Alabama has its first confirmed case of the omicron variant of COVID-19, officials announced Thursday. The Alabama Department of Public Health says the patient developed mild symptoms earlier this month and had no history of travel outside of the state. The variant was found in the West Central Public Health District which includes Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Chilton and several other counties, the department said. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris says, "Alabamians can keep each other safe now - by getting the vaccine, getting tested, wearing a mask indoors, and getting a booster. "