December 30, 2021 3:50 a.m.

Douglas County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant.

A release said on Tuesday, County Public Health Officer Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer and the Douglas Public Health Network made the confirmation. The individual traveled internationally prior to symptom onset. Genomic sequencing was conducted at the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory in Hillsboro. The individual was fully vaccinated, had mild symptoms that have resolved, and isolated after testing positive.

DPHN said while the Omicron variant has been surging nationwide in the past few weeks, Oregon is undoubtedly following suit, although at a much slower pace. On December 13th, the Oregon Health Authority announced the first 3 cases of the variant in Oregon. They were detected in Washington and Multnomah counties.

DPHN recommends that travelers quarantine themselves before and after any trip out of the area, especially if traveling out of state or internationally. They continue to encourage people to follow these fundamental prevention measures: limiting gatherings, staying home when sick, and wearing face coverings when indoors or in close contact with people not from the same household. Travelers should also bring rapid COVID tests with them while traveling.