A fully-vaccinated and boosted Minnesotan is the nation’s second case of the omicron COVID-19 variant, Minnesota Department of Health officials confirmed Thursday.
The nation’s first omicron case was discovered Wednesday in California in an individual who recently traveled to South Africa. This individual was also fully vaccinated.
The Minnesotan with the omicron variant is an adult male resident of Hennepin County who completed his vaccine series more than six months ago. He was “boosted” in early November, Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said at a Thursday press briefing.
The individual developed symptoms on Nov. 22 after returning from a trip to New York City for an anime convention and was tested on Nov. 24. His symptoms have since “resolved,” according to a press release.
Health officials continue to urge Minnesotans to get vaccinated and boosted, claiming the vaccinations protect against severe illness.
The omicron variant was first detected last week in Botswana and South Africa, which prompted President Joe Biden to restrict travel from several African countries.
Despite the confirmed omicron case, Malcolm said the delta variant continues to fuel Minnesota’s current COVID-19 wave. The state reported 72 new deaths and 5,313 new cases Thursday.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
