With the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in California, local agencies are preparing for increased holiday air travel in the coming weeks. The Orange County Health Agency has partnered with John Wayne Airport and will be distributing free COVID-19 testing kits to travelers beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

Orange County Deputy Health Director Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong explained that the new variants are largely being driven by the unvaccinated population.

“Although we are still learning about this new variant, it’s important to understand that new versions of the virus will continue to emerge as long as there are large proportions of people who are unvaccinated,” Chinsio-Kwong said.

With President Joe Biden’s recent remarks regarding the avoidance of shutdowns this holiday season, air travel in Orange County has already seen steep increases prior to Thanksgiving, in comparison to last year, and Christmas should be no different.

In a recent travel statistics report for October, John Wayne Airport saw an increase of more than 180% in air travelers in October 2021 in comparison to a year prior, due to nationwide COVID-19 restrictions.

Locally, Orange County has been experiencing a trend of decreasing COVID-19 cases. However, on Friday, Dec. 3, the Orange County Health Agency reported 356 new COVID-19 cases, the county’s second-highest total (385, Nov. 29) since November 17, which was 316. The agency also reported seven new COVID-19 deaths.

In total, Orange County has reported 313,743 COVID-19 cases, and 5,756 deaths COVID-19 related deaths since the pandemic began.

In Orange County, there are 176 patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19, with 56 of those requiring intensive care. Overall, COVID-19 hospitalizations declined by 39 over the last month, but there were four more people in the ICU on December 3, compared to November 3.

With the Omicrom strain of COVID-19 now detected in Los Angeles, along with Northern California and New York, officials are urging caution as there remain many unknowns.

However, people can still take action, Chinsio-Kwong added, pointing to HCA data that illustrates the majority of COVID-19 positive cases in the 7-day case rate were disproportionately unvaccinated.

“Please know that vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce everyone’s risk of getting sick, being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19. Over 90% of people who are hospitalized due to COVID continue to be those who are unvaccinated,” she said. “With vaccines widely available throughout Orange County, we strongly encourage you to complete your recommended shots if you are not fully vaccinated or are eligible to receive a booster dose.”

With increases in air travel expected within the coming weeks, the Centers for Disease Control advise travelers to get tested three to five days after travel, regardless of vaccination status.

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