First Omicron COVID variant case reported in Florida

Tampa, Florida – Health officials have now confirmed the first case in Florida.

According to a spokesperson for James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, they are treating a patient for the omicron variant of COVID-19.

The patient had recently returned from international travel and is experiencing mild symptoms, according to hospital officials.

According to officials with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County initially, they had not received any notice about an omicron case, but in a tweet posted Tuesday evening, they said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the case.

The omicron variant, also known as B.1.1.529, was first discovered in South Africa. It has been detected in over a dozen states, including Texas, New York, and California.

The Florida Department of Health Anyone asks anyone with questions and concerns about the coronavirus to call the 24-hour hotline at 1-866-779-6121.