COVID-19 samples sent in to CDC ID’d as omicron variant

The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force recently received confirmation that multiple COVID-19 samples sent in to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were identified as the omicron variant, B.1.1.529. 

Of the 64 samples sequenced in the batch sent Jan. 12, 2022, 43 were identified as the omicron variant and 21 as the delta variant. The samples in this batch were collected from Dec. 20, 2021, to Jan. 10, 2022. The first sample that was identified as omicron was collected on Dec. 20, 2021.

The CHCC regularly communicates with the CDC and sends COVID-19 specimens to the CDC for genetic sequencing. As of Jan. 29, 2022, 99% of samples sequenced in the United States were identified as omicron.

According to the CDC, preliminary data suggest that omicron may cause more mild disease, although some people may still have severe disease, need hospitalization, and could die from the infection with this variant. Even if only a small percentage of people with omicron infection need hospitalization, the large volume of cases could overwhelm the health care system.

Persons infected with the omicron variant can show symptoms similar to previous variants. The severity of symptoms can be affected by COVID-19 vaccination status, other health conditions, age, and history of prior infection. Individuals who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get COVID-19 are less likely to develop serious illness than those who are unvaccinated and get COVID-19.

The CNMI is equipped to fight omicron. COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and testing are readily available.

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the CHCC continue to encourage residents to get their booster shot if they are eligible. Walk-ins are accepted at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday, from 8am to 4pm To register for or a COVID-19 vaccine booster or for more information, call (670) 682-7468 or visit www.vaccinatecnmi.com. 

With omicron’s increased transmissibility, continue to live COVID-19 safe: follow the 3 W’s (wear a well-fitting mask, wash your hands, watch your distance); stay at home as much as possible; limit your contact with others; clean or disinfect surfaces frequently; monitor your symptoms; cover coughs/sneezes; and get tested for COVID-19.

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate when they are sick (except to get medical care), even if they do not have symptoms; rest; stay hydrated; and can take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve symptoms. 

Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and live COVID-19 safe (except to get medical care or get tested for COVID-19). Other options include seeing their health care provider or calling the CHCC Tele-Triage hotline at (670) 233-2067. Learn more on how to live COVID-19 safe at www.staysafecnmi.com/livecovidsafe. 

Individuals can get tested at the Marianas Resort community-based testing. The CBT schedule is available at https://covidtesting.chcc.health. Individuals can also get tested at the Koblerville COVID-19 Community Center, which is open seven days a week, from 8am to 4pm (closed from noon to 1pm).

For medical emergencies, call 911. Seek emergency medical attention if someone is showing any of these signs: trouble breathing; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; inability to wake or stay awake; pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.

Call CHCC contact tracers for concerns regarding a possible exposure to a positive case or for referral to get assessed for monoclonal antibody treatments at (670) 286-1710, 286-1711,  285-1942, 287-1652, and 287-1683.

For mental health support and coping skills, call (670) 284-0843 or 284-0847, every day, from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

For more information regarding general COVID-19 response protocols, call the COVID-19 Infoline at (670) 488-0211, every day, from 8am to 8pm. (CHCC)