Associated Press
SEATTLE — The omicron variant is spreading at an alarming rate in Washington state, doubling in case numbers each day, one of the highest rates in the country. It is leading to a call for people to get vaccinated and take extra precautions as we head into the holidays.
Researchers at the University of Washington Medicine lab knew the omicron variant could spread quickly, but not this fast. In just three days the variant doubled in positive test size each day from 3 percent to 7 percent to 13 percent, KOMO-TV reported.
“What was surprising was how fast that curve appears to have taken off,” said Dr. Pavitra Roychoudhury of UW Medicine. “Just the steepness of the rise and the percentage of potential omicron cases.”
Respiratory therapist Liz Lewis at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma said she’s worried there will be an uptick in hospitalizations when they are already facing staffing shortages even though the variant may not be as harmful at the delta variant.
She and other medical leaders said the best way to combat the quick spread of the omicron variant is to get vaccinated. The governor said it’s important to take the next step at get the booster to protect you against the omicron variant.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
