Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black MediaDecember 9, 2021
Three days after Thanksgiving, Gov. Gavin Newsom went online to address the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, a version of the virus with at least 50 mutations, according to the World Health Organization. 26 of those mutations have never been detected before, scientists say. “California is monitoring the new variant,” Newsom tweeted. “We will continue to be guided by data and science. Right now, the best way we know to protect yourself is to get vaccinated and get your booster. Go today. Don’t wait.” The variant was first identified by a South African scientist and has since surfaced in several other Southern