Omicron already the dominant strain in Tennessee

Less than two weeks after the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was first identified in Tennessee, the highly transmissible strain has become the dominant variant among new infections in the state. 

It is the fastest a variant has taken over the total number of cases in Tennessee to date, a testament to the contagious nature of the evolved virus. Early reports indicate it may cause a less severe illness than its predecessors, however state Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey says it’s still too early to know how it will impact the population and local hospitals.