BATON ROUGE, La. (WGNO) — Just hours after the Louisiana Department of Health announced 3 new probable cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, 13 more were reported across the state.
On Wednesday, the LDH reported three new probable cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, adding to the one confirmed case reported last week.
Later in the day, however, the number of probable cases jumped to 16 as 13 more cases were announced by the LDH.
The breakdown of total probable Omicron cases by region now includes:
- 11 people in the Greater New Orleans area (Region 1)
- 2 individuals in the Baton Rouge region (Region 2)
- 1 patient from the Acadiana area (Region 4)
- 2 patients in Northwest Louisiana (Region 7)
Wednesday’s announcement marks Louisiana’s 17th Omicron case — 16 probable and 1 confirmed. The state’s first confirmed Omicron case was identified on December 3, involving a person from the New Orleans area who recently traveled within the United States.
In a statement announcing the new cases, Louisiana State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter commented on the COVID-19 crisis, stating:
“These new cases of Omicron should serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat of COVID especially as we get ready to gather for the holidays. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated and get the booster.”
State and federal health officials continue to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone ages 5 and over, along with a booster if they are eligible.