Coronavirus Update: US Will See Surge In Delta, Omicron Variants
Medical experts are anticipating a surge in Delta and Omicron variant cases in the U.S. as the holidays draw closer and cold and flu season approaches. The White House insists a lockdown will not be needed due to the availability of the vaccine.
"Our Delta surge is ongoing and, in fact, accelerating. And on top of that, we’re going to add an Omicron surge,” said Dr. Jacob Lemieux.
The Omicron variant makes up 3% of COVID-19 cases and accounts for 13% of cases in New York and New Jersey. The Delta variant remains the dominant strain with cases surging in Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Minnesota and Michigan.
“Delta continues to drive cases across the country, especially in those who are unvaccinated,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky.
The current surge is expected to get worse. Studies from southern Africa and Europe have indicated the Omicron variant is the most contagious strain of the virus.
“In the weeks to come with Omicron, what we’ve got here might be a perfect storm,” Dr. Barbara Sattkamp Taylor, an expert on infectious disease at UT Health San Antonio, told CNBC.
People infected with Omicron have experienced mild symptoms so far and it could take weeks to determine the severity of the new variant, according to public health officials.
“It’s just a matter of time before Omicron becomes the dominant variant here, and I think that could happen relatively quickly,” said Dr. Michael Osterholm.
The surge in Omicron cases may encourage the need for booster shots as health experts say protection against the virus can wear off over time.
The U.S. is reporting 120,000 cases per day, according to Johns Hopkins University. It's a jump of 25% since before Thanksgiving. There have also been 68,000 hospitalizations, up 21% over the past two weeks, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
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