Greenville lab detected 10 omicron variant samples at Clemson University

Editors Note: This story was updated to show that it was the Premier Medical Laboratory Services that detected the variant through sequencing with the samples that Clemson provided

Clemson University announced Monday that officials had confirmed 10 positive COVID-19 samples detected by Greenville-based Premier Medical Laboratory Service through sequencing that were found to contain the omicron variant this weekend.

The first cases of the omicron variant in the state were found in Charleston, North Charleston and Johns Island last week.

Related: Omicron variant detected in South Carolina, according to scientists at MUSC

"The University strongly encourages anyone who wants and can receive a COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose to do so," Clemson said in a news release published Monday.

"Infection rates on campus remained low throughout the Fall semester, and while most students, faculty and staff are away from campus, the University will continue to monitor the community, local, state, and national trends and work with public health experts to determine any required adjustments for return to campus plans for the spring."

The low infection rates led Clemson to loosen its mask requirements although testing requirements and frequency will for students and faculty remain the same.

COVID-related developments, including any updated policies or procedures, will be shared with faculty, staff and students by email, posted on social media and the COVID-19 updates page.

Reach reporter Alexis Hamilton at ahamilton@greenvillenews.com or 864-404-7487 and on Twitter @producedbylex.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson University: COVID omicron variant detected on campus