Mutations of the Omicron COVID-19 variant increasing in Michigan

As of late, the brand new Omicron variant has been on the rise in Michigan.

On Friday, Dec. 17, the primary case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was confirmed at Michigan State College, college spokesperson Dan Olsen had mentioned. 

In line with Michigan.gov, Ingham County had reported 41,184 constructive instances on Jan. 10 alone, with 31.4% constructive check charge outcomes throughout all Michigan counties in simply that week. 

Michigan State College had responded to the rise in instances by reverting to 3 weeks of distant studying for the beginning of the spring semester. All college students and workers had additionally been required to obtain the booster shot and replace their vaccine data by Feb. 1.

Circumstances dropped once more following the three weeks of on-line studying, and college students had been capable of return to in-person courses beginning Jan. 31. Circumstances continued to drop on and round MSU’s campus, resulting in lowered masks mandate necessities within the Metropolis of East Lansing and MSU.

Now, the Omicron variant is again on the rise simply as the vast majority of college students have left for summer season trip.

“Variants should not recognized by the usual COVID check,” Ingham County Well being Division Well being Officer Linda Vail mentioned in an e mail. “It simply tells you if you’re COVID constructive or not.”

Random sampling as a variant emerges happens to estimate the proportion of the variant that’s circulating amongst the inhabitants.  

“It’s only a random sampling and must be sequenced to make that dedication,” Vail mentioned.  “Sequencing is just not a diagnostic check however helps public well being observe what’s happening.  All we all know proper now’s that the brand new Omicron variant is on the rise.”

Precise case data in Ingham County is just not presently obtainable; Vail mentioned the county remains to be sampling the instances to see the extent of the current enhance. 

“We now have instances; they may possible begin sampling some that meet standards (current journey historical past, and many others) that make the variant extra possible,” Vail mentioned.  “We merely don’t have that data. We are going to all the time solely be capable of venture variants based mostly on the sampling.  The COVID diagnostic check itself merely detects COVID, irrespective of the variant, and doesn’t decide which variant. Once more, the sequencing is just not a diagnostic check.”

The college doesn’t presently have a requirement for masks on campus, after the requirement was lifted for the summer season semester, which begins Might 16. Nonetheless, Olsen mentioned this may change within the coming weeks.

“MSU continues to carefully watch the conduct of the virus and can take further measures if wanted to finest shield our campus group,” Olsen mentioned in an e mail.