WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – The Whatcom County Health Department says the omicron surge is requiring us to go “back-to-basics” on how to prevent spread of the virus.
Symptoms of an omicron illness usually appear 2 to 14 days after infection and are similar to a common cold, so anyone experiencing cold symptoms should get tested.
Demand has made getting tested a challenge and those with symptoms who can’t get a test should stay home for five days.
Do not go to the Emergency Room to be tested.
Masking in public is crucial and KN95s, KF-94s, or 3-ply surgical masks offer better protection than a cloth mask.
And the health department stresses that vaccination is still very effective in spite of an increase in breakthrough cases among those who are vaccinated.