The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) in partnership with the UW Medicine Virology Lab announced three cases of the Omicron variant found in Washington state.

The DOH confirmed a total of three cases of Omicron variant found in Thurston County, Pierce County and King County.

The patients are a man in his thirties from Thurston County, a man in his twenties from Pierce County and a woman in her twenties from King County.

Details about their conditions are unknown to DOH. Samples were collected between Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 and confirmed at an in-state lab.

“We knew that it was a matter of time before Omicron was sequenced in our state and so we were anticipating this very news,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “We strongly urge people to get vaccinated and get their boosters as soon as possible to maximize their level of protection from any variant.”

This is early in the investigation, DOH does not believe the cases are related, but the travel history of the patients is unknown.

Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement Saturday after public health officials confirmed three cases of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus in Washington state.

"We knew this day was inevitable, but the good news is we have more tools at our disposal to fight the virus than at any previous point in the pandemic, and we must continue to protect ourselves and our communities. There is still much to learn about this variant as scientists around the world continue to study it. It remains as important as ever to get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask and be safe. We cannot yield an inch to this virus. Be vigilant for any symptoms – such as fever or fatigue – and mask up in public settings. We all have the power to keep our communities safe."

Health officials are urging residents to get vaccine or booster as soon as possible.

"If there is room for improvement in how we are using our current tools and strategies, this is a good time to make those improvements, especially vaccination and booster doses when eligible, good-quality masks indoors, improving indoor air quality and avoiding crowded indoor spaces along with other COVID-19 prevention measures," Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County, said.

Little is known clinically about the Omicron variant at this time. Researchers are working to learn more about it, but lab specialists have been looking for Omicron through PCR testing and genomic sequencing. The state also increased its lab capacity to detect genetic markers associated with new and existing variants.

“Even with a highly mutated virus like Omicron, we are not going back to square one of the pandemic,” Dr. Duchin said. “Omicron may pose new challenges that we will need to respond to, but compared to the early days of the pandemic, we know much more about COVID-19, and we’re better prepared for it. We know layered protections work together to maximally reduce risk, and that will continue to be the case for delta and for Omicron if that becomes a dominant strain circulating in our community."