JUST IN: Del. health officials confirm first cases of Omicron variant in state

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Division of Public Health announced on Friday that it has confirmed the first four cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Delaware.

We’re told the variant was detected on Friday through routine sequencing of test specimens by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory. The cases involve two adults in their 30s, a teenager, and a child under the age of 10, all residents of New Castle County. Two individuals were fully vaccinated and two were unvaccinated.

Officials say none of the individuals had a known history of travel, and contact tracing is ongoing.

“With cases of the Omicron variant detected in our surrounding states, it was only a matter of time until we detected this variant in Delaware,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We are closely watching the science around this new variant. While it is encouraging that most individuals infected with this strain have reported minor symptoms, we still have a lot more to learn about Omicron. Therefore, we need to do what we know works to combat all strains of COVID-19: get vaccinated, get tested when appropriate, wear a mask in indoor public settings, socially distance from others, and wash your hands regularly.”

Dr. Rattay also added that boosters may play a significant role in fighting the variant. She says that early results from both Pfizer and Moderna are pointing to booster doses being much more effective against the Omicron variant than just having two doses. Pfizer is reportedly showing up to 70% effectiveness against serious illness leading to hospitalization after just two doses.