New coronavirus strain has yet to reach Shasta County; vaccination clinic closes in Redding
A new variant of COVID-19 — a heavily mutated version of the virus — has not reached Shasta County, nor has it been identified in any other part of California, as of Friday, according to the California Department of Public Health.
First discovered in South Africa, the omicron variant — also called COVID-19 nu and B.1.1.529 — was classified a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization on Friday.
That means it may have properties that make it more contagious, or that are more resistant to current preventions or therapies, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
According to WHO, omicron has a higher-than-average number of mutations in the virus’ spike protein. That has WHO doctors worried about how quickly the new variant can spread, USA TODAY reported.
The White House announced it will restrict travel from South Africa — possibly the variant's point of origin — and other African countries including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.
Free COVID-19 vaccination clinic closes in Redding
A walk-in vaccination clinic operating since spring will offer COVID-19 shots for the last time this weekend.
Sunday is the last day to get vaccinated at the Redding Senior Center, 2290 Benton Drive.
After that, the clinic "will permanently close its doors," according to Shasta County Public Health branch.
Until then, the clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available to anyone age 5 and older. No appointment is needed.
Otherwise to get vaccinated or tested, or to schedule a booster shot or third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, go to Shasta County's COVID-19 website at bit.ly/3GLFoFo or call (833) 422-4255 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
Shasta County Public Health branch was closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday. The agency didn't release an update listing recent COVID-19 case numbers or other information on these days.
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and entertainment stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: New COVID strain omicron has yet to reach Shasta County, California
