Is the omicron variant fading throughout Missouri? This is what wastewater data shows
Kansas City’s wastewater is approaching pre-omicron levels of viral particles, indicating that the highly contagious variant is on its way out of the population.
Researcher Dr. Marc Johnson runs a University of Missouri lab that sequences the particles found in wastewater around the state. His lab witnessed the arrival of omicron to the state, and is now tracking its decline.
“Numbers have crested everywhere in Missouri,” Johnson told KMBC News on Monday, Feb. 14. “There wasn’t a single site to spike last week… they’re all either sort of flatlined, or going down.”
These findings mimic the COVID-19 case numbers in the Kansas City area, which have been in decline for several weeks, according to data tracked by The Star. While cases are falling, hospitals are still treating patients in significant numbers.
Experts at local hospitals have advised caution when making plans with others, saying that the vaccination status of your social circle is an important factor in safety from the virus. Here’s where the Kansas City area stands on vaccination rates.
Vaccines and booster shots are available for free around the metro. Here’s where to find one.
Do you have more questions about staying safe from COVID-19 in Kansas City? Ask the service journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com or with the form below.
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