Omicron has reached the US. Here's how Rhode Island prepares for its possible arrival.

PROVIDENCE — With the omicron variant spreading rapidly around the planet — it’s been found in more than two dozen countries, including the U.S. this week — Rhode Island is preparing for its expected arrival here.

Here’s what you need to know.

Is it here now?

As of 5 p.m. Thursday, it had not yet been detected in Rhode Island, but as of Thursday afternoon, one case has been detected in California, another in Minnesota and five in New York.

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Will it reach Rhode Island?

Although not guaranteed, it seems likely.

Said Brown University School of Public Health epidemiologist Mark Lurie: “I certainly don't have a crystal ball, but I wouldn't be surprised if within the next several weeks it is present in almost every state in the United States.”

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Is monitoring already underway in Rhode Island?

Yes. State Health Department Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott confirmed that on Wednesday during Gov. Dan McKee’s COVID news conference.

“The state's entire COVID response team is tracking very closely the situation, watching for the omicron variant," said Alexander-Scott.

Does the Health Department have the technology to detect the new variant?

Yes, and its laboratory is already conducting the necessary genomic sequencing on test specimens.

Are advance preparations necessary?

Experts believe so.

“In times of uncertainty, it’s better to be overly cautious than under-prepared,” Lurie said.

What precautions can people take now?

“The recent emergence of the omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and general prevention strategies needed to protect against COVID-19,” declares the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Everyone 5 and older should get vaccinated, and boosters are recommended for everyone 18 years and older.”

This is a new variant, so could the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, developed before the emergence of omicron, help?

 “Let's say our vaccines work a little less well,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown’s School of Public Health. “Is there any chance vaccine effectiveness goes to zero, meaning the vaccines atop working completely against omicron? There's essentially no chance in my mind that vaccines will stop working altogether. So if you've been vaccinated, you'll still have some degree of protection.”

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Who is eligible for vaccination in Rhode Island?

People age 5 and older.

And what about boosters?

People 18 and older, but eligibility depends on the time that has passed since being fully vaccinated.

How can I learn where to be vaccinated, receive a booster, or be tested?

Visit portal.ri.gov or call 401-222-8022. After hours, call 211

Beyond vaccination, what are “general prevention strategies” for omicron?

The same as for delta and other strains of coronavirus. Among them: masking in most indoor situations, social distancing, proper ventilation, testing, and staying home (and getting tested) when feeling sick. More at https://covid.ri.gov/covid-19-prevention/protect-your-household

COVID case in RI by the numbers

Cases in R.I.: 193,714 (973 reported Thursday)

Negative tests in R.I.: 5,854,836 (17,261 reported Thursday; 5.3% positive rate)

R.I. COVID-related deaths: 2,939 (4 reported Thursday)

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Rhode Islanders hospitalized with COVID: 170 (21 in intensive care)

Fully vaccinated in R.I.: 767,552 (854,857 at least partially vaccinated)

Cases in Mass.: 924,400

Mass. COVID-related deaths: 19,430

Cases in U.S.: 48,756,058

U.S. COVID-related deaths: 782,742