The virus that changed the course of life for many starting in March of 2020 has not stopped yet. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, new variants have been discovered, one of the newest being the omicron variant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) not much is known about this variant compared to the main strain. So far, they know it spreads faster and more easily than the SARS-CoV-2 strain, also known as the original strain of COVID-19. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated, tested and wearing a mask to prevent the spread of both strains. Cases have been rapidly increasing and almost all new cases of COVID-19 are said to be of the omicron variant. Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States, Doctor Anthony Fauci, made an official statement at the White House regarding this spreading variant. “It is going to be less severe particularly in those who are vaccinated and boosted. We will ultimately control it,” Fauci said. He also predicted that the peak in omicron cases will ultimately go down. However, one cannot promise the eradication of the virus yet. Dr. Fauci mentioned that this is due to not having control over mass vaccinations like the nation previously did with measles or chickenpox. “And if you control it in such a way that is at a low level, and people are vaccinated and boosted, sooner or later as we begin to live with it…virtually everybody is going to wind up getting exposed and likely get infected. If you are vaccinated, and if you are boosted, the chances of you getting sick are very, very low,” Fauci said. Closer to home, Xavier High School has gradually changed their action plan for addressing the pandemic. From being fully online to using the hybrid model since the beginning of 2021, Xavier has been able to keep its doors open to in-person classes because of the safety precautions they are taking at school. According to school nurse, Mrs. Kris Naeve, students are asked to follow a safety protocol in regards to COVID-19 at school. “If someone tests positive, they have to stay out for five days. On day five, if they are asymptomatic and fever-free, they are free to come back on day six with a mask worn correctly. If they are not asymptomatic by the appropriate day, they have to stay home until they can meet the criteria,” Naeve said. She defined being fever-free as one having a temperature under 100.4 for 24 hours without medication, which would allow one to come back to school. With this, Naeve also mentioned that Xavier cannot force anyone to get tested or report their negative test results. Being in a time where cases are once again rising, one should make sure to wash their hands and make smart choices regarding their safety. To see regularly updated COVID-19 case tracking closer to home, visit the Linn County public health website.