Omicron FACTS 1/1/2022
A new year is here, but we are still wrestling with COVID-19. We hope your New Year’s resolutions include learning about this virus and doing your best to keep yourself and family healthy.
These are facts about the new variant:
– As of December 20, 2021, Omicron has been detected in most states in the U.S.
– The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (causes COVID-19).
– Symptoms tend to be less severe
– Now considered the dominant strain
– Can be present in symptomatic and asymptomatic people
– Still a lot to learn about Omicron
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Colorado Free Testing
Rapid Testing
This program has been specifically designed to provide parents, guardians, and caregivers some peace of mind by making it easy to test their children and help keep schools open.
- Colorado is distributing free rapid COVID-19 self tests directly to people’s homes.
- Abbott BinaxNOW™ rapid antigen test is used
- Results are available within 15 minutes.
- All Coloradans can sign up for the Rapid At-Home COVID-19 testing program even if you are not a parent, guardian, or caregiver, you may also use this program.
Website to sign up: Rapid At-Home testing program | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
Please note: Over-the-counter test results may not be accepted as proof of negative results for some situations (travel, return to learn, employer mandated testing, etc.). Please review the specific guidance from the entity requiring testing in advance.
Community Testing Sites
There are more than 140 free community testing sites across Colorado. Testing for COVID-19 | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
Quarantine New Guidelines
- Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate (stay home) for at least 5 days (symptomatic or asymptomatic) if you test positive.
- If you have symptomatic fever or your symptoms haven’t improved after 5 days you should be in isolation (stay away from others) until you have had no fever for at least 24 hours (without using medicine that reduces fevers)
“Vaccines are the safest, most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.”
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Prevention
- Get vaccinated, including boosted if you are 18 or older (6 months after 2nd vaccination- Pfizer or Moderna, 2 months after Johnson and Johnson)
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Reach out to Colorado Black Health Collaborative (CBHC) if you need free masks, Colorado Black Health Collaborative (CBHC).
- Stay 6 feet apart from people who don’t live with you.
- Wash your hands.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces and improve ventilation.
Colorado Vaccines/Booster Availability
Please call the State vaccine hotline at 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926). The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help answer any questions.
Visit CBHC’s COVID microsite: www.flowdenver.org
Just for the Health of it!
References: “https://covid19.colorado.gov/ and https://www.cdc.gov/