The spread of Omicron is really fast, and it is compared by experts to the “blizzard” of the richest country in the world.
On Thursday, November 30th, US health experts urged people to prepare for severe disturbances in the coming weeks, as the new wave of COVID-19 disease caused by the Omicron variant is at risk. Disease outbreak. Hospitals, schools and other areas of daily life.
When the warning was issued, the number of COVID-19 infections in the United States hit a record high. Federal officials have issued multiple travel warnings and plan to inject booster vaccines for children between 12 and 15 years old next week.
According to statistics from the Reuters news website, the average number of new COVID-19 infections in the United States every day (based on data from the past 7 days) hit a record high, exceeding 290,000 cases. The number of hospitalizations also increased by 27% from the previous week.
Due to the increase in holiday travel demand, the number of new infections is on the rise, and the New Year’s activities are still in progress. The school is still determined to let students return to class after the winter vacation. .
Said Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota. “.
The doctor added: “Next month there will be a’blizzard’ caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the whole society will be under pressure for this.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a leading US infectious disease expert, said the number of COVID-19 infections in January may increase.
He and other US health officials released preliminary data indicating that Omicron does not appear to be that serious. However, he advises everyone to get vaccinated, wear a mask and keep their distance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issued new guidelines on shortening the isolation period. Many epidemiologists criticized the new regulations.
The New York Times reported that the US health regulator plans to approve a third dose of this vaccine next week for children aged 12-15. People 16 years and older can also get booster shots.
Experts warn that with the shortage of testing equipment and the emergence of many infections, the increase in the number of infections will lead to an increase in hospital costs and emergency services. support. Supply, school and retail services in the coming weeks.
“We must be very careful and not take it lightly,” said Dr. Peter Holtz, an infectious disease expert at Baylor College of Medicine.
According to Dr. Hotez, the number of hospitalizations is increasing, the number of doctors is also increasing, and the effectiveness of treatment methods is getting worse. “We are at a very important stage.”
Since the beginning of 2020, 825,663 people in the United States have died from COVID-19 infection, and data shows that the latest wave of hospitalizations is attributable to non-vaccinations.
The pandemic has had a huge impact on many areas of the United States, such as economics, air travel, labor markets, and childcare and education issues. So this country decided to open up and try to adapt to the epidemic.
Experts say that the situation will stabilize after January, when laboratory equipment will no longer be scarce, and newly approved drugs will be more widely available.
Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm said: “We have light at the end of the tunnel. But now, all you need to do is bend over.”
