wear a mask.”
