Louisiana confirms Omicron variant of virus found in state

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First probable Omicron variant case reported in Louisiana

December 03, 2021

Baton Rouge, La. — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reporting its first probable case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Louisiana.

The case involves an individual in Region 1, the Greater New Orleans area, who recently traveled within the United States.

“We now know Omicron is here in Louisiana. This is cause for concern, but not panic,” said State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter. “We have been expecting and preparing for this moment. To all Louisianans, the single best action you can take to protect yourselves and your families is to get yourself and loved ones vaccinated and boosted if eligible.”

“The Governor and I promised earlier today we would share with the public as soon as we had information that Omicron was in our state,” said Dr. Kanter. “We know families have questions and concerns. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public updated.”

CDC and LDH recommend everyone 5 years of age and older get vaccinated and that everyone 18 years of age and older get a booster.

On Nov. 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and has named it Omicron. This new variant was first reported to the WHO by government officials in South Africa, and the number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing throughout the Republic of South Africa.

So far, the virus has been detected in more than 30 countries and at least 9 states.

New information is still emerging, but Omicron includes multiple mutations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome. There is concern this new variant may be more transmissible than previous strains and that Omicron may carry an increased risk of reinfection compared to other variants of concern. We expect to learn more about Omicron in the coming days.

LDH has established a network of laboratories to conduct genomic sequencing on positive SARS-CoV-2 specimens in order to track circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including newly emerging variants such as Omicron. Epidemiologists, laboratorians and researchers will continue to closely monitor these data in order to continue to identify Omicron cases in Louisiana.

https://ldh.la.gov/news/6430

 

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Louisiana confirms omicron variant of virus found in state

Source: https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Louisiana-confirms-omicron-variant-of-virus-found-16676435.php

Louisiana confirms omicron variant of virus found in state
Dec. 5, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's health department announced Sunday that it has confirmed the state's first case of COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Testing of a probable case of the new variant determined omicron caused the COVID-19 infection in a person who lives in the New Orleans area and recently traveled within the United States, according to the agency.

“We now know omicron is here in Louisiana. This is cause for concern, but not panic,” State Health Officer Joe Kanter said in a statement..

 

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Tulane to ramp up testing after grad student tests positive for omicron variant
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Author: Paul Dudley / Eyewitness News
Published: 10:18 PM CST December 6, 2021
Updated: 10:18 PM CST December 6, 2021

NEW ORLEANS — Tulane University says it will begin testing hundreds of students, staff and faculty a day for the next 7 to 10 days after the omicron variant was identified from a COVID test administered by a graduate student living off campus.

“This occurred last week and testing over the weekend, which includes sequencing, (which) confirmed it was in fact the omicron variant,” said Dr. David Mushatt with Tulane University School of Medicine.

The university says the student is doing well, has been in isolation since first testing positive and all close contacts have been notified. Tulane has now started testing about 2,500 students, faculty and staff a day to ensure there isn’t further spread.
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https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/...iant/289-950ef939-9fd5-4ada-a8f9-b21a45015709

 

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LDH reports 3 additional probable Omicron variant cases in Louisiana

Brings total number of Omicron cases in our state to 4 - 3 probable cases and 1 confirmed


December 08, 2021

BATON ROUGE -- The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reporting 3 additional probable cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Louisiana.

One of the cases involves an individual in Region 4 (Acadiana area) who traveled internationally. This individual did not require hospitalization.

The other 2 cases involve individuals in Region 1 (Greater New Orleans area). We do not have additional information on these two cases at this time.

This brings the total number of Omicron cases in our state to 4 – 3 probable and one confirmed. The first Omicron case in Louisiana was identified on Dec. 3.

“These new cases of Omicron should serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat of COVID especially as we get ready to gather for the holidays,” said State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter. “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is get vaccinated and get the booster.”

The CDC and LDH recommend everyone 5 years of age and older get vaccinated and that everyone 18 years of age and older get a booster if eligible. The CDC also recommends wearing a mask in certain settings.

On Nov. 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and has named it Omicron. This new variant was first reported to the WHO by government officials in South Africa. Since that time, it has been detected in 50 countries and more than 19 states.

Information is still emerging, but Omicron includes multiple mutations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome. There is concern this new variant may be more transmissible than previous strains and that Omicron may carry an increased risk of reinfection compared to other variants of concern. We expect to learn more about Omicron in the coming days.

LDH has established a network of laboratories to conduct genomic sequencing on positive SARS-CoV-2 specimens in order to track circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including newly emerging variants such as Omicron. Epidemiologists, laboratorians and researchers will continue to closely monitor these data in order to continue to identify Omicron cases in Louisiana.

