Federal health officials say the Omicron variant is now the dominant COVID-19 variant and COVID cases are on the rise again raising fears of a new surge.
“I can tell you that our seven-day average incidents, these are the new cases per capita, it’s increased 60% this week compared to last,” said state epidemiologist Doctor Theresa Sokol.
Not only are case numbers and positivity rates increasing in Louisiana, but Sokol said hospitalizations are also showing a striking increase in a short period of time. Four days ago, 207 COVID patients were reported, then 226. On Monday there were 241 and Tuesday 265 with COVID are in the hospital.
“So, we’re seeing over the past four days fairly substantial jumps each and every day,” said Sokol.
We tend to see a sharp increase in case numbers following holiday gatherings and with the Omicron variant on the cusp of being the new dominant strain in Louisiana, Sokol said it’s imperative we all practice COVID mitigation over the holidays, more individuals get vaccinated and those who are eligible get boosted.
“Unvaccinated people are 10 times more likely to test positive for COVID than fully vaccinated people, and they’re 20 more likely to die from COVID than fully vaccinated people,” said Sokol.
With the mild weather forecast for Christmas Day, health officials urge you to gather outdoors if you are spending the holiday with those outside of your immediate household.
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