As the first case of the Omicron variant in the United States was reported today — a fully vaccinated traveler from South Africa, returning to California — Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Manhattan Congressman Jerry Nadler issued a joint statement on their congressional meeting today: 

“This afternoon, we met with members of the New York Congressional Delegation to discuss New York's ongoing efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and protect New Yorkers — including preparing for the Omicron variant — while putting federal resources to work in our State.

“New Yorkers are already benefiting from pandemic relief programs, and soon federal infrastructure dollars — thanks to the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - which will deliver critical support for major projects and bolster our economic recovery. We will continue to work together to help New Yorkers who are still struggling from the economic impacts of the pandemic, create good-paying jobs, and build our economy back better.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released this information about the first identified Omicron case: “The individual was a traveler who returned from South Africa on November 22, 2021. The individual had mild symptoms that are improving, is self-quarantining and has been since testing positive. All close contacts have been contacted and have tested negative.”