Williamson County Health, TX

December 20, 2021 - Williamson County and Cities Health District has been notified of confirmed lab results indicating the presence of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in a resident of Williamson County. Public health officials continue to warn the community in hopes that people get tested before gathering or traveling for the holidays. 

The variant has been detected in multiple counties in Texas. Everyone should continue to take all precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones to prevent the spread of germs such as wearing masks, following social distancing practices, staying home if sick, getting fully vaccinated and receiving a vaccine booster. These protective measures also apply to those who were diagnosed with COVID-19 previously. 

“Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging,” said Dr. Amanda Norwood, Local Health Authority and WCCHD Medical Director. “COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Everyone five years and older are encouraged to protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated, and everyone ages 16 years and older should get a booster shot when eligible.”    

Preliminary reports indicate the Omicron variant is a highly transmissible form of COVID-19. However, it is still too soon to know the severity of disease.     

Common symptoms caused by the Omicron variant include cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue, and are the same as other COVID-19 variants. Anyone who feels ill should stay home and get tested.    

Vaccines continue to provide protection from COVID-19 and its variants. Vaccines are readily available at WCCHD clinics as well as pharmacies, medical offices, and community clinics. 

WCCHD clinics provide COVID-19 vaccinations which are free and require neither identification nor insurance. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 512-943-3600 or visit www.wcchd.org/COVID-19 .     

Text your ZIP code to find vaccine, childcare, and free rides to clinics to GETVAX (438829) for English, or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish. Call center support is available Monday–Friday from 8am⁠–⁠6pm and Saturday from 8am–5pm. Spanish language and other translators are available to help callers.to find a nearby clinic. 

For the latest information on the omicron variant visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html 

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