Latest Updates & What We’ve Learned about Omicron
Yesterday, Public Health confirmed 6,509 new cases, 162 additional Omicron cases, and 16 additional deaths of COVID-19. The increase in cases represents more than double the previous day’s case count. This steep increase, one of the steepest rises we have ever seen over the course of the pandemic, reflects the increased circulation of Omicron and the associated rapid acceleration of transmission associated with this variant.
These numbers make it crystal clear that we are heading into very challenging times over the winter holidays.
While many will be protected against the most severe illness from Omicron because they are fully vaccinated and boosted where eligible, very high case numbers can easily cause significant stress to the health care system if even a small percentage of those infected require hospital care. And stress on the hospitals places all of us in a terrible position, since care can end up compromised not just for those sick with COVID infection, but also those requiring care for accidents, heart conditions, and cancer.
What have we learned about Omicron?
New information about Omicron is emerging rapidly. Over the past week, we have learned that immunity from past Covid infection does not effectively prevent Omicron infections:
In a study conducted in the United Kingdom, the risk of reinfection with Omicron variant was 5 times the risk of reinfection with other variants.
Some good news is that we are learning that mRNA vaccines and boosters (Pfizer and Moderna) still provide some protection for preventing Omicron infection and hospitalization.
A South African study demonstrated that 2 doses of Pfizer vaccine had 34% effectiveness at preventing Omicron infection, and that receiving a booster raised vaccine effectiveness to 75%. Another South African study showed that 2 doses Pfizer vaccine also had 70% effectiveness at preventing Omicron hospitalizations.
Because severe illness is what causes the most individual suffering and the greatest likelihood of overwhelming our healthcare systems, it is critically important information to know that vaccination and booster doses continue to make a significant difference in outcomes.
What can we do about Omicron?
We are expriencing the beginning of another Winter surge. The good news is that we have more tools in our toolkit than we did before. These life-saving tools – vaccines & boosters, testing, and masking -- can help keep us all protected this Winter.
The most effective tool are the vaccines, and we encourage everyone 5 and older not yet vaccinated or boosted to do so with a sense of urgency. Masking is really important too, as they provide a good physical barrier against the virus. Given that Omicron is spreading quickly, it’s also best to consider upgrading masks when in close contact with others; these include upgrading to a medical-grade, surgical, or KN95 mask.
Just as a reminder:
- Residents can walk-in to any Public Health vaccination site or make an appointment at the hundreds of sites across the county to get vaccinated. For more information, visit vaccinatelacounty.com
- There are free testing sites throughout the county and individuals can go to https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/ to find out information about where to get tested. Residents must also isolate if they have a positive COVID test result and quarantine if they are a vaccinated close contact with symptoms or if they are an unvaccinated close contact.
- All residents across LA County should continue following masking protocols, which require residents to wear a mask when indoors or at large outdoor mega events - regardless of vaccination status. Individuals should also wear a mask when at any crowded indoor or outdoor events.
Easy Guide to Completing Your At-Home COVID Test
 
Happy Holidays from Public Health
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has developed a wide array of documents, guidance documents, and resources for the workers, businesses, partners, and the general public on a variety of topics related to COVID-19, including:
Information for the Public
Best Practices for Businesses
It is recommended you follow @lapublichealth on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram the latest updates about Los Angeles County.
Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:
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