New infections topped 197,000 in the United States on Christmas Eve and have increased 65% in the past fortnight, although …
(Boursier.com) – New Covid-19 infections topped 197,000 in the United States on Christmas Eve and increased 65% in the last fortnight, although hospitalizations only increased by 10 % in comparison and remain well below previous waves, notes the New York Times. These figures support the thesis of an Omicron variant which is certainly extremely contagious, but less virulent than its sad predecessors.
A preliminary British study showed that people infected with the Omicron variant were 50 to 70% less likely to end up in hospital compared to the Delta, says CNBC. However, health officials warn of false hope as Omicron appears to be milder, but a very high volume of infections, a U.S. vaccination rate of just 62% and shortages. of staff could still see hospitals overwhelmed. This dynamic is playing out in the United Kingdom, where hospitalizations in London have increased by 92% compared to the previous week. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will decide on Monday whether to tighten restrictions in time for New Years Eve, but he could choose to rely on guidance rather than new laws, reports The Times. Several countries in Europe have implemented social distancing restrictions, but many have so far resisted economically destructive lockdowns.
In the USA, Dr Anthony Fauci warned against the very large volume of new infections, and despite the apparently mild symptoms of the new variant. He suggests that the wave of infections will increase, before an appeasement in 2022. In the meantime, he warns of the risk of “complacency” in the face of the new variant.
US pauses on Regeneron and Eli Lilly treatments deemed ineffective against Omicron.
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