Rhode Island Is at Significant Risk From COVID Omicron VariantMuch is still unknown about the Omicron variant, since it has only been about a month since it was identified. What we know already shows the Omicron variant to be a major risk to Rhode Island. A new study found that the Omicron variant reproduces 70 times faster in our bronchial airways than the original Wuhan strain and Delta variant. Therefore, taken together with our recent studies showing that the Omicron variant can partially escape immunity from vaccines and past infection, the overall threat from the Omicron variant is likely to be very significant,” said Dr. Michael Chan Chi-wai, who led the work. Previous COVID infection does not protect against OmicronHaving previously had COVID has also shown to not provide protection against Omicron.

Source: New York Times December 17, 2021 11:38 UTC