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https://ldh.la.gov/news/6434

 

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LDH reports 8 additional Omicron variant cases in Louisiana


December 10, 2021

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reporting 8 additional cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. None of these new cases have required hospitalization.

This brings the total number of Omicron cases in our state to 45 — 40 probable and 5 confirmed. The first confirmed Omicron case in Louisiana was identified on December 3. The following is a total breakdown of cases by region:

• Region 1 (Greater New Orleans area): 38 — 36 probable; 2 confirmed
• Region 2 (Baton Rouge Area): 3 probable
• Region 4 (Acadiana): 1 confirmed
• Region 7 (Northwest): 2 — 1 probable; 1 confirmed
• Region 9 (Northshore): 1 confirmed

On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and has named it Omicron. This new variant was first reported to the WHO by government officials in South Africa. Since that time, it has been detected in 57 countries and more than 25 states.

Information is still emerging, but Omicron includes multiple mutations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome. There is concern that this new variant may be more transmissible than previous strains and that Omicron may carry an increased risk of reinfection compared to other variants of concern.

LDH has established a network of laboratories to conduct genomic sequencing on positive SARS-CoV-2 specimens in order to track circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including newly emerging variants such as Omicron. Epidemiologists, laboratorians and researchers will continue to closely monitor these data in order to continue to identify Omicron cases in Louisiana.

Beginning next week, the Louisiana Department of Health will report Omicron updates every Wednesday and Friday.

https://ldh.la.gov/news/6448

 

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LDH reports 48 additional Omicron variant cases in Louisiana

Brings total number of Omicron cases in our state to 93 - 77 probable, 16 confirmed


December 15, 2021

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reporting 48 additional cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. None of these new cases have required hospitalization.

This brings the total number of Omicron cases in our state to 93. The first confirmed Omicron case in Louisiana was identified on December 3. The following is a total breakdown of cases by region:

• Region 1 (Greater New Orleans Area): 81 - 71 probable; 10 confirmed
• Region 2 (Baton Rouge Area): 3 probable
• Region 4 (Acadiana): 1 confirmed
• Region 7 (Northwest): 6 - 2 probable; 4 confirmed
• Region 9 (Northshore): 2 - 1 probable; 1 confirmed

Not all cases of Omicron can be identified, which means that there are many more cases of Omicron occurring in Louisiana than are reflected in our case counts. Within our state, Omicron outbreaks have been identified in universities, and cases have been identified in high-risk settings such as K-12 schools and nursing homes.

CDC estimates that the proportion of Omicron among circulating variants is currently 2.9% nationwide. Louisiana estimates that the proportion of Omicron among LA variants is 4.3% for the week ending December 4 (please note that these data are preliminary as more sequences for that time period will continue to be uploaded). We expect transmission of Omicron will increase.



LDH Guidance

The following prevention tools are especially important as we continue to monitor the Omicron variant in Louisiana:

• Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death. Emerging data demonstrate that booster doses are particularly important for preventing infection with Omicron.
• Masks offer protection against all variants.
• Testing for COVID-19 prior to travel or gathering with individuals outside one’s immediate household is also important for preventing transmission and protecting loved ones this holiday season.

Earlier today, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released data that confirms that our existing vaccines work against Omicron, especially if you are boosted. Not being vaccinated leaves individuals unprotected. Unvaccinated people are 14 times more likely to die and 8 times more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID compared to a fully vaccinated person.

Everyone aged 5 and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana. The FDA has only authorized the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 17. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at more than 1,000 locations in all of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, including at pharmacies, hospitals, health care clinics and doctor’s offices.

For a list of locations near you, visit [url]https://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine[/URL] or text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) in English or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish. If you have questions, would like to speak with a medical professional or need help scheduling an appointment, call 211 or Louisiana’s vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774.



Omicron Background

On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and  named it Omicron. This new variant was first reported to the WHO by government officials in South Africa. Since then, it has been detected in 57 countries and more than 35 states.

Omicron includes multiple mutations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome and is more transmissible than previous strains. More information can be found at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant

LDH established numerous laboratories to conduct genomic sequencing on positive SARS-CoV-2 specimens in order to track circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including newly emerging variants such as Omicron. Epidemiologists, laboratorians and researchers will continue to closely monitor these data to continue identifying Omicron cases in Louisiana.

LDH will continue reporting Omicron updates every Wednesday and Friday.


https://ldh.la.gov/news/6461

 

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LDH reports 31 additional Omicron variant cases in Louisiana

Brings total number of Omicron cases in our state to 124 - 74 probable, 50 confirmed


December 17, 2021
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reporting 31 additional cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. None of these new cases have required hospitalization.

