CHICAGO, Ill. (WJPF) — Public health officials announced Tuesday Illinois’ first known case of COVID-19 cause by the Omicron variant.

The individual infected is a Chicago resident and had come into contact with a confirmed Omicron case from another state. The individual is fully vaccinated with a booster dose and, so far, has not been hospitalized. 

“Scientists need time to learn more about the Omicron COVID-19 variant, but in the meantime, we already know how to be vigilant,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “So, get your vaccine, get your booster, wear your mask indoors, wash your hands, and get tested for COVID-19 if you feel sick or have been exposed to someone who tested positive. I encourage all Illinois residents to make a plan for how to best protect themselves and their loved ones, especially in the holiday season.”

Public health officials say the best protection against serious illness and hospitalization is to get vaccinated and boosted.

“Public health experts and scientists worldwide continue to study the newest variant, Omicron, to determine if it spreads more easily, causes more severe illness, and how effective the current vaccines are against it,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “While we don’t have all the answers right now, we know the general prevention strategies we’ve been recommending – vaccination, boosters, masking, testing, physical distancing – are our best protection against the virus and its variants. As long as the virus continues to circulate, it has the potential to mutate into new variants. Vaccination can help stop circulation, but we need more people to get vaccinated.”