Omicron variant spreads to one-third of U.S. amid unceasing Delta wave

The new COVID-19 Omicron variant has reportedly spread to one-third of the United States. However, as infections spread across the country, the Delta variant still remains the most common, according to U.S. health experts.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official, believes that the new variant does not appear to cause severe infections so far, but stated that it is too early to draw firm conclusions as more research is required.

Notably, majority of the new Omicron cases were among fully vaccinated people who reported only minor symptoms. The status of the booster dose among these patients is yet to be revealed.

Fauci expressed hope that the U.S. would lift the restrictions on tourism from South African countries in a reasonable period of time. The South African government claims it is being punished rather than praised for detecting the new variety and informing international health officials quickly.

Meanwhile, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, mentioned in a statement that despite the spread of dozens of Omicron cases, the Delta variant is still found in 99.9% of the new COVID cases in the country. He further stated that as new cases are being reported every day, the number is just going to grow.

According to a reliable source, the United States has averaged 119,000 new coronavirus cases per day over the last seven days and has lost roughly 1,300 lives per day to COVID.

As per Louisiana's health agency, one Omicron case has been reported in a person who traveled within the country. It was also announced on Saturday that a Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. ship carrying more than 3,000 people reported 10 positive COVID-19 cases on board.

Omicron cases have been reported in at least 16 U.S. states including Colorado, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Utah, and Washington. 

Source Credit: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/omicron-variant-found-in-nearly-one-third-of-u-s-states-7658104/