The first COVID-19 case involving the Omicron variant has been confirmed in Pima County.
The individual initially tested positive in Tucson in early December. Genetic sequencing of the sample indicated the Omicron variant, which was verified in the past 24 hours by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Case investigation is underway.
"We knew it was a matter of when, and not if, Omicron would be in Pima County," said Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen.
"The best courses of action remain the same. Getting the vaccine is highly effective in preventing serious illness and death, including against the variants. If you have been vaccinated, get boosted to stay protected. And follow the other layered mitigation strategies – wear a mask in public indoor spaces, wash your hands frequently and physically distance."
The COVID-19 vaccine is free to anyone 5 years and older, and boosters are available to those 16 and older, providing it has been six months since a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months from an initial shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For an updated list of sites, visit
www.pima.gov/covid19vaccine.
Pima County offers multiple free testing locations every day of the week. To find a convenient location, visit
www.pima.gov/covid19testing.
Testing with COVID-19 self-tests before going to gatherings is an additional way to reduce the risks of spreading the virus. Pima County offers free BinaxNOW rapid, at-home antigen tests at all
Pima County Public Library locations during normal hours of operation, and at other mobile events. Visit
www.pima.gov/covid19testing for locations and hours.