Health district confirms first case of Omicron variant

The first confirmed case of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant in a South Heartland resident has been reported to South Heartland District. Michele Bever, executive director, said the positive sequencing test was detected in a fully-vaccinated and boosted individual who had traveled outside of Nebraska in December. Symptoms were extremely mild and no additional spread from this case to others has been identified.

Bever said evidence demonstrates the Omicron variant is more contagious than the Delta variant and vaccination is still protecting against severe illness.

In the weekly COVID-19 update, S...