New COVID-19 variant Omicron appears in the United States. // Photo courtesy of Pexels.

With much of the world vaccinated against COVID-19 – 466 million doses have been given in the United States alone, according to Our World Data – protocols and regulations have begun to diminish. However, a new variant of the virus labeled as Omicron popped up in South Africa on Friday, Nov. 26, reminding everyone that the pandemic is not over. 

 Omicron began emerging around the world, spreading to 24 countries including the United States. The first U.S. case was found in California on Wednesday, Dec. 1, in a fully vaccinated individual, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  

 This new variant has an increased risk for reinfection, according to the World Health Organization. Essentially, people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 could be easily reinfected by Omicron. It is still unknown whether the current COVID-19 vaccinations are effective against Omicron. 

 “I believe without the ability to control the spread of the virus, we’ll continue to see the rise of more, and potentially even more dangerous variants,” said Pavit Suri, a senior biology and philosophy major. “New variants such as the Omicron variant suggest that the pandemic isn’t necessarily over.” 

 On Monday, Nov. 29, President Susan Poser sent an email to the student body following the Thanksgiving break. It outlined the risks of Omicron and the recent increase in COVID-19 cases internationally. She emphasized that Hofstra remains safe, with low rates of COVID-19, but students should continue to follow the current protocols and get a booster shot if they are eligible.  

 According to the Safe Start website, there are currently two students on campus, 18 students off campus and nine employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. As of now, the current Hofstra COVID-19 safety protocols will remain the same. “The existing protocols have been working. Our COVID-19 rates are very low,” said Karla Schuster, assistant vice president of University Relations. “We are monitoring the situation very closely [and] we’re prepared to make adjustments as we need to.” 

 Some students see the potential for the University to begin to roll back some of the COVID-19 safety protocols.  

 “I appreciate the strict standards that Hofstra is employing,” said Kelly Barnes, a freshman political science major, “but I believe that the effect on the students is becoming exhausting.” 

At this time, the University plans to continue with the same protocols next semester: All students must be masked indoors, all students must be vaccinated and random COVID-19 surveillance testing will be conducted three times a week, according to Schuster. 

 “The University wants to say thank you to the entire campus community because our COVID-19 rates are low and our campus is safe,” Schuster said, “and that’s because … the entire on-campus community has really stepped up and is complying with all of the protocols.” 

 Overall, many students are satisfied with measures Hofstra has taken, but there have been some requests for the University to provide booster shots to students. “I’d like to see Hofstra offer booster shots on campus,” Barnes said. “I think a lot of students would get them if it was easier.” 

According to Rob Stahl, director of Student Health and Counseling Services, they do not plan to offer booster shots to students at this time, but may reevaluate next semester if there is a need. He encourages students to get their booster shot if they are eligible since the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine declines significantly after six months. 

 “Vaccinations work. Wearing a mask works. Washing your hands works. Not being in intensely crowded areas all the time helps. Following the advice of educated medical professionals helps,” Suri said. “I know we’ve been in this pandemic for a while and I know we want to get back to normal, but we’ve been doing this together, as a community, for almost two years now. So, if we just hang in there, things will get better.” 

 COVID-19 continues to afflict many across the world and Omicron continues to spread throughout the United States. Schuster said it is important for the Hofstra community to “stay vigilant and stay informed” as the world continues to navigate the pandemic.