JUST IN: Omicron is now the dominant coronavirus variant in the US. Last week, it accounted for 73% of new cases, according to the CDC.
For the week ending December 18, Omicron accounted for 73.2% of cases, with Delta making up an additional 26.6%.The week prior, ending December 11, Omicron was estimated at 12.6% of circulating virus, versus Delta's 87%. Previously, the CDC estimated Omicron accounted for about 3% that week.Omicron is even more prevalent in certain parts of the country — making up over 95% of circulating virus in parts of the Northwest and Southeast, the data shows.
States responding to outbreaksOmicron has been identified in at least 47 US states as of Monday, according to public statements from hospital systems and state officials in their respective states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington, DC. And with Delta still present, cases in some areas are rising.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New U.S. push for vaccines, boosters to stem 'raging' OmicronU.S. health officials urged Americans on Sunday to get booster shots, wear masks and be careful if they travel over the winter holidays, as the Omicron variant raged across the world and was set to take over as the dominant strain in the United States.
Read more »
U.S. and U.K. politicians turn up heat on unvaccinated as Omicron cases surgePresident Joe Biden and Health Secretary Sajid Javid have warned of the impact the Omicron variant will have on the unvaccinated and the rest of society.
Read more »
Israel Bans U.S. Travel Over Covid—As UK Reports 48% 1-Day Omicron SurgeRestrictions to curb the spread of the virus were imposed around Europe.
Read more »
Omicron threat looms over winter holidays in Europe and U.S.The Netherlands went into lockdown on Sunday and the possibility of more COVID-19 restrictions being imposed ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays loomed over several European countries as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly.
Read more »
Omicron sweeps across nation, now 73% of US COVID-19 cases | AP NewsNEW YORK (AP) — Omicron has raced ahead of other variants and is now the dominant version of the coronavirus in the U.S., accounting for 73% of new infections last week, federal health officials said Monday.
Read more »
Covid: Christmas travel will fuel spread of Omicron, US expert warnsThe US infectious disease expert says the Covid-19 variant will spread - even among the vaccinated.
Read more »