US Case of COVID-19 Omicron Variant Identified in California

Associated PressPublished: December 1, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 01: Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Chief Medical Advisor to the President, delivers an update on the Omicron COVID-19 variant during the daily press briefing at the White House on December 01, 2021 in Washington, DC. The first case of the omicron variant in the United States has been confirmed today in California. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

By MICHAEL BALSAMO and ZEKE MILLER, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A person in California has become the first in the U.S. to have an identified case of the omicron variant of COVID-19.

Dr. Anthony Fauci said the person was a traveler who returned from South Africa on Nov. 22 and tested positive on Nov. 29.

The person was vaccinated but had not received a booster shot.

The news comes as scientists continue to study the risks posed by the new strain of the virus.

The Biden administration moved late last month to restrict travel from Southern Africa where the variant was first identified and had been widespread.

Clusters of cases have also been identified in about two dozen other nations.

This Upstate New York Home is Straight Out of a Fairytale

If you've ever dreamed of living in a house that looks like it is straight out of a fairytale, this house in Ithaca is for you.

Located at 422 Cayuga Heights Road in Ithaca, this enchanted storybook Tudor-style home could be yours for only $740,000.

Here's all of the details that you need to know, straight from the realtor:

Floods of natural light, hardwood floors, gothic windows, French doors, glass door knobs & arched doorways are just a few features.
Solidly built w/a stone exterior, spacious circular drive & 4 stories of flexible living.
Recent renovations include totally new kitchen w/granite counter tops, S/S appliances, Thermador stove and a mudroom with radiant floor heart.
Smart light fixtures and a Nest.
Sunroom overlooking backyard is cozy in all seasons.
Large, primary bedroom w/a renovated walk in closet and laundry.
Gorgeous en-suite bath with large shower and ceramic, radiant floor heat.
Finished attic space is lovely for a family/play-room, office, studio.
Partially finished basement with bed/full bath and an exterior door.
Stone patio, an enclosed gazebo to take in low maintenance, forest-like wooded, forever wild surroundings.
Close to Cornell, CHES, shopping.
Move in ready.

Take a look for yourself.

Best Christmas Towns In The Country Include Three From New York...and a Few Easy Daytrips

10 Upstate Ice Skating Rinks to Take Your Family To

Winter in Upstate New York means winter sports. Ice skating has been around for as long as Upstate has been around. Today we find rinks at resorts, in civic centers, in city parks and in open fields. Here is a list of 10 great places to take your families to this winter for a bit of fun on the ice! And as a bonus some of these rinks are in the most beautiful of places, like at the top of the mountain behind Mohonk Mountain House resort in New Paltz, or spread out along the frozen canals near downtown Buffalo. All are great. Have fun!