MARQUETTE — The public should be concerned about the arrival of the omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, said Dr. Bob Lorinser, medical director of the Marquette County Health Department.

“As we eagerly watch the possibility of ending this nearly 4¢-month surge of the delta variant in our community by decreasing cases, hospitalizations and deaths, we should be concerned about the arrival of omicron,” Lorinser said in a Monday news release. “Health experts warn that the highly contagious COVID-19 variant, omicron, is expected to cause the greatest surge in COVID-19 infections in the coming months.”

The local rate of severe infections, hospitalizations and deaths will depend on previous vaccination coverage, prior natural immunity, and risk factors such as age and obesity, he said.

Lorinser said MCHD as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge people to get vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, as soon as possible and to get a booster shot as soon as they are eligible to help prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death.

Lorinser issued a warning about the omicron variant.

“Once omicron is in a community, it will be nearly impossible to contain, making vaccines and boosters essential in protecting people from severe illness,” he said. “So much is still unknown about omicron, and the data can change.”

MCHD issues these points:

≤ Two-dose vaccines offer little or no omicron protection, unlike the protection for the delta variant. As a result, people with two doses are just as vulnerable to omicron infection as the unvaccinated.

≤ Individuals who have received booster shots have better protection — around 75% — versus 90% with delta, and early data indicates boosters offer “substantial” protection from severe illness from omicron. Data collected so far shows more rapid waning of protection after the primary vaccination series than was seen with delta or other variants. The CDC recommends boosters six months after the primary series.

In Marquette County, only 39% of the population over age 40 is fully vaccinated with a primary shot plus a booster, and 28% for all ages eligible for a booster dose is fully vaccinated.

≤ Early evidence suggests omicron is two to three times more contagious as the delta variant, making it four to six times as contagious as the original COVID-19 virus.

≤ The risk of infection with omicron is fivefold greater than with delta, with protection from earlier infection as low as 19%.

≤ There is no evidence that omicron infections are less severe than delta in hospitalization and death rates.

Lorinser stressed that the best way to protect individuals and their communities, especially people older than age 40, is to get vaccinated with three doses of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. Anyone who received the initial Johnson & Johnson vaccine also is urged to receive a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine two months after the initial dose.

The booster starts working within seven days, he said.

People who prefer to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine wil continue to have access to it, as will individuals who cannot receive an mRNA vaccine, he said. However, people with a history of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia — a condition defined as blood clotting with low platelets — should not receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

With the presence of omicron and the upcoming holiday, Lorinser recommends people get vaccinated for COVID-19 and influenza; test before joining gatherings with others not in their households and before and after traveling regardless of their vaccine status, when exposed or ill; and wear a mask indoors in public, even if they are vaccinated.

LMAS addresses omicron

The Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department is addressing the omicron variant as well.

“While Luce, Mackinac, Alger and Schoolcraft counties continue battling the delta variant of COVID-19, we are beginning to see a much more serious picture of the latest variant, omicron,” it said in a Monday announcement. “While there are still many unknowns about the omicron variant, we are learning more each day.”

However, LMAS acknowledged that on the positive side, the vaccines still appear to be effective at preventing hospitalizations and death, but less effective at preventing infection altogether. It noted that in addition to spreading at a rapid pace — in some places omicron cases are doubling every two to three days — it also appears only one of the three monoclonal treatments might be effective against omicron infections.

“That will mean there may not be enough monoclonal treatments for everyone who needs them,” LMAS said. “That could lead to further strain on our health care system and more deaths.

“This is a time for each of us to recognize the seriousness of our current situation with delta and growing concerns about the omicron variant. We each have responsibility to take care of ourselves and others. We must all use basic public health measures to slow the spread, reduce the burden on hospitals and to protect the lives of those in our communities. The tools are available to us, but we must work together in order for them to be effective.”

LMAS has several basic public health mitigation strategies:

≤ Individuals should get vaccinated or get a booster if they have not yet received them.

≤ Wear a mask in indoor public or other crowded spaces. Face masks are effective at reducing risk of infection. This includes while visiting friends and families over the upcoming holiday.

≤ Get tested for COVID-19 if they don’t feel well or believe they have been exposed to someone with COVID.

≤ Stay home when sick except to seek medical care.

Visit LMASDHD.org to find vaccination and testing opportunities in the area.

Choose correct health care spots

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources said that to take every measure necessary to relieve the burden on Michigan’s health care systems, Michiganders should choose the right place of care for medical needs.

Michigan’s health care systems continue to be overburdened with COVID-19 patients, a majority of which are unvaccinated, MDHHS said. From Jan. 15 to Dec. 3, 85.1% of COVID-19 cases, 88.1% of hospitalizations and 85.5% of deaths were among individuals who were not fully vaccinated. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to be mostly preventable by receiving one of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, MDHHS said.

“We all need to do our part to get vaccinated and boosted to keep ourselves, our families and our neighbors safe,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, in a statement. “In addition to getting vaccinated, it is important to maintain your routine medical care so that any potential illness gets detected early and can be much more manageable. We urge Michiganders to continue seeking medical care but avoid emergency departments unless they have a life-threatening condition.”

Anyone who doesn’t have a primary care provider is urged to find one by contacting their local health care systems.

Illnesses can be treated at a variety of care settings depending on the severity of symptoms. MDHHS said Michiganders with life-threatening emergencies should always seek care by calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency department.

According to MDHHS, individuals should call a health care provider for a virtual or in-person appointment or visit an urgent care provider for ailments such as cold or influenza, sprains, rashes or minor burns, ear pain, animal or insect bites, allergies or a COVID-19 test.

MDHHS said to call 911 or visit an emergency department for life-threatening medical conditions or emergencies such as a heart attack or stroke, choking, head injuries, severe burns, severe chest pain or pressure, broken bones, uncontrolled bleeding or severe respiratory distress.

Individuals with minor symptoms such as sniffles or a cough should get tested for COVID-19, MDHHS said. To receive a flu or COVID-19 vaccine, visit a pharmacy or immunization clinic or VaccineFinder.org to find a nearby location.