This brings the total number of Omicron cases in our state to 124. The first confirmed Omicron case in Louisiana was identified on December 3. The following is a total breakdown of cases by region:

• Region 1 (Greater New Orleans Area): 94 - 56 probable; 38 confirmed
• Region 2 (Baton Rouge Area): 14- 11 probable; 3 confirmed
• Region 3 (South Central): 1 confirmed
• Region 4 (Acadiana): 3- 2 probable; 1 confirmed
• Region 5 (Southwest): 1 probable
• Region 6 (Central): 1 probable
• Region 7 (Northwest): 6 - 1 probable; 5 confirmed
• Region 9 (Northshore): 4 - 2 probable; 2 confirmed

Not all cases of Omicron can be identified, which means that there are many more cases of Omicron occurring in Louisiana than are reflected in our case counts. Within our state, Omicron outbreaks have been identified in universities, and cases have been identified in high-risk settings such as K-12 schools and nursing homes.

CDC estimates that the proportion of Omicron among circulating variants is currently 2.9% nationwide. Louisiana estimates that the proportion of Omicron among LA variants is 4.3% for the week ending December 4 (please note that these data are preliminary as more sequences for that time period will continue to be uploaded). We expect transmission of Omicron will increase.

“We feel very confident in saying that Omicron is now circulating throughout our state, and that the proportion of cases attributable to Omicron is likely to increase dramatically over the next few weeks,” said State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol.

Case-based surveillance for Omicron is no longer sustainable due to the volume of cases being identified. In addition, providing case counts of confirmed and probable cases will provide an inaccurate representation of the amount of Omicron circulating in our state. This is because: 1) probable cases are only able to be identified by one specific PCR assay that picks up the S-gene dropout, 2) not all PCR samples are submitted for sequencing, and 3) many people are tested by rapid antigen or molecular tests, which are not able to be sequenced.

Because of this, starting next Wednesday LDH will move to weekly variant proportion reporting.

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https://ldh.la.gov/news/6463

 

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Louisiana Department of Health issues new guidance as Omicron variant spreads


December 20, 2021

The Louisiana Department of Health is issuing updated guidance for the holidays, as the Omicron variant spreads and COVID-19 trends worsen.

"CDC estimates that Omicron is now the dominant COVID-19 variant in the United States and in Louisiana's region," said State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol. "It is startling how quickly this happened, but it is not surprising."

Meanwhile, COVID-19 incidence, statewide percent positivity and hospitalizations are on the rise. LDH reports a 60% increase in COVID-19 incidence, when comparing last week and this week's 7-day averages. Also, COVID-19 hospitalizations have continued to increase over the last four days. Statewide percent positivity increased from 2.2% last week to 3.3% this week.

Two weeks ago, 35% of parishes were at "substantial" or "high" risk of COVID-19 spread in the community, a categorization based on a community indicator classification system developed by the CDC. Last week, 65% of parishes fell into these two highest-risk categories. LDH will report updated data this Wednesday, but anticipates the vast majority of parishes in Louisiana will find themselves at "substantial" or "high" community risk this week.

In light of this rapidly evolving situation and because we know families are traveling and gathering over the next two weeks, LDH is sharing updated public health guidance so that families can celebrate safely:

To protect yourself, get vaccinated and, if eligible, get boosted. The COVID-19 vaccine protects against severe outcomes from COVID, including hospitalization and death. If you are not yet vaccinated, you are unprotected. While getting the vaccine protects you from a severe outcome, a vaccinated person can still transmit the virus to others.

If you have questions about vaccines, you can speak to a medical professional and learn about vaccination sites near you by calling Louisiana's vaccine hotline at 855-453-0774.

To reduce transmission, regardless of vaccination status, mask indoors when not with your everyday household. LDH recommends wearing masks indoors in all public settings. People should consider wearing a mask indoors in private settings as well, especially if you are gathering with individuals at a high risk of severe outcome, which includes older people and those with underlying health conditions. Masks are effective in protecting infection against all of the currently circulating variants.

Regardless of vaccination status, get tested multiple times. Get a test before you travel, before a gathering, and upon returning from travel. Remember that COVID-19 tests are snapshots in time.

There are COVID-19 test sites throughout Louisiana. Visit ldh.la.gov/covidtesting or call 211 to find a test site near you. As a reminder, all community-based sites operated by the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

https://ldh.la.gov/news/omicron-holiday-guidance

 

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LDH estimates proportion of Omicron cases is more than 84% in Louisiana

CDC estimates Omicron accounts for more than 73% cases nationwide


December 23, 2021

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) estimates the proportion of Omicron cases in our state is 84.6% for the week ending December 18.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the proportion of Omicron in HHS Region 6 (which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) is 92.1%. Additionally, the CDC estimates Omicron represents 73.2% of all cases nationwide.

