Omicron COVID-19 variant found in three U.S. states

3/12/2021 7:22

        The first known case of community transmission of the Omicron coronavirus variant in the United States was identified in Minnesota on Thursday, the state's
        health department said.
        
        The United States reported its first Omicron variant case in California on Wednesday, in a fully vaccinated traveler who had been in South Africa where the new variant was first found last month.
        
        A day later, Minnesota's public health department said a resident infected with the Omicron variant was a fully vaccinated adult male who had recently traveled to New York City.
        
        Scientists are investigating the Omicron variant, which has been labeled as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization, to see if it is more transmissible or severe than the Delta variant that is now prevalent. They are also studying how well current vaccines work against it.
        
        Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged residents to get vaccinated and wear masks indoors.