CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are growing concerns over the new omicron COVID-19 variant that was first detected in South Africa. Now, more than a dozen other countries including Canada, England and Portugal have confirmed cases of the new strain.
There are no confirmed cases in the United States, but Monday, President Joe Biden said it’s almost inevitable.
Channel 9′s Elsa Gillis learned a group of local researchers will be first to learn if the omicron variant is in our area. They’ve not detected it yet, but they said they will get positive tests from Mecklenburg County and StarMed Healthcare and observe the changes.
[ ALSO READ: Omicron variant: What we know about the new variant; travel bans; WHO meeting ]
Professor Daniel Janies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and his colleagues study the evolution of viruses. They’ll be the first to know when and if omicron is here.
“We made a computational prediction that there will be somewhat less efficiency of the vaccines,” Janies said. “That should be confirmed with lab testing which should take a couple weeks. That’s our educated guess.”
Jessica Garcia said her daughter got her second dose of the vaccine at StarMed Monday, something she would’ve gotten regardless, but the omicron variant certainly increased the stakes for her whole family, she said.
(WATCH BELOW: Travel agents discuss how new COVID-19 variant could impact travel plans)
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“I’m down here getting my daughter done, as soon as I can. Everybody I wish would, and that variant is scary,” Garcia said. “I wish I could get my 2-year-old son, I really do because with this variant, you don’t know, it could be worse symptoms, more transmission.”
Dr. Arin Priamziadina at StarMed said he saw the longest lines they have had in a while of people getting the vaccine.
“This could be a combination of the possible omicron variant being here, as well, as they saw their family members want to be sure they are fine,” Priamziadina said. “This morning, we had a line of about 20 people getting vaccinated for the first time, so it mean that people are definitely concerned about what’s coming.”
[ ALSO READ: New COVID variant triggers travel restrictions ahead of holiday season ]
As we wait to learn more, people are wondering if vaccines will protect them.
“I don’t think you have to do anything different. Seek a vaccine, they are still tremendously effective, we’re in great shape to have them, seek your booster now all adults are eligible,” Janies said.
“Any protection is better than no protection at all,” Priamziadina said.
(WATCH BELOW: COVID-19 variant omicron emerges as holiday season ramps up)
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Health officials warn about omicron COVID-19 variant heading into Christmas events, gatherings
In a news conference Tuesday, North Carolina’s top health leaders said they believe the omicron COVID-19 variant is likely already in the state, even though no cases have been confirmed in the United States yet.
Scientists said the vaccines and booster shots do offer protection against the new variant, but the CEO of Moderna said because omicron has so many mutations, the current vaccines won’t be as effective. President Joe Biden promised all three vaccine makers are prepared to update their vaccines if necessary.
Gov. Roy Cooper told people Tuesday to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they’re worried about the omicron variant and want to make their Christmas gatherings safer.
[ ALSO READ: Moderna CEO says vaccines likely less effective against omicron ]
Channel 9′s Ken Lemos was at a Christmas parade in downtown Belmont Tuesday afternoon. This was the first parade there since the pandemic, and one volunteer said the crows appeared larger than they had in 2019.
Health officials also warn about the new variant and the percent positive cases in Gaston County that are on the rise. It was 6.3% four week ago and it was 11% Tuesday.
The Belmont parade is just one of eight Christmas paraded in the county this year.
Health officials said the best way to beat the virus is by getting vaccinated and getting a booster shot. They said if someone isn’t vaccinated, they should wear a mask.
Even attending a parade outdoors means standing near someone long enough to increase the chances of spreading COVID-19.
(WATCH BELOW: Omicron variant: What you need to know)
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