NC Governor Strongly Urges Residents Take These Four Steps To Stay Safe From COVID-19 Omicron Variant
Now that it’s official the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is the dominate strain, North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper says getting ahead of the virus is even more critical. Governor Cooper held a news conference Wednesday (December 22). He strongly urges residents to get vaccinated.
Cooper and state health officials say COVID cases will rise during the holidays and the new Omicron variant is on the way. Officials say the Omicron variant is two to three times as contagious as the Delta variant. And is four to six times as contagious as the original COVID-19 virus. Because of this, officials warn residents should do everything in their power to stay safe.
Cooper says many people are going to get infected including some who are vaccinated, but the most important difference between the vaccinated and unvaccinated is how sick you get.
The Governor rolled out these steps to take to reduce the risk of getting sick or hospitalized or worst dying from COVID. He adds these are the methods that work.
PREVENTIVE METHODS
- Vaccines – Anyone of the FDA-approved COVID vaccines will help fight the decease.
- Booster shots – This is the third COVID shot, now available for any 16 years old or older. It serves as extra protection in helping to ward off the virus. Cooper encourages residents who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot before gathering with family for the holidays
- Testing – Serves as a way to control the spread of the virus. Health officials say it’s important to know your status to prevent from transmitting the virus to others
- Mask – Wearing a mask when needed further reduces the spread of the virus
WHERE TO GET TESTED
Information on testing locations, free tests and home tests is available at ncdhhs.gov/gettested. North Carolinians can learn more about the state’s vaccine distribution at myspot.nc.gov (English) or Vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish).
Visit NCDHHS’ page Walk-in Family Vaccination Sites to find a family vaccine event. Use NCDHHS’ online tool Find a Vaccine Location to find a nearby vaccination site.
The North Carolina Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567 can also help you make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekends.
