Omicron Covid-19 variant is now the most prevalent strain in the US, according to CDC

According to estimates released Monday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Omicron Covid-19 variant is now the most prevalent strain in the US, accounting for over 73 percent of new coronavirus cases less than three weeks after the first was detected.

It’s just been 20 days since the first case of Omicron was discovered in the United States.

Omicron accounted for 73.2 percent of instances during the week ending December 18, while Delta accounted for 26.6 percent. Omicron was just 12.6 percent of the circulating virus the week before, ending December 11, and accounted for roughly 1% of new cases in the first week of December.

The Omicron virus is much more common in other sections of the country, with over 95 percent of circulating virus in the Northwest and Southeast, according to the statistics.

According to public declarations from medical systems and state officials, 48 US states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington, DC, had recorded cases of Omicron as of Monday. Oklahoma and South Dakota are the only states where no cases of Omicron have been reported.

Due to its extremely contagious nature, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases specialist, said on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday that Omicron was “going to take over” shortly. Omicron instances are increasing every 1.5 to 3 days, according to the World Health Organization.

Meanwhile, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said Monday that a Texas man in his 50s died as a result of Omicron. This is the first Omicron-related death in the United States that has been confirmed.

The individual “was unvaccinated and had previously been infected with COVID-19,” according to an announcement from Harris County Public Health. The person was at a higher risk of serious problems.

Scientists are currently awaiting data on how severe Omicron is in the United States in comparison to other variations. However, it is projected to impose additional demand on the health-care system and, in particular, health-care professionals.

Even if Omicron proves to be less severe, Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, told CNN’s Kate Bolduan on Monday that “we are going to see 20 percent, 30 percent of health care workers getting infected, who will then be off work in a health care system that is already stretched to the point of breaking.”

Vaccines and boosters are recommended by health professionals.

As the Delta and Omicron coronavirus types spread across the country as the new year approaches, health experts are asking Americans to get vaccinated or increase their immunity to protect themselves and others.

According to Transportation Security Administration data, airport travel before Christmas is nearly double what it was a year ago, with more than 2 million individuals scanned each day from December 16 to 18. And the indoor gatherings of friends and family may infect more people who are more susceptible to Covid-19 problems.
As the virus spreads, additional cities, like New York and Washington, DC, are imposing limitations.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said that the District’s indoor mask rule will be reintroduced beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday and lasting through January 31.

The statement comes as the number of daily coronavirus cases in DC has reached its highest level since the outbreak began.

Bowser also stated that she intends to reinstate the state of emergency in the district and presented a six-part plan to combat the coronavirus.

Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City stated Monday that the municipal is testing “more individuals than ever” for Covid-19, and that city authorities are working with federal officials and the business sector to obtain more testing materials. Officials are also attempting to increase the number of in-home test kits available for customers to use as a testing alternative.

De Blasio also mentioned the annual Times Square New Year’s Eve event.
The outdoor event is still on plan, and all attendees must be fully vaccinated.
However, in light of Omicron, de Blasio indicated that municipal authorities are reviewing plans for the event and that any adjustments will be publicized before Christmas.