Walgreens Launches COVID-19 Index to Advance Rapid Detection of Omicron, Track Variant Activity by State

The Walgreens COVID-19 Index is one of the first tools to identify the spread of the current and emerging variants in real-time, and new data shows that more than 95% of all positive COVID-19 cases are presumed to be the Omicron variant.

This new data supports the importance of vaccinations and testing in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. The data that was captured by the Index can track the spread of the Omicron variant within 24 to 48 hours and can be reviewed by state. Further, the Index is based on proprietary data from PCR testing services administered by Walgreens.

“Through Walgreens partnership with Aegis Sciences, we have the ability to provide this interactive tracking tool and inform the development of strategies and resources to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Kevin Ban, MD, chief medical officer for Walgreens, in the press release. “This provides a leading consumer-centric healthcare solution to support our communities and partners, building on our nationwide footprint and health offerings.”

Investigators analyzed data from January 18 and highlighted the following types of insights available from the Walgreens COVID-19 Index:

• More than 95% of all positive cases are presumed to be the Omicron variant
• The top states for COVID-19 positive rates are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Dakota, Nevada, and Texas, with COVID-19 positivity rates over 45% of those tested
• The top states for confirmed Delta case prevalence are Maine, Kansas, Iowa, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Utah

“Data regarding spread of variants is important to our understanding of viral transmission and, as new variants emerge, it will be critical to continue to track this information quickly to predict which communities are most at risk,” said Matthew Hardison, MD, senior vice president of lab operations at Aegis Sciences Corporation, in the press release. “We are pleased to partner with Walgreens to provide testing, collaborate on data analysis and provide timely insights that can help health departments curtail the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Data will continue to be updated frequently, and a rolling snapshot of the data from the past 7 days will be provided based on analysis of positive tests at more than 5000 Walgreens testing locations.

REFERENCE

Walgreens Launches COVID-19 Index to Advance Rapid Detection of Omicron and Track Variant Activity by State. Walgreens. January 19, 2022. Accessed January 20, 2022. https://news.walgreens.com/press-center/walgreens-launches-covid-19-index-to-advance-rapid-detection-omicron-and-track-variant-activity-by-state.htm