Wisconsin DHS: 1st case of the Omicron variant identified in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- According to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Saturday night, Dec. 4, Wisconsin Governor Evers and DHS officials urge vaccination and continued public health practices following the first case of the Omicron variant was identified in Wisconsin. 

Governor Evers and the DHS are now asking the public to get vaccinated and practice COVID-19 safety measures in order to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant

"Today the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has detected the newest variant of concern, the Omicron variant, in Wisconsin," the Wisconsin DHS announced in a release Saturday. "The Omicron variant, B.1.1.529, was classified as a variant of concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on November 30, 2021. Variants are classified as variants of concern if they show evidence of being more contagious, causing more severe illness, or resistance to diagnostics, treatments, or vaccines."

Records show that only one case of the Omicron variant has been identified in a specimen from a Wisconsin resident with recent travel history to South Africa.

“We’ve been prepared for this news and will continue trusting the science to help keep Wisconsinites and our communities healthy and safe,” Governor Tony Evers said. “Now is the time to double down on our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, including the Omicron variant. I urge all eligible Wisconsinites to get vaccinated and receive a booster dose as soon as possible and to follow the latest public health guidance.”