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Maine CDC confirms the first omicron variant cases identified in Maine

Here's a computer generated image of the omicron variant of the coronavirus — also known as B.1.1.529. Reported in South Africa on Nov. 24, this variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning.
Uma Shankar sharma
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Getty Images
Here's a computer generated image of the omicron variant of the coronavirus — also known as B.1.1.529. Reported in South Africa on Nov. 24, this variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention today announced that the COVID-19 omicron variant has been identified for the first time in Maine.

The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor conducted genomic sequencing that confirmed the omicron variant in five samples from Penobscot County from positive PCR tests recently reported to the CDC. Maine and 40 other states have now reported cases of the omicron variant.