As the new Omicron COVID-19 variant spreads around the world, the GA community must find ways to remain safe.
The new Omicron COVID-19 variant, first reported by Botswana to the United Nations on Nov. 11, 2021, is quickly spreading across the U.S. and other countries around the world.
The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original COVID-19 virus, but it’s transmissibility in relation to the Delta variant remains unknown. In addition, a report from the CDC on the first 43 confirmed Omicron cases in the U.S. shows that patients’ symptoms are mostly mild, with common symptoms being coughing, fatigue, and congestion.
In a press release on December 8, 2021, pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech said that their recent studies showed that their booster shot was effective at protecting people from the Omicron variant. However, it was also discovered that the level of antibodies in people who got two doses of the vaccine was lower against Omicron than in earlier variants of the virus, stating that two vaccine doses “may not be sufficient to protect against infection” but may protect against severe symptoms and hospitalization.
Nurse Lori, GA’s school nurse, explained that GA has been hosting Covid-19 vaccine clinics every Friday. Nurses have been administering the vaccines, and a few larger clinics have even been held in the small gym. She shared that “We administered 500 doses on Friday, Dec. 3.”
Nurse Lori is hopeful that the GA community will remain “healthy and safe with proper mask-wearing, socially distancing, and frequent hand washing.” Since GA has remained open, she believes that protocols work when followed. She says, “It takes the entire community working together to stay healthy and safe during the Covid pandemic.”
She explains that, based on current knowledge, the new Omicron variant does not make people as sick as previous variants, but is very contagious and may lead to the creation of other variants. Nurse Lori shares that she has “seen positive research that the Pfizer booster protects against the Omicron variant,” therefore “it is important for everyone who is eligible to get the booster or get vaccinated.”
In closing out her interview, Nurse Lori said, “I would like to thank the amazing GA community for working hard, showing patience, and smiling most days as we navigate Covid. I realize the obstacles can be challenging.”
Dr. Molly Mackean, the head of the Upper School, says that “we don’t know about Omicron yet, so we’re going to need to wait and see how the data plays out.” She does, however, express gratitude to the GA community for their “incredible job setting up protocols that have proven effective at keeping our community safe – including our vaccination rate, which is something we should feel proud of, thanks to our amazing nursing team!”
Dr. MacKean is hopeful that the GA community can stay safe by “getting vaccinated and continuing to do what we’re doing!” She goes on to say that “masking, vaxxing, and distancing works.” Dr. Mackean looks forward to the day when we can take off our masks and return to our pre-pandemic lives.