7 COVID-19 cases in Minnesota linked to omicron variant

State commends vaccination progress one year after it became available, but is wary of current wave, future variant risks

Dec 17, 20210

April Eilers - Minneapolis VA count

Minnesota leaders are commending vaccination progress one year after nurse Thera Witte was one of the first recipients at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Minnesota has identified seven coronavirus infections involving the omicron strain, and only two were linked to one another or out-of-state travel, meaning the variant is spreading in the state.

Health officials are concerned that omicron could exacerbate the current pandemic wave in Minnesota, where the state has reported 975,447 coronavirus infections and 10,057 COVID-19 deaths since the virus first took hold here. Those totals include 3,805 infections and 39 deaths reported Thursday amid the latest wave, which is fueled by the fast-spreading delta variant.

Reports globally suggest that COVID-19 vaccines might be less protective against omicron infections, but they still reduce risks of hospitalization and death, said Kris Ehresmann, state infectious disease director. She urged more vaccinations and boosters but also encouraged mask-wearing and other protective measures, especially given travel and gatherings over the holidays.

https://www.startribune.com/7-covid-19-cases-in-minnesota-linked-to-omicron-variant/600127747/