While the delta variant is still out there, primarily confirmed positive cases are being deemed having the omicron variant, which is presenting with less severe symptoms, but is also two to three times more contagious, informs Warren County Health Department Administrator Jenna Link:
“Things are shifting and with that variant, it’s two to three times more contagious. We are really seeing it spread pretty easily through household contacts, social gatherings; it is pretty easy to spread. Now the symptoms are very similar to what we have seen with the other variants just not as much severe illness. The illness comes on a lot quicker, it kind of resolves a lot quicker; it is kind of one of theories behind why they have shifted the isolation and quarantine requirements and we are now talking about the five and five. It is just really important to be observant everyday as to how you are feeling. If you are not feeling well, if you are having any COVID like symptoms, you should stay home, stay away from others, get tested, all of those things.”
With the five and five, Administrator Link says if you have symptoms or are symptom free but test positive, your day zero is your onset or when you test positive and you should stay home and isolate for the first five days, then on days six through ten, if you are symptom free for 24 hours, you are released from isolation but to wear a mask and distance for those remaining five days as you could still be contagious.
**Written by WMOI/WRAM Director of Communications Kelsey Crain**
