COVID-19 live updates: 1st case of omicron variant detected in Marin Co.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A surge in coronavirus cases has been reported in the Bay Area and across California as well as the country due in part to the emergence of the highly-contagious delta variant.

The latest number of confirmed cases in the U.S. can be found at the CDC's 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the U.S. page. (The CDC updates the webpage on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.)

Join anchor Kristen Sze for ABC7's daily, interactive newscast about the coronavirus outbreak in the Bay Area and around the world. You can check here to stream the show Monday-Friday at 3 p.m.

• MAPS: Check out the latest maps of COVID-19 cases, deaths in the US, world


• CORONAVIRUS IN CA: Get resources and information about COVID-19


• LATEST LOCAL CASES: Updated number of COVID-19 cases, deaths in San Francisco Bay Area


• CORONAVIRUS TIMELINE: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area

Here are the latest developments on the respiratory illness in the Bay Area:

Dec. 17, 2021

10 a.m.
1st case of omicron variant confirmed in Marin Co.
Marin County health officials confirmed their first case of the omicron variant. The individual had recently traveled from the Eastern U.S. and was fully vaccinated but had not yet received a booster shot. The person is now in isolation with mild symptoms.

9 a.m.
COVID-19 positivity rate in New York City nearly doubles in 3 days
Alarmed by a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases and the increasing prevalence of the omicron variant, New York City officials were working to distribute one million masks and 500,000 home tests, Mayor Bill de Blasio said. Here's more on the increase in cases.

Dec. 16, 2021

6 p.m.
Santa Clara Co. health leaders fear surge of new COVID variant cases
Nearly a week after the first case of omicron was detected in the South Bay, Santa Clara County's top health officials are starting to express concern. Ten confirmed cases include four unvaccinated individuals, five vaccinated and one person who recently got a booster. Here's more from Santa Clara Co. Health Director Dr. Sara Cody.

1 p.m.
CDC committee recommends opting for Pfizer or Moderna over J&J, if given the choice
Most Americans should be given the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead of the Johnson & Johnson shot that can cause rare but serious blood clots, U.S. health advisers recommended Thursday. Here's the full story.