POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Department of Health in Polk County is urging "extreme caution" as we enter the new year because of an "alarming" increase in COVID-19 cases in the county.
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Health officials said the presence of the omicron variant is now confirmed. Previously officials suspected the variant was behind the sharp rise in cases.
In a press release, health officials said 58.3% of recent cases have been people in the 15-44 age group.
"During the New Year weekend, we urge the public to take extreme precautions for their safety and that of their loved ones," the release said. "As a community, we know how to handle surges. This is our fourth one. We urge the public to take the known precautions."
Those precautions include:
- If you have symptoms stay home
- Get vaccinated including your booster shot
- Avoid large gatherings, if you do choose to attend gatherings, wear a properly fitted mask
- Social distance as much as possible
