Omicron Symptoms Appear Mild; NYC DOH Urges Indoor Masking

While health officials locally and beyond work to learn more about the new omicron COVID variant, New York City’s top doctor on Monday advised all New Yorkers to mask up whenever they’re indoors in public.

Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi stressed the importance of wearing a mask, along with vaccinations and ongoing testing, alongside Mayor Bill de Blasio’s daily briefing on the city’s pandemic progress.

“When you’re indoors, regardless of whether you’re fully vaccinated or not, everyone should be wearing a mask,” Chokshi said.

Masking: Today, I am issuing a Commissioner’s Advisory STRONGLY recommending that all New Yorkers wear a mask AT ALL TIMES when indoors and in a public setting – like at your grocery, building lobbies, offices, and stores.

— Commissioner Dave A. Chokshi, MD (@NYCHealthCommr) November 29, 2021

Update on the omicron variant: There are currently NO confirmed cases of the omicron variant in NYC. Delta remains the dominant strain – about 98% of sequenced specimens. We do anticipate detecting omicron in the coming days, based on what we know about its global spread.🧵

— Commissioner Dave A. Chokshi, MD (@NYCHealthCommr) November 29, 2021

Today @NYCHealthCommr issued an updated mask advisory: all New Yorkers are encouraged to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Let's take steps now to stay safe, protect each other, and prepare for the #OmicronVariant. pic.twitter.com/UEbsyTy0Bm

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) November 29, 2021

Meanwhile as the world at large continues to fear the new omicron variant, Covid symptoms linked to it have been described as “extremely mild” by the South African doctor who first raised the alarm over the new strain.

“It presents mild disease with symptoms being sore muscles and tiredness for a day or two not feeling well,” said Dr. Angelique Coetzee, the chair of the South African Medical Association. “So far, we have detected that those infected do not suffer the loss of taste or smell. They might have a slight cough. There are no prominent symptoms. Of those infected some are currently being treated at home.”