The new coronavirus variant of concern, the Omicron variant, has mutated in such a way that it is overcomes immunity from past infection or vaccination. It likely spreads just as easily as the Delta variant, but it causes more breakthrough infections, which is when someone who has been vaccinated develops symptoms (usually milder symptoms). According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms are the same between the two variants.
To protect yourself and others from severe illness and death:
• Get vaccinated or a booster shot if eligible
• Keep a safe distance with other people
• Wear a well-fitting mask
• Open windows
• Wash hands often
• Cover your cough or sneezes 
Even though the virus has gotten better at spreading to more people, making us sick, and evading our precautions, we have also learned more about how the virus works, how it spreads and how we can protect ourselves. We know that COVID-19 spreads very easily and people who never develop symptoms can spread the virus. We also know that COVID-19 is most contagious just before and after the onset of symptoms. This is why it is important to wear a mask when you are in large groups of people like public transit or when you are with other people at school, work or church. We also have vaccines that show our bodies the best way to fight infection which prevents severe illness and death.
If you test positive for COVID-19:
• Assume the positive result is correct
• Wear a mask and distance yourself from others
• Inform your workplace or school
• Inform any close contacts
• If you have any high risk conditions, seek early treatment
• Quarantine and monitor yourself for worsening conditions.
Limit exposure to others in your home:
• Separate yourself from others as much as possible
• Wear masks in shared spaces
• Open windows in shared spaces
• Use a HEPA air cleaner
• Confirm that you are no longer contagious by taking a rapid antigen test
If you took a home test, you can take a second home test using a different brand to be certain. A second test is not necessary for laboratory results. You should inform your workplace or school. They have their own protocols for contract tracing. You may also want to tell anyone else you have been in close contact with (someone who was less than 6 feet from you for 15 minutes or more).
If you have high risk conditions:
Early treatments are available now. The FDA has authorized monoclonal therapy and the antiviral medicines, Paxlovoid and molnupiravir, for treatment. These early treatments will reduce the severity of symptoms. Contact your doctor especially if you have any high risk conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma or COPD. If your blood oxygen level drops below 93% or you have any worsening symptoms, seek medical attention.
If you are experiencing mild symptoms:
Even if you are not experiencing symptoms or you are experiencing mild symptoms, and you test positive for COVID-19, you should quarantine for at least 5 days. As much as possible remove yourself from shared spaces in your home. Do not sleep or be in the same room with other people that you live with. Everyone should wear a mask when using shared living spaces like the bathroom. You can open the window if you are in the same room and use air purifiers like the HEPA air cleaners recommended to clean the air of wildfire smoke or other allergens. If you feel well, you can go outside but keep your distance from others and wear a mask.
If you are fully vaccinated:
You do not need to quarantine unless you have symptoms. You should still wear a mask and maintain social distance in public. With Omicron, many more people are likely to test positive for COVID-19. This includes people who have been vaccinated and who have had covid before. Because protection from vaccination gets less over time, it is important to get a booster shot if you are eligible meaning that you are 12 years or older and it has been 5 months or more since you got 2 doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or you got the 1 dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine provides a lot of protection against severe illness or death.
Updated Jan. 6, 2022 to reflect new CDC guidelines for booster shots.