Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, spoke at a White House press briefing recently.
The Sunshine State
"The California and San Francisco departments of public health and the CDC have confirmed that a recent case of COVID-19 among an individual in California was caused by Omicron variant," Fauci said.
The individual was a fully-vaccinated traveler who returned from South Africa on Nov. 22 and tested positive on Nov. 29, Fauci said. The person, who has not been publicly identified, is self-quarantining and experiencing mild symptoms, which Fauci said "appear to be improving." Contact tracing has been conducted, Fauci added, and all of their close contacts have tested negative so far.
"We knew that it was just a matter of time," he said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that the state's "large-scale testing and early detection systems" uncovered the case, adding: "We should assume that it’s in other states as well."
"There’s no reason to panic," Newsom tweeted. "But we should remain vigilant. That means get vaccinated. Get boosted. Wear a mask indoors."
Meanwhile, in The East
In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency, slated to go into effect on Friday, that will allow the state to acquire supplies, take steps to reduce staffing shortages at hospitals, and limit elective procedures.
New York City on Monday imposed an updated mask advisory urging people to wear them inside public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. The measure is not a requirement.
