Omicron Variant Identified in St. Joseph County

Friday January 7, 2022

Testing and vaccine available

Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Community Health Agency was notified of the first identified cases of the Omicron variant in St. Joseph county. 

“It is important to know that not all COVID tests are sequenced so it is likely that there are additional cases. We encourage residents to continue using standard mitigation strategies; stay home if you are not feeling well, wash hands frequently, cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue or your elbow, wear a mask in public or crowded spaces, and get vaccinated or your booster dose. Vaccination is proven to reduce symptom severity, prevent hospitalizations, and deaths,” says Dr. Karen Luparello, Medical Director.

“The agency continues to offer free curbside testing (no appointment necessary), in partnership with HONU, at all locations: Coldwater office on Thursdays, Hillsdale on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and Three Rivers on Fridays.  All clinics are open 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Appointments for vaccination at the Health Agency can be made at www.bhsj.org/scheduling. Local hospitals, physician offices, and pharmacies can also provide testing and vaccination. Please seek testing or vaccination at a location that is convenient for you as soon as possible. Information on additional community resources can be found at www.bhsj.org,” says Rebecca Burns, Health Officer.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment.