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Fauci Says Omicron Variant Traced in California

Dr Anthony Fauci said that a case of coronavirus in California was caused by the Omicron variant during a White House press briefing on Wednesday, December 1.

Press Secretary Jen Psaki introduced National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr Anthony Fauci Wednesday in a press briefing streamed live on YouTube.

Fauci said the California and San Francisco Departments of Health, as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), found that a case of coronavirus in California was caused by the Omicron variant. The individual was a traveler who returned from South Africa on November 22 and tested positive on November 29, Fauci said.

“The individual is self-quarantining and all close contacts have been contacted, and all contacts thus far have tested negative,” he said. “The individual was fully vaccinated and experienced mild symptoms, which are improving at this point.”

It was the first confirmed case of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant detected in the United States, Fauci said.

“We know what we need to do to protect people: get vaccinated if you’re not already vaccinated. Get boosted if you’ve ben vaccinated for more than six months with mRNA, or more than two months with J&J … masking in indoor congregate settings, et cetera.” Credit: The White House via Storyful