Minnesota’s Democrat lawmakers responded to the first Omicron COVID case detected in Minnesota. To date, the case is only the second diagnosed case of the Omicron variant in the nation. The man who tested positive for Omicron was fully vaccinated and had just gotten his booster shot in early November. He contracted the virus while attending a conference in New York City in mid-November, Alpha News reported.
Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) tweeted out following the announcement that “the Omicron variant is here, folks.” She said, “While we wait for more information, the best thing you can do is get vaccinated, get boosted, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.”
The #Omicron variant is here, folks. While we wait for more information, the best thing you can do is #GetVaccinated, #GetBoosted, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. https://t.co/KE2yA8sbRT
— Rep. Betty McCollum (@BettyMcCollum04) December 2, 2021
Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan had a similar message for Minnesotans, “The detection of the Omicron variant in Minnesota is concerning, but it means that our strong surveillance program is working. We know how to protect ourselves and each other – get vaccinated, get a booster, get tested, and stay home if you are feeling sick.”
The detection of the Omicron variant in Minnesota is concerning, but it means that our strong surveillance program is working. We know how to protect ourselves and each other – get vaccinated, get a booster, get tested, and stay home if you are feeling sick.
— Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (@LtGovFlanagan) December 2, 2021
According to Alpha News, the Minnesota man started showing symptoms on November 22, and was tested on November 24. It was announced by public health officials on December 2. Gov. Tim Walz said on Twitter that public health officials detected the case of Omicron “today” (December 2), leaving a five day gap from when the man was tested until the Omicron variant was traced. Walz also encouraged Minnesotans to “get the vaccine, get tested, wear a mask indoors, and get a booster.”
Today, Minnesota’s nation-leading testing network and detection program found a case of the Omicron variant in our state.
This news is concerning, but it’s not a surprise. We know that this virus is highly infectious and moves quickly throughout the world.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) December 2, 2021
Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined the calls for more vaccinations and booster shots, despite the vaccination stats of the person who contracted Omicron. Smith said, “We now have a confirmed Omicron variant case in Minnesota. This was expected and we have the tools to fight this. Follow local public health guidance. Get the vaccine, and if you are a fully vaccinated adult as of June 2, get boosted. We will get through this Minnesota.”
We now have a confirmed Omicron variant case in Minnesota. This was expected and we have the tools to fight this.
Follow local public health guidance. Get the vaccine, and if you are a fully vaccinated adult as of June 2, get boosted. We will get through this Minnesota.
— Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) December 2, 2021
Senator Klobuchar also told Minnesota residents to “get a booster if you’re due.” Klobuchar said, “Omicron has been detected in Minnesota, and it’s more important than ever to follow public health guidance. Get the vaccine if you haven’t, get a booster if you’re due, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.”
Omicron has been detected in Minnesota, and it’s more important than ever to follow public health guidance. Get the vaccine if you haven't, get a booster if you’re due, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) December 2, 2021
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Hayley Feland is a reporter with The Minnesota Sun and The Wisconsin Daily Star | Star News Network. Follow Hayley on Twitter or like her Facebook page. Send news tips to [email protected].
