Currently, the B16172 (Delta) variant, the B117 (Alpha) variant, the P1 (Gamma), and B1526 (NY variant) have been reported in New Jersey, but make way for the new one B.1.1.529 also known as Omicron – named for the 15th letter of the greek alphabet.
This past Sunday, the WHO said it is not yet clear whether Omicron is more transmissible or causes more severe disease compared with other variants. However, preliminary evidence suggests there may be an “increased risk of reinfection with Omicron as compared with other variants of concern, information is limited.”
As we move into the holiday season, the public, especially healthcare workers, are keeping a very weary eye on positivity rates. Expect other states to follow suit and reinstitute mask mandates similar to New York City.
Aculabs has reached out to both the State of New Jersey as well as the State of New York to offer assistance in the detection of this new threat.