Today, Dec. 7, 2021, the Long Beach Health Department received confirmation of its first case of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with the new Omicron variant (B.1.1.529).
The individual, who was fully vaccinated and is asymptomatic, returned to Long Beach on Nov. 29, 2021, after international travel (not to the southern African region), according to the department.
The individual received their booster shot, the department told the Signal Tribune in an email. Their close contacts were tested and none were symptomatic as of Dec. 8.
“As of now, the impact of Omicron is not fully known, but everyone is urged to reduce COVID-19 transmission by getting vaccinated or boosted, wearing masks indoors and at large outdoor events, and by getting tested when feeling sick or if exposed to COVID-19,” the department said.
It is unknown whether the Omicron variant is more contagious than the Alpha or Delta variants. The Health Department said it believes that current vaccines will provide some protection against the new variant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California Department of Public Health and other commercial laboratories randomly sequence positive tests. Last month, about 47% of positive tests in Long Beach were sequenced, according to the department.
“The City, working with healthcare providers, will prioritize sequencing for individuals who are suspected to have the Omicron variant,” a department spokesperson said in an email.
The highly-contagious Delta variant remains the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Long Beach.
“The Health Department urges everyone to become vaccinated and get their boosters if eligible. The more people who are vaccinated, the lower the chance that any variant, including Omicron, can get a foothold in our community,” the department said.
In 2021 to date, 96.4% of COVID-19-related deaths in Long Beach have occurred among unvaccinated people, according to data from the Health Department.
The City offers vaccine clinics six days a week: the schedule can be found at longbeach.gov/vaxlb. No appointment is necessary at City-run vaccine clinics. People also may contact their healthcare provider or area pharmacies or visit myturn.ca.gov to make a vaccine appointment. Vaccines are available to everyone 5 years old and older, regardless of immigration status, and are always free of charge.
Update: Dec. 9—More information was added about the vaccination status of the individual and rate of COVID-19 sequencing in Long Beach.