COVID-19 Surge and Omicron Variant Threaten the US as Holiday Travel Peaks

The US is bracing for a surge in COVID-19 cases as the holiday season begins, with the omicron variant dominating new infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the country is now averaging over 125,000 new COVID cases a day, with cities like New York and Washington, D.C., setting daily case records. Hospitals are preparing for a flood of patients, and the Biden administration is promoting booster shots and vaccines to combat the spread of the virus.

Key Takeaways:

• The omicron variant is rapidly spreading across the US, with cases up 30% since the end of November and projections indicating further increases in hospitalizations.
• Dr. Anthony Fauci has warned that even if omicron is less severe than delta, hospitals may still be severely stressed due to the rapid spread of the variant.
• Researchers from Imperial College London have found no evidence that infections from omicron are any less severe than those from delta, with many people may still experience mild illness, but others may get very sick, especially the unvaccinated.
• In the US, hospital admissions in London are up about 28%, with the Mayor of London attributing the increase to unvaccinated individuals.
• The current vaccines offer limited protection against infection from omicron, but booster shots can provide up to 75% effectiveness against symptomatic COVID.

Statistics:

• The US is averaging over 125,000 new COVID cases a day.
• Cases are up 30% since the end of November.
• Hospital admissions in London are up about 28%.
• The omicron variant has a doubling rate of two to three days, compared to five to seven days for delta.
• Up to 1,200 people are dying from COVID-19 every day in the US (as of the broadcast).

Sources:

• NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/
• Imperial College London: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/