The omicron variant of coronavirus is officially in Kentucky, and Governor Andy Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack are asking the residents of Kentucky to take it very seriously."As contagious as this is going to be, you are going to get the omicron variant," said Gov. Beshear."If you are vaccinated, omicron will probably just amount to a little cold, but masking is important because if you test positive, you will have to quarantine for 10 days to not get others sick," said Beshear stressing a return to wearing masks in schools and businesses in light of omicron’s arrival in the Bluegrass.Omicron is so contagious that it could become the most prevalent strain of the virus in Kentucky within two weeks, according to Dr. Stack. Stack pleaded with those who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible.He made it clear that immunity from only having had COVID-19 will not offer the same protection against a bad infection of omicron as the vaccine will.Regarding monoclonal antibodies, Stack said people cannot wait to get sick and hope that the treatment will rescue them. He advised that two of the three monoclonal treatments are proven not to work with the omicron variant, and what is worse is those two are the ones for which there is the most stock available. He added if a monoclonal treatment becomes available that works for all variants they will inform everyone about it. As for the experimental MERCK COVID-19 pill, Stack cautioned that it is only proven to be 30% effective at preventing progression of COVID-19 and must be given within five days from symptom onset. Also, a person must show proof of a positive test, and supplies are extremely low. Also, women planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or could get pregnant cannot get pregnant within one week of taking the MERCK pill. As for the Pfizer pill, it is far more effective in studies, offering up to an 89% chance of halting progression of the virus. However, it must be taken within three days of symptom onset for it to be effective, and the supply will be exceedingly low, and is not even available until mid-January. Dr. Stack strongly advised to get home-kit COVID-19 tests in order to make sure all holiday celebration guests are negative for the virus before gathering.He told people to wear masks if they are indoors, in crowded public spaces or are very close to other people. He recommended if a person is going to be indoors and exposed for an extended period of time to upgrade to N95 masks given the contagious nature of the omicron variant. If a person tests positive, they are advised to quarantine for 10 days after symptom onset or a positive test, whichever was first. If a person is 60 or over or has any medical problems, even if they are vaccinated, Dr. Stack advised people to seriously consider if they would take a chance on attending any holiday gatherings.
The omicron variant of coronavirus is officially in Kentucky, and Governor Andy Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack are asking the residents of Kentucky to take it very seriously.
"As contagious as this is going to be, you are going to get the omicron variant," said Gov. Beshear.
"If you are vaccinated, omicron will probably just amount to a little cold, but masking is important because if you test positive, you will have to quarantine for 10 days to not get others sick," said Beshear stressing a return to wearing masks in schools and businesses in light of omicron’s arrival in the Bluegrass.
Omicron is so contagious that it could become the most prevalent strain of the virus in Kentucky within two weeks, according to Dr. Stack.
Stack pleaded with those who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
He made it clear that immunity from only having had COVID-19 will not offer the same protection against a bad infection of omicron as the vaccine will.
Regarding monoclonal antibodies, Stack said people cannot wait to get sick and hope that the treatment will rescue them. He advised that two of the three monoclonal treatments are proven not to work with the omicron variant, and what is worse is those two are the ones for which there is the most stock available.
He added if a monoclonal treatment becomes available that works for all variants they will inform everyone about it.
As for the experimental MERCK COVID-19 pill, Stack cautioned that it is only proven to be 30% effective at preventing progression of COVID-19 and must be given within five days from symptom onset. Also, a person must show proof of a positive test, and supplies are extremely low. Also, women planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or could get pregnant cannot get pregnant within one week of taking the MERCK pill.
As for the Pfizer pill, it is far more effective in studies, offering up to an 89% chance of halting progression of the virus. However, it must be taken within three days of symptom onset for it to be effective, and the supply will be exceedingly low, and is not even available until mid-January.
Dr. Stack strongly advised to get home-kit COVID-19 tests in order to make sure all holiday celebration guests are negative for the virus before gathering.
He told people to wear masks if they are indoors, in crowded public spaces or are very close to other people. He recommended if a person is going to be indoors and exposed for an extended period of time to upgrade to N95 masks given the contagious nature of the omicron variant.
If a person tests positive, they are advised to quarantine for 10 days after symptom onset or a positive test, whichever was first.
If a person is 60 or over or has any medical problems, even if they are vaccinated, Dr. Stack advised people to seriously consider if they would take a chance on attending any holiday gatherings.
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