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State health officials have confirmed the first case of the omicron COVID-19 variant in Iowa.
he individual affected is under 18 and lives in Black Hawk County. The person is unvaccinated, but asymptomatic.
State health officials say the person’s family sought COVID-19 testing due to travel exposure.
Black Hawk County health officials will continue to monitor the individual’s health.
The omicron variant has already been identified in at least 22 other states, including neighboring Illinois, Missouri and Nebraska.
The World Health Organization identified omicron as a ‘variant of concern’ last month.
Public health experts are still evaluating how fast it spreads and if it causes more severe illness.
Forecasters say the first significant snowfall of the season is headed toward Iowa and 22 counties across the state’s northern third are under a Winter Storm Watch. All of NW Iowa is included in the winter storm watch.
The National Weather Service says moderate-to-heavy snow is possible from tomorrow afternoon into Saturday morning.
Snow has already fallen a couple of times in various parts of the state in recent weeks, but this storm promises to be widespread and could potentially paint all but the Keokuk area in white.
And in anticipation of that snow, South Sioux City's Public Works Department says there will be a snow emergency in effect from tomorrow at 6 a.m., until Saturday, at 6 a.m. Parking will be prohibited in areas designated as "snow emergency routes." Cars left in such areas can be ticketed and towed. Motorists should also adapt to alternate side requirements.
