Omicron variant infection found in Minnesotan with COVID-19 [View all]

A coronavirus infection involving the omicron variant has been identified in a Minnesotan who recently traveled to New York.

Genomic sequencing surveillance of samples from infected individuals identified the COVID-19 case, which Minnesota leaders said was inevitable given how quickly the omicron variant spreads.

"This news is concerning, but it is not a surprise," Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement. "We know that this virus is highly infectious and moves quickly throughout the world."

The confirmed infection involved a vaccinated man from Hennepin County who developed mild symptoms Nov. 22 and sought testing two days later. The man, who has recovered, spoke with state case investigators and confirmed he had traveled to New York City and attended the Anime NYC convention Nov. 19-21. State investigators urged him to isolate from others to prevent the spread of the infection.

Minnesota's current COVID-19 wave has been dominated by the fast-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus. The omicron variant was labeled a "variant of concern" last week after it was identified in South Africa, where it spread quickly and showed some potential to evade immunity from vaccination or previous infection.

https://www.startribune.com/omicron-variant-infection-found-in-minnesotan/600123059/

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I don't know why I am thinking of how Sondheim song "Send in the clown" ends: Don't bother They're here