Eight more Omicron variant cases confirmed in LA County

Los Angeles County, California – Los Angeles County recorded 8 more cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, while health officials in Pasadena confirmed the first case of the variant in the city.

The county Department of Public Health confirmed the latest cases, bringing the total number of omicron cases within its jurisdiction to 15. Long Beach and Pasadena, which have independent health departments from the county, have now confirmed one omicron case each.

Health officials said the Pasadena resident had been fully immunized and had also received the booster shot. He is experiencing mild illness, and hospitalization was not required. It is believed he was infected with the Omicron variant locally.

Seven of the county’s eight new cases developed symptoms that did not require hospitalization. Five of the eight had been fully vaccinated; one had traveled overseas, and two had recently traveled within the United States. According to the county Department of Public Health, two of the eight live in the same house.

Health officials claim vaccinations are effective against the Omicron variant.