CDC Identifies New COVID-19 Variant: Omicron
You may have heard about Omicron, the new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. The Omicron variant has been detected in a growing number of countries, including the U.S.

On December 1, 2021, the first case of Omicron (or B.1.1.592) in the U.S. was identified in California. By December 2, additional cases were identified in Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, and New York. While there have not yet been cases found in Virginia, it is likely Omicron will begin to emerge in more states in the near future.

Early data suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron (i.e., people who have previously had COVID-19 could become re-infected more easily with Omicron), as compared to other variants of concern, but information is still limited. Symptoms may be milder in persons who have been vaccinated or previously infected with SARS CoV-2. We will share more information as it develops in the coming days and weeks. 

It is too early to precisely determine whether the Omicron variant is more transmissible compared to other variants. It is also not yet clear whether infection with Omicron will cause more severe disease compared to infections by other variants, including Delta. It will take time for health officials to understand Omicron’s level of severity in relation to the other variants.

COVID-19 vaccines remain critical to protecting ourselves and our community, including against the Delta variant circulating right now. COVID vaccines are expected to remain effective against severe disease and death due to Omicron. However, even if Omicron is less sensitive to the vaccine, it is still effective in preventing death and hospitalizations overall. With the emergence of Omicron, the CDC encourages all adults 18+ who have received their primary vaccine series to get their booster dose for an additional layer of protection. If you haven’t already received a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late! Visit our BRHD website for upcoming vaccine clinics and to schedule an appointment. 
 
What makes the Omicron different from other variants? 
The main difference between the Omicron variant and other variants like Delta or Alpha is the increased number and unusual type of spike mutations (how the virus breaks into the healthy human cells and multiplies). With Omicron, there are three noticeable differences. The first is called an escape mutation (found on the Alpha variant which we first saw in 2020), which allows the virus to make itself less recognizable to some antibodies. The second mutation (found on the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants) increases transmissibility by improving the virus’ ability to replicate in the upper airway (i.e. nose and throat), making it more likely to spread when infected individuals breathe, sneeze, or cough. The last major mutation (found on the Delta variant which is the majority of our current cases) allows the virus to better attach itself to the healthy cell it is infecting. Other mutations unseen in previous variants of the COVID-19 virus have been detected on Omicron, but scientists are unsure how this changes its effect overall. More research will need to be conducted to fully understand the structure and function of these new mutations.

To learn more, visit the CDC webpage on COVID-19 Variants.
An Update on Vaccines for 5-11 Year Olds
BRHD has already met our District goal of vaccinating 35% of 5-11 year olds by January 2022! There are still many children who need to be vaccinated against COVID-19. BRHD has a number of clinics designated for 5-11 year olds and our Community Vaccination Center at Seminole Square (393 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville 22901) is now accepting walk-ins. Visit our website to find our vaccine clinic schedule.

All available COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective against severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19, including the Delta variant. As we’ve seen, there’s no way to predict how your child might be affected by the SARS-COV-2 virus. Even if your child doesn’t get very sick, a COVID-19 infection could still cause health problems down the road or put others at risk of contracting COVID-19. It may be tempting to want to “wait and see”, but with COVID-19 cases on the rise across the country, and the emergence of the Omicron variant, it’s more important than ever to give your child the best protection for themselves and the people around them. 
Greene County Health Department Office
Closed for Construction
Beginning Thursday, December 2 the Greene County Health Department building will be closed for construction. The building will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, December 13.

COVID vaccines will still be provided on Monday, December 6 at the Greene County Health Department, thanks to Mobi, BRHD's Mobile Health Unit. Appointments for this vaccination clinic are still available on the BRHD website. Free drive-thru testing will also still be available on December 6 from 4:30-6:30pm.

During this time, if you need any assistance with Greene County Health Department services, please call us at 434-985-2262.
Rising Rates of Opioid Deaths in Virginia
The Center for Disease Control has recently announced that the United States experienced the highest number of opioid deaths ever during the pandemic, a total of over 100,000 deaths from April 2020 to April 2021. Virginia saw a 42% increase in overdose deaths in 2020.
 
The Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition is working with community partners to help educate the community about this public safety risk, and to increase access to Narcan. Narcan is a safe and effective medication used to reverse opioid overdose, that Virginia has made widely available to help reduce opioid overdose deaths.  The Coalition urges community members to learn about preventing and responding to overdose and to connect with one of the following partner organizations to obtain free Narcan.  
 
  • Region Ten Community Services Board provides free virtual REVIVE opioid reversal training the second Wednesday of each month from 12:30-1:30 PM. Participants will learn how to respond to signs of an opioid overdose and administer Narcan. After completing the training, participants receive a certification card to access free Narcan available for pick up at the Region Ten Charlottesville Preston Avenue office as well as at Fluvanna, Nelson, Greene, and Louisa Counseling centers. Register for REVIVE training at revive@regionten.org, and learn more at regionten.org/revive.

