Orange County officials looking to test wastewater for omicron variant

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By Ashley Edlund and Adam Poulisse

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Health officials in Orange County said they’re working on a way to test wastewater for the omicron variant of COVID-19.

But even when the test is complete, it may not have a quick turnaround.

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Omicron COVID-19 variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

COVID-19 omicron variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

COVID-19 omicron variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

COVID-19 omicron variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

COVID-19 omicron variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

COVID-19 omicron variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

COVID-19 omicron variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

COVID-19 omicron variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

COVID-19 omicron variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

COVID-19 omicron variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

Utilities department officials said the variant has more mutations than past ones have had, meaning getting answers may take longer.

READ: Omicron COVID-19 variant & vaccines: What you need to know

County Mayor Jerry Demings said they’re getting a test ready that will be able to detect whether or not the omicron variant is showing up in Orange County wastewater.

The utilities department said it’s been working since May conducting tests that help the county determine where the highest spread is, and ultimately, where to put vaccination locations and testing sites.

READ: Coronavirus: First case of omicron variant discovered in US

There’s no timeline on when the specific variant test will be made available.

Coronavirus: Should you wait to get a booster until there’s an omicron-specific shot?

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