“Not a reason to panic” says Minnesota Department of Health after Omicron Variant Discovered in State

ST. PAUL (KDLM) – After the discovery of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health is telling residents that it is not a reason to panic.

The variant was identified this week in a Hennepin County resident who recently traveled to New York City. The 22-year-old man was vaccinated.

The person developed mild symptom and has since recovered.

“While this is something to take seriously, it is not a reason to panic, said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm in a briefing, Thursday. “As with the other variants, we’re at a stage where there is much more to learn about Omicron.”

The variant was first identified by scientists in South Africa, and has since been detected in several countries. Early indications from Africa suggest it does not cause particularly severe disease. It is very common for viruses to become less virulent (that is, cause less severe disease) once they become established in a population.