First Omicron COVID-19 case confirmed in the U.S.: 'It was just a matter of time'

Anthony Fauci
(Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the United States for the first time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that an individual in California has tested positive for the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 after returning to the U.S. from South Africa on Nov. 22. The person was fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and they had "mild symptoms that are improving." All of their close contacts have tested negative, and they're currently self-quarantining, the CDC said.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.