Omicron Detect for First Time in Grant County

The Grant County Health District is confirming the presence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant for the first time in the county.

PIO Misty Aguilar said Omicron detections have been increasing in Washington throughout this last month.

"We knew it was only a matter of time before it showed up in our county." stated Aguilar, "We appreciate everyone masking up and continuing to stay home if they don't feel well."

Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny said in a statement Friday, "The confirmation supports our suspicion that many cases in Grant County have been Omicron for several weeks, given the rapidly rising case rate and COVID test positivity, and the frequency and widespread presence of clusters and outbreaks."

As of Thursday, Grant County's case rate was 706 per 100,00 people over 14 days, more than double the rate just four days before.