NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Metro Public Health Department has reported the first confirmed case of the omicron variant among a Nashville resident.
The person had recently returned from a trip to South Africa and was tested shortly after starting to feel symptoms. They experienced mild symptoms and did not require hospitalization. The individual had been vaccinated and received a booster dose.
The public health community continues to learn more about the omicron variant as part of COVID-19 research. More specific mitigation and prevention recommendations will be made as more is known about it.
While the news of the confirmed omicron case is concerning, the current issue facing Nashville continues to be the delta variant, MPHD leaders said in a release.
The Metro Public Health Department continues to urge those who have not yet been vaccinated to consider doing so. Those who are eligible to receive a booster dose are encouraged to schedule their dose as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people wear a mask in indoor public settings in areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.
The Shelby County Health Department reported two cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant on Saturday, the first confirmed cases in the state of Tennessee.
Shelby County Health Director Dr. Michelle Taylor said they expected the variant to appear in Tennessee, as it was already in 19 other states.
