Tool to advance rapid detection of Omicron and track variant activity by state.

DEERFIELD, Ill. – Walgreens has introduced the Walgreens COVID-19 Index, a new interactive tracking tool. Powered by testing data from Aegis Sciences Corp., it is among the first to uniquely identify the spread of current and emerging variants in near real-time. New data from the Walgreens COVID-19 Index shows more than 95% of all positive COVID-19 cases are presumed to be the Omicron variant. The data reinforce the importance of vaccinations and testing in helping to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Dr. Kevin Ban

Data captured in the Walgreens COVID-19 Index can track the spread of the Omicron variant within 24 to 48 hours, more quickly than other methods. In addition to a national view, data can be reviewed by state. The Walgreens COVID-19 Index is based on proprietary data from PCR testing services administered by Walgreens and performed by its testing partner Aegis Sciences.

“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 Dr. Kevin Ban, chief medical officer for Walgreens. “This provides a leading consumer-centric healthcare solution to support our communities and partners, building on our nationwide footprint and health offerings.”

Based on data analyzed as of Jan. 18 the following types of insights are available from the Walgreens COVID-19 Index:

• Nationally, more than 95% of all positive cases are presumed to be the Omicron variant
• Top states for COVID-19 positive rates are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Dakota, Nevada and Texas, which all have COVID-19 positivity rates over 45%
• Top states for confirmed Delta case prevalence are Maine (43.5%), New Mexico (25.2%), Oklahoma (24.2%), Indiana (23.6%) and Utah (23.5%)

“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 Dr. Matthew Hardison, senior vice president of lab operations at Aegis Sciences Corporation. “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.”

As the Walgreens COVID-19 Index shows, the highest number of Omicron cases are among unvaccinated individuals, underscoring that it remains critically important to get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19. It is safe and convenient to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster at one of Walgreens nearly 9,000 locations. For the best experience, patients are encouraged to make appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters through Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or 1-800-WALGREENS.

Data will be updated frequently and provide a rolling snapshot of the previous 7 days’ data based on analysis of positive tests at more than 5,000 Walgreens testing locations. To view the Walgreens COVID-19 Index, maps and other online features, click here.