The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed the first case of COVID-
19 caused by the Omicron variant in Georgia. The individual recently traveled from South Africa
and developed mild symptoms and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. Genomic
sequencing confirmed the presence of the Omicron variant. The individual is isolating at home and
contact tracing is underway to identify close contacts at risk of infection. This is the first identified
in-state case of Omicron. DPH was notified Dec. 3 of a Georgia resident currently in New Jersey
who tested positive for the Omicron variant.
Scientists continue to study the Omicron variant to determine how quickly and easily it spreads,
whether it causes more severe illness, and how well the current COVID vaccines protect against it.
“Vaccination is key to preventing further transmission of COVID-19 and helps prevent new variants
like Omicron from emerging,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner of the
Georgia Department of Public Health. “It also is important to remember that even as Omicron is
emerging, we are still in the midst of a pandemic currently being fueled by the Delta variant.”
All Georgians over the age of 5 are now eligible for COVID vaccination. Booster doses of vaccine
are recommended for adults 18 and older who completed their first series of vaccine at least six
months ago. The CDC also recommends general prevention measures such as wearing a mask in
public settings, staying 6 feet from others, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and
frequently washing your hands to protect against COVID-19.
Individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who may have been exposed to someone with
COVID should get tested.
To find a COVID vaccine or COVID testing location near you log on to dph.ga.gov.
DPH will continue to monitor Omicron developments and provide updates as new information
becomes available.
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH and
@GovKemp on Facebook.

Press Release