City Releases Statements About COVID on Cruise Ship, First Omicron Variant

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans said it has received reports from the Louisiana Department of Health of the first probable case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Louisiana involving an individual in the Greater New Orleans area who recently traveled within the United States.

“There is still much we do not know about this new variant in our community while we continue to deal with the effects of the last deadly strain. But the tools to protect ourselves and our family remain the same: masks and vaccinations are our biggest defenses”, said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, director of the New Orleans Health Department. “Don’t wait until it’s too late — anyone 18+ that received their second dose of the vaccine six months ago should get their booster shot now for the highest level of protection. And if you haven’t gotten your COVID shot at all, you are at great risk from a variant that may be even more contagious than Delta. We must act now to keep Omicron from creating another devastating surge, so mask up and get fully vaccinated for your family, friends and city.”

Meanwhile, a Norwegian Cruise Lines cruise ship disembarking in New Orleans this weekend identified 10 COVID-19 cases among its crew members and passengers.

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The City said Gov. John Bel Edwards, the Louisiana Department of Health, the City of New Orleans and the Port of New Orleans are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to initiate existing COVID-19 agreements and protocols with the cruise line.

The Norwegian Breakaway departed from New Orleans on Nov. 28 and stopped in Belize, Honduras and Mexico on its voyage. There are more than 3,200 individuals onboard.

The City said NCL has been adhering to appropriate quarantine and isolation protocols as new cases and exposures have been identified aboard this vessel. Additionally, every individual aboard will be tested for COVID-19 prior to disembarking, and will be provided post-exposure and quarantine public health guidance by the CDC. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will either (1) travel by personal vehicle directly to their personal residence or (2) self-isolate according to current CDC guidelines in accommodations provided by NCL.

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CDC and LDH recommend everyone 5 years of age and older get vaccinated and that everyone 18 years of age and older get a booster.

Residents can find a vaccine site near them by visiting ready.nola.gov/getvaccine.

 

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