Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Like combining baking soda and vinegar for a homemade volcano, the combination of Christmas gatherings and the far more contagious Covid-19 variant omicron, have caused an eruption in positive Covid cases.
On Tuesday, Dec. 28, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported the daily percent positive was 21.9% statewide—more than double just a week before when it was 9.3%. Numbers were even higher the two previous days- reaching more than 5,700 on Dec. 26. There were 3,698 new daily cases on Tuesday with 1,992 people hospitalized.
In Swain County, there were 10 new daily cases reported Tuesday compared to just one daily case a week earlier. Over the past seven days, the county had 18 new cases.
Early evidence suggests Omicron is 2-3 times as contagious than the Delta variant making it 4-6 times more contagious than the original Covid-19 virus.
“The newest variant is the most contagious we’ve seen yet and will likely set record high daily case numbers in the coming weeks. You can act now to best protect yourself and family and friends,” said outgoing NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen held a press briefing ahead of the holiday, urging people to get vaccinated and get their boosters.
“Early evidence suggests sickness could be less severe,” Cohen said, but added: “it’s still a danger particularly for those not vaccinated or those with underlying health risks. Boosters are critical. I urge everyone who has been vaccinated to get your booster as soon as you are eligible. Do not wait.”
Those aged 65+, with underlying medical conditions or who work in high-risk environments were particularly urged to take precaution.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimated about 58.6% of new cases in the country were the Omicron variant.
The CDC recommends vaccines as the best way to protect against the spread of the omicron variant for those aged 5 and above including booster shots for everyone over age 18 two months after the J&J vaccine or six months after the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Masking up while in public and testing is also encouraged. Medical grade masks are preferred such as K-95 masks.
Information on testing locations, free tests and home tests is available at ncdhhs.gov/gettested. North Carolinians can learn more about the state’s vaccine distribution at myspot.nc.gov (English) or Vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish).