THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Page 7 Area doctors weigh in on new Omicron variant By Christopher Roberson I 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, 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 PANDEMIC | SEE Page 9 SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE 781-289-6466 781-289-6466 WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM 425r Broadway Saugus, MA 01906 781-231-1111 Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Rt. 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut St. We are a skating rink with bowling alleys, arcade and Two TV’s where the ball games are always on. PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-8 p.m. $8.50 Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. Adult Night 18+ Only Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Private Parties Private Parties 4-11 p.m. $8.50 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. 12-11 p.m. $8.50 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional Roller skate rentals included in all prices BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com School Vacation Weeks 12-8 p.m. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma $10.00 Sunday Monday Tuesday
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