Omicron variant not in California yet

The number of people who have covid-19 continues to rise in Shafter and Wasco.

On Nov. 23, the total number of infected in Shafter since March 2020 increased from 4,570 to 4,731, an increase of 161 newly infected.

The number of infected continues to rise in Wasco from Nov. 23 of 6,748 cases to an increase of 93 on Nov. 30 of 6,841 cases.

Michelle Corson, of Kern County Public Health, provided information on the new Omicron variant of the covid-19 virus.

Corson said the California Department of Public Health is closely monitoring the new variant, which has not arrived in California or the United States.

She added that vaccines continue to be the best way through the pandemic by safely protecting everyone against severe illness.

Corson also said travelers who have been in South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia or Zimbabwe within the last 14 days must follow CDC recommendations to get tested 3-5 days after arrival, quarantine for 7 days, even if the test is negative and isolate for 10 days if symptoms develop.