  • The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) offers free Narcan at drive-through events on the third Monday of each month from 3:00-4:00 PM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department located at 1138 Rose Hill Drive in Charlottesville. BRHD also offers drive thru pick-ups on the 2nd Monday in Greene County (December 13) and the 3rd Tuesday in Nelson County (December 21) from 3:00-4:00 PM each month. Stay tuned for drive-thru dates for other County offices. For more information, or to schedule Narcan pick-up at a different time call 434-484-0255. 
 
  • Charlottesville Area Harm Reduction provides free naloxone and sterile syringes.  They can be contacted at 434-218-0228 for more information.
 
  • On Our Own of Charlottesville provides Rapid REVIVE opioid overdose reversal training and free Narcan in the community. They also help coordinate access to other treatment and recovery services. To connect with their peer support specialist, call 434-459-1002.
 
Opioid overdose is preventable and opioid addiction is treatable. Medication Assisted Treatment is a highly effective form of treatment that combines medication to curb cravings with counseling support. The Coalition works with several partner organizations that offer Medication Assisted Treatment in our community, and Region Ten has funding to help anyone access treatment services regardless of their insurance status. To learn more about opioid treatment services and Narcan availability, see the Coalition’s blog post at www.helphappenshere.org/overdoseprevention
BRHD is Hiring: Community Health Workers!
BRHD is hiring 6 Community Health Workers (CHW). These positions are full-time (40 hours per week), temporary 2-year contract positions at $25/hour, starting in January 2022. BRHD is hiring one CHW for each BRHD locality, which includes Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. CHWs will conduct community outreach and health education around COVID-19 and act as a bridge to COVID-19 testing, vaccine, support services, and other BRHD services.

Read the full CHW job description here. Applications will be open until all positions are filled. Click here to apply! 
Nelson County: Free Flu Shots
BRHD will host a FREE Flu shot clinic in Nelson County next week. Flu vaccines will be available to anyone ages 2 years and older and are available as walk-ins, no appointment needed. 
 
WHEN: Wednesday, December 8, 2:30-5:30pm
WHERE: The Nelson Center (8445 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston)

Questions about this flu vaccine event? Call the Nelson County Health Department Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm: 434-263-8315.
Meet the BRHD Team
Each week, we introduce you to one of our Health District Heroes so you can get to know the people working to keep you safe and healthy every day. This week, meet Jada Howard, BRHD COVID-19 Resource Hotline Operator Lead.
 
How long have you been at BRHD?
Since June of 2020
 
What is your job?
I work on the BRHD COVID hotline. We help with everything and anything COVID - testing information, vaccine appointments, homebound requests, general education and support… if it’s related to COVID, we can help. 
 
I truly enjoy my job! It's a great feeling to pick up the phone and say, “Blue Ridge Health District COVID Resources Hotline. How may I help you?"  and mean it! I'm so glad BRHD gave me this wonderful opportunity to be a part of this amazing community!
 
Who are you outside of BRHD?
I am retired from the University of Virginia after 28 years.  I love spending time with my family my two sons and especially with my dog King!  I love writing and I am a published author.  Poetry is my specialty.  Someday I plan to write the worlds greatest novel!
COVID Testing Resources
BRHD continues to host COVID PCR testing in each locality one day every week from 4:30-6:30pm. Appointments are not required, but may be made by calling the BRHD COVID Resource Hotline (434-972-6261 open M-F 8am-4:30pm) or self-registering on the BRHD website.
 
Testing Schedule:
  • Mondays: Greene County Health Department
  • Tuesdays: Louisa County Health Department
  • Wednesdays: Fluvanna County Health Department
  • Thursdays: Nelson County Health Department
  • Fridays: former J.C. Penney parking lot at Fashion Square Mall in Charlottesville/Albemarle
 
As a reminder, a link to test results will be sent via text message to those tested at BRHD sites. This link will direct to a secure Virginia Department of Health website where results will be available for viewing and printing. While this remains the best way to get results, for those who do not have or choose not to provide text-enabled cell phone numbers or email addresses, BRHD staff will call individuals with their test results.
 
In addition to the above testing options, UVA Health offers free COVID-19 PCR tests in the greater Charlottesville/Albemarle area:
  • Mondays: The Church of the Incarnation, 6:00-7:30pm
  • Tuesdays: Mt. Zion African Baptist Church, 5:30-7:00pm.

PCR testing in partnership with Next Molecular is also available at the former J.C. Penney parking lot in Charlottesville on Wednesday and Thursdays from 2:00-6:00pm.
 
All tests are FREE and weather dependent. Please visit our website for the latest testing schedule as hours may be adjusted for daylight.
 
Visit our testing webpage for updated information and testing schedules.
Remember, vaccination is only one tool to end the pandemic.
We need to use them all in order to return to normal day-to-day activities.
Continue to wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings.