Omicron surge: Medical surveillance can't keep up with rate variant is spreading
Medical experts say the omicron coronavirus variant is spreading so fast, surveillance attempts can’t keep up.
Omicron variant now makes up about 3% of US COVID-19 cases, CDC says
The CDC estimates that the new omicron variant of the coronavirus now makes up about 3% of COVID-19 cases reported nationwide.
US COVID-19 death toll tops 800K amid increasing delta, omicron spread
The milestone is a sad ending to a year that held much promise with the arrival of vaccines, and comes as officials around the world are monitoring the spread of the new omicron variant.
Gas prices dropping due to Omicron concerns, AAA Texas finds
As Omicron variant concerns grow, AAA Texas says that gas prices are lowering due to the fluctuation of crude oil prices.
Omicron variant is milder but better at evading vaccines, South African data indicates
The omicron variant appears to cause less severe disease than previous strains, South African data suggests. But the Pfizer vaccine seems to offer less defense against infection.
Pfizer: COVID-19 pill remains effective against severe disease, omicron variant
Pfizer said its experimental COVID-19 pill Paxlovid reduced hospitalizations and deaths by 89% among high-risk adults when taken shortly after initial symptoms.
Cases of COVID-19 omicron variant believed found in Travis County
Officials say preliminary lab results indicate the presence of the omicron variant in three people.
Arizona health officials confirm omicron variant in Maricopa, Yavapai counties
Arizona health officials say the COVID-19 omicron variant has been detected in at least two counties, Yavapai and Maricopa.
Omicron variant appearing milder than delta, South African doctors say
In the two weeks since omicron first was reported in Southern Africa, other doctors have shared similar stories. All caution that it will take many more weeks to collect enough data to be sure, their observations and the early evidence offer some clues.
WHO warns omicron variant fears may set off hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines
The World Health Organization has expressed concerns that rich countries spooked by the emergence of the omicron variant could step up hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines.
UPDATE: Nine cases of omicron variant identified by Houston Methodist, more expected
Houston Methodist has confirmed they have identified nine cases of the omicron variant through its comprehensive virus genome sequencing surveillance project. They expect more will be identified in the next couple of days.
Woman from NW Harris Co. tests positive for Omicron variant
A woman in her 40s from northwest Harris County has tested positive for the Omicron variant of COVID-19, according to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
Omicron variant may be less dangerous than delta, US health officials say
“Thus far, it does not look like there’s a great degree of severity to it,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said.
Omicron variant popping up in more states as hospitals keep up with COVID-19 spike
The arrival of omicron comes as hospitals statewide continue to strain under a surge in coronavirus cases, most traced to the delta variant, along with staffing shortages.
Omicron variant: Pfizer running ‘neutralization tests’ with its COVID-19 vaccine
Companies Pfizer and BioNTech are currently running tests in response to the rapidly spreading omicron variant with data likely available in the coming weeks.
First Georgia case of omicron variant identified, quarantined in New Jersey
A Georgia resident who is currently in New Jersey has tested positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19, the Georgia Department of Public Health announced late Friday.
Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Nebraska, Utah
Much remains unknown about the omicron variant, including whether it is more contagious, as some health authorities suspect, whether it can thwart vaccines and whether it makes people as sick as the original strain.
First 3 cases of Omicron variant identified in Maryland, Gov. Hogan confirms
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Friday that state health officials have confirmed the first three cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the state.
Omicron variant: South Africa may offer glimpse into the future
The new omicron variant appears to be driving a dramatic surge in South Africa, providing the world a glimpse of where the pandemic might be headed.
Israel health officials confirm 7 omicron COVID-19 cases, 27 others suspected
Israel's Health Ministry says it has confirmed seven cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, stoking fears of a pending surge in infections.