Indiana is in the midst of another COVID-19 surge, with more cases being reported daily. Though this surge is nearly all the delta variant, there’s a new variant of concern that scientists are studying and watching closely.

Meet omicron

First detected in Botswana and South Africa in mid-November, the newest variant of concern — omicron — has now been detected in numerous countries around the world, including the U.S. There’s much we don’t yet know about omicron, but scientists are working feverishly to better understand what this new variant means for our health and safety.

It’s not yet clear how much or whether this new variant is more transmissible than others, whether it causes more severe disease and how it stacks up against existing treatments and vaccines.

What should I do?

Get a booster (or get vaccinated if you’re not already)

The COVID-19 vaccines work. They protect people amazingly well from severe illness, hospitalizations and death. Even with the uncertainty of omicron or any future variants, it is important to be up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

On Nov. 29, the CDC announced its recommendation for everyone 18 and older to get a booster dose. If your initial vaccine doses were Pfizer or Moderna, get your booster six months after your second dose. For Johnson & Johnson, get your booster two months following your dose.

Wear a mask

It’s proven that masks help prevent the transmission of droplets in the air. These droplets are what carry airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Wear at least a cloth mask when you’re in an indoor public space around others outside of your family; a surgical mask is even better, and an N95, KN-95 or KF94 are even better than that.

Also consider wearing a mask around those who may be at higher risk for COVID-19 and complications such as the elderly or those who are immunocompromised.

Stay home if you have any symptoms

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, stay home. This means no work, no school, no holiday parties. Get tested as soon as possible for COVID-19.

There are testing sites all over the state, as well as at-home tests for sale at retail pharmacies. If your test is positive, regardless of vaccination status, isolate at home for 10 days (or longer, if symptoms persist).

Enjoy the great outdoors

Though we’re moving into winter, outdoor spaces continue to introduce less risk. Plan events and gatherings outside as much as possible instead of in tight, less well-ventilated indoor spaces.

Don’t forget about the flu

On top of COVID-19, we still need to remember seasonal influenza. It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine.

IU continues to strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to get a flu shot this year. Some campuses continue to offer flu vaccines on campus. They’re also available at local retail pharmacies or your health care provider’s office.

Bottom line

Don’t panic. Yes, this is a new variant, and there’s much we don’t yet know. We do know that the strategies we’ve been using for the past almost two years work: get vaccinated, wear a mask, and stay home if you have any symptoms. Keep up these health and safety strategies to lower your risk.