Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Area doctors weigh in on new Omicron variant I By Christopher Roberson t only took fi ve days for the Omicron variant of COVID-19 to spread from South Africa to the United States with the fi rst case being confi rmed in California on December 1. The new strain has also spread to several other countries, including Botswana, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Dr. Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha, division chief of infectious diseases at Cambridge Health Alliance, said it is only a matter of time before Omicron works its way into Massachusetts. The arrival of Omicron in the Bay State will only compound the current problems created by the already-prevalent Delta variant. “Delta is still the variant contributing to the recent increase in infections and hospitalizations in the region,” said Bruno-Murtha. “The science and implications of the Omicron variant are actively being examined, and we will know more very soon. At this time, the best response is to promote COVID vaccination for those not fully vaccinated and encourage everyone who is eligible to seek a booster dose as soon as possible.” Dr. Kimiyoshi Kobayashi, ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.259 Mid Unleaded $3.299 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.399 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.81 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.099 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS chief quality offi cer at UMass Memorial Medical Center, said Massachusetts may not necessarily be a target. “It is still unclear whether this will happen,” he said. “It will depend on how it competes with the Delta variant. We will have to watch what the balance between Delta and Omicron will be.” Dr. George Abraham, chief of medicine at Saint Vincent Hospital, said he was not surprised by the detection of Omicron and the previous strains. “We have predicted and long suspected that we would see variants,” he said. “The variants pop up in parts of the world where there have been the lowest levels of vaccination.” Abraham also said OmiEverett successfully defends Turkey Toss title OMICRON | SEE PAGE 5 cron may not be that troublesome in the long-term. “Based on preliminary data from our South African colleagues, the number of cases has risen dramatically, about 700-fold, but the number of hospitalizations, serious illnesses and deaths have not increased signifi cantly,” he said. “This suggests that there might be overall mild disease associated with this variant as opposed to severe disease.” In addition, Abraham said he trusts the effi cacy of the vaccines. “We know the vaccines work reasonably well, generating what’s called virus-specific antibodies. But they also generate what’s called a polyclonal response,” he said. “That means it may also work against some viruses in the same family. Right now we need to determine Everett High School football players Jayden Biggi and Darrion Green propelled Everett to victory over Salem High School in this year’s Thanksgiving Turkey Toss. The event, which was hosted by Kiss 108, was held on November 24 at Assembly Square in Somerville. In 2019, Everett had defeated Arlington High School to win the Turkey Toss. This year’s event raised $2,600 for The Greater Boston Food Bank. (Photo Courtesy of Jordan Corey for iHeartRadio) Prices subject to change Fill Up & Save! Fall is Coming! FLEET
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