With family and friends gathering over the holidays, the Virginia Department of Health reminds everyone to take steps to protect themselves, their friends and family, and the community from COVID-19 as the Omicron variant spreads. Officials say getting the COVID-19 vaccine along with booster shots for those already vaccinated is the best protection against Omicron which is now the dominant variant in the country. The department also recommends wearing a mask whin in public indoor spaces.