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Regional leaders on alert for Omicron COVID variant

Prince George's County extended its mask mandate, citing transmission rates and concern over variants.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Concerns are looming over the COVID-19 Omicron variant as President Joe Biden urges it's a cause for concern but not panic.

Regional leaders are on alert for the variant and are starting to take measures to prevent the spread.

On Monday, the Prince George's County Council unanimously voted to extend its indoor mask mandate through January 23. Council documents show the move comes amid concern over the community spread of new variants, and the necessity that the county remains vigilant.

“I think it’s good that they’re doing that, taking precautions because COVID is still out here," Jordan Applewhite said. "Despite if you’re vaccinated or not you still have to wear your mask and I think that’s what they should do to keep covid levels from spreading because it has been going crazy a little bit."

RELATED: President: Vaccine is best defense against Omicron variant of COVID-19

The newly evolving variant is something health officials across the region are also focused on and something Maryland Governor Hogan addressed Monday morning. 

“While there is still much unknown about the Omicron variant and how it will spread, the most important thing Marylanders can do right now is to get vaccinated or get a booster shot,"  Hogan said.

The Virginia Department of Health released a statement Monday evening to announce it is on alert of the variant and will monitor COVID samples from throughout the Commonwealth to identify circulating and new variants.

The level of community transmission of the Commonwealth remains high, but Virginia is not requiring masks. That's the same for D.C., despite some calling for the district to reinstate the mask mandate that was lifted a week ago.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said news of Omicron has not forced any policy changes, at least not yet, but the Mayor said the District will respond accordingly.

Public health leaders across the area urge people to do what they can to protect themselves and get vaccinated.

RELATED: 'We immediately need to reinstate the mask mandate' | DC Board of Education president calls for requirement return as holidays approach

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