Coronavirus / COVID-19

Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know

The CDC is working with state and local public health officials to monitor the spread of Omicron. As of December 20, 2021, Omicron has been detected in most states and territories and is rapidly increasing the proportion of COVID-19 cases it is causing.
The CDC is expecting a surge of COVID-19 cases in the coming days to weeks, here is what you need to know.

Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.

• COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
• Scientists are currently investigating Omicron, including how protected fully vaccinated people will be against infection, hospitalization, and death.
• CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated.
• CDC recommends that everyone ages 18 years and older should get a booster shot at least two months after their initial J&J/Janssen vaccine or six months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.

Wear a mask!

Following is information regarding symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Coronavirus. For up-to-date information, please visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Signs & Symptoms

IF you have…

• A fever
• A cough
• Difficulty breathing (not a sore throat or upper congestion) or
• Close contact to a person who is under investigation or care for COVID-19 while that person was ill

THEN,

• Please do NOT come to one of our offices
• Please CALL us regarding your symptoms and exposure history or VISIT www.fpca.net/virtual to initiate a virtual visit.
• We will contact the Frederick County Health Department on your behalf

About Coronavirus

• Tests are in short supply and testing in office is challenging due to high transmissibility of illness.

To protect yourself and others

• Avoid contact with others
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds [hand sanitizer (minimum 60% alcohol) is your back up]
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Visit the CDC website for suggestions on how to prepare

The medical community’s understanding of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is quickly advancing and therefore quickly changing. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus is your best up-to-the-minute resource for information regarding coronavirus. Please rely on this valuable resource for trusted information about coronavirus.