Limited Louisiana sequence data are available for the most recent reporting period. Estimated proportions are preliminary. LDH will now report the Omicron variant proportion rather than case count. Case-based surveillance for Omicron is no longer sustainable due to the volume of cases being identified. In addition, providing case counts of confirmed and probable cases will provide an inaccurate representation of the amount of Omicron circulating in our state. This is because: 1) probable cases are only able to be identified by one specific PCR assay that picks up the S-gene dropout, 2) not all PCR samples are submitted for sequencing, and 3) many people are tested by rapid antigen or molecular tests, which are not able to be sequenced.

Updated LDH Guidance
Given the fast-spreading Omicron variant, Gov. John Bel Edwards extended Louisiana’s Public Health Emergency Order requiring all state employees, contractors and visitors to wear mask indoors in most state buildings. Additionally, LDH issued revised recommendations and guidance for Louisianans during the holiday season, particularly if they are traveling. These include getting vaccines and boosters, masking indoors - regardless of vaccination status - around people who aren’t in your household and getting tested multiple times - before traveling, before a gathering, and upon returning from traveling.

According to the CDC, unvaccinated people are 14 times more likely to die and 8 times more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID compared to a fully vaccinated person.

In addition, any person who has COVID symptoms should get tested and stay in quarantine to avoid spreading illness to others. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are widely available at more than 1,000 locations in all of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, including at pharmacies, hospitals, health care clinics and doctor’s offices. For a list of locations near you, visit https://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine or text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) in English or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish. If you have questions, would like to speak with a medical professional or need help scheduling an appointment, call 211 or Louisiana’s vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774.

As a reminder, all community-based sites operated by the Louisiana National Guard will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

https://ldh.la.gov/news/6469

 

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Louisiana sees more than 12,000 new COVID cases over Christmas

As new cases surge in the state, so are COVID-19 related hospitalizations.

Author: WWL Staff
Published: 11:29 AM CST December 27, 2021
Updated: 11:49 AM CST December 27, 2021

NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana is seeing "sharp increases" in COVID-19 cases as the Omicron variant of the virus surges through the state, the state's health department reported on Monday.

The Louisiana Department of Health said that 12,164 total cases were reported across the state in the four-day holiday weekend. That includes the 2,619 cases reported since Sunday alone.
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"Twenty percent of the tests reported since yesterday resulted in new cases," the LDH said. The health department said 99 percent of those cases are tied to community spread rather than congregate settings like nursing homes.

The largest shares of new cases are among 18 to 29-year-olds (27%) and 30 to 39-year-olds (21%). Forty percent of the new cases are from the Greater New Orleans area.

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https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/...tmas/289-5371f0af-00c0-4b26-bd74-c80eede55205

 

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Louisiana sees sharp increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, thousands of new cases
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Author: Kevin Dupuy
Published: 12:25 PM CST December 29, 2021
Updated: 12:45 PM CST December 29, 2021

NEW ORLEANS — The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Louisiana is sharply increasing as thousands of new cases of the virus are reported daily.

The Louisiana Department of Health reported 9,378 new cases of the virus on Wednesday, one of the highest single-day increases of cases since the pandemic began.

COVID-19 hospitalizations also increased by 145 patients on Tuesday to a total of 659 people hospitalized across the state with the virus. About 77 percent of those patients were unvaccinated.

Louisiana reported fewer than 200 COVID-19 hospitalizations just two weeks prior.

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https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/...ions/289-8cd9b433-b9d5-4ac8-bc39-2f4ca00346bb

 

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Louisiana reports record-breaking 12,000 COVID cases in a day
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Author: WWL Staff
Published: 12:01 PM CST December 30, 2021
Updated: 12:04 PM CST December 30, 2021

NEW ORLEANS —
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During a news conference addressing public safety before the New Year’s weekend, Cantrell said she was not alarmed about prospects of another shutdown but rather optimistic that residents and tourists will do what is needed to slow the spread of the virus.
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Cantrell said she is looking forward to the holiday season and events, including Carnival season.

The Louisiana Department of Health reported a record-breaking 12,467 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, but two new deaths. The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations continued to sharply spike, increasing by 103 more patients on Wednesday to a total of 762 hospitalized. Louisiana had only 206 people hospitalized with the virus two weeks ago.

Thursday is the second day in a row that Louisiana reported a record-breaking number of COVID-19 cases.
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“It will be a disruptor. Not one that takes life, but one that disrupts business operations that none of us can really control,” Cantrell said.

https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/...ases/289-eda6a22b-ca3c-40c4-8d1b-7f1864f6800e