First omicron coronavirus variant case reported in NC

Health officials in North Carolina are reporting the state's first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus. Mecklenburg County health officials reported Friday that a student at University of North Carolina Charlotte tested positive for the variant. Officials say the case was identified though the university’s sequencing program. The student was isolated and has recovered. Officials say exposure was limited with only one known contact. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Kelly Haight Connor says this case is the only report of the omicron variant that the department has received. The World Health Organization has classified omicron as a “variant of concern” and it has now been found in several states.