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DEC. 2, 2021
As part of its ongoing disease surveillance, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is closely monitoring the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant.
The first U.S. case of the Omicron variant was detected in San Francisco on Dec. 1. VDH will continue to actively monitor viral samples from throughout the Commonwealth to identify circulating and new variants.
On Tuesday, Nov. 30, the U.S. Government SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group made the decision to classify the Omicron variant as a Variant of Concern (VOC). This decision is based on multiple factors, including Omicron cases in multiple countries, transmission and displacement of Delta in South Africa, and mutations in the virus that could indicate a reduction in the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
While we know Omicron is unusual because it has a high number of mutations -- some of which are concerning and may be associated with immune escape potential and higher transmissibility -- there is simply a lot that remains unknown.
Arlington County Public Health will continue to work with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) as they coordinate with partners at the CDC to remain informed on all variants.
What we DO know is that public health recommendations for stopping the spread of COVID-19 will work for all variants, including Omicron.
The level of community transmission in Arlington remains Substantial, and in Virginia it remains High. The emergence of Omicron is a good reminder to Virginians to continue taking the important and simple steps that we know reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- COVID-19 vaccination remains the most important tool to protect people from SARS-CoV-2 and its variants -- everyone 5 years and older is eligible for the free COVID-19 vaccine.
- Eligible individuals 18 and older should get booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- In addition to vaccination, the layering of other public health recommendations for stopping the spread of COVID-19 (e.g., masking, distancing, hand washing) remain important.
- Arlington continues to encourage everyone follow CDC and VDH guidance, which recommends everyone ages 2 years and older wear a mask when indoors, regardless of vaccination status, in areas of substantial to high transmission.
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Get tested if you suspect exposure or have symptoms, and stay home when you are sick.
This weekend (Dec. 4-5), the County's two Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics -- Arlington Mill and Walter Reed Community Centers -- are reserved ONLY for 5-11-year-olds (appointments needed for 2nd dose; walk-ins accepted for 1st dose). No vaccinations will be accepted for anyone 12 years and older.
On Monday, Dec. 6, the two clinics will resume normal operations, with walk-ins available for all 1st and 2nd doses, and appointments required for booster and additional doses.
- Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Walk-ins and appointments for 5–11-year-olds will only be offered 2–7 p.m.)
- Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Schedule an appointment with Arlington County or search locations on Vaccines.gov.
On Monday, the CDC strengthened its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older. Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine.
Find a COVID-19 vaccine and booster near you by using vaccines.gov.
Questions about COVID-19? Call the County's public information line at
703-228-7999, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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