The COVID-19 Omicron variant is spreading rapidly all over the world. It is now in New Mexico, making up 30 to 40 percent of new COVID cases. That number is expected to rise as the state continues to gather data. 

“Omicron is more infectious than any other variant that we have had in the past,” said Dr. Robert Underwood, Chief Medical Officer at San Juan Regional Medical Center. “One report says it reproduces in the respiratory system 60 times faster than Delta. This means it will spread faster through our population than any of the other previous variants.”

Here in the Four Corners, we are expecting to see a relatively rapid increase in the number of COVID cases caused by Omicron. However, what other communities going through an Omicron surge have seen is a rapid decline in the number of cases once it has spread through a community.

How can we protect ourselves?

Initial reports show that the COVID-19 vaccine may not be as protective to prevent someone from getting the Omicron variant. There is some protection, but it may be slightly reduced, especially if you have only had two vaccines.

“If you haven’t gotten your booster yet, this is all the more reason to get it now,” Dr. Underwood urged.

To find an appointment for a booster, visit: https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/. 

Can we expect a milder illness?

While there have been reports that Omicron cases aren’t as severe, with milder symptoms and a shorter illness, it’s hard to draw any firm conclusions from the data just yet.

“We hope that there is a decreased severity of the disease, but we cannot say for sure that that is the case,” Dr. Underwood shared. “Right now, we just don’t know what the impact will be on our local healthcare system.”

San Juan Regional Medical Center remains vigilant in analyzing data as rapidly as we can. This is an ongoing and changing situation that we are tracking day by day. No matter what, we will continue to care for our community through this phase of the pandemic just as we have since it started.