Fauci suggests skipping big New Year’s parties as infections skyrocket (2024)

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Fauci suggests skipping big New Year’s parties as infections skyrocket (1)

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December 29, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. EST

|Published December 29, 2021 at 3:58 a.m. EST

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Americans planning to ring in 2022 with dozens of other people should reconsider their plans as the omicron variant causes coronavirus infections to surge, Anthony S. Fauci, the Biden administration’s chief medical adviser, said Wednesday.

Key updates

Acute phase of the pandemic could end in 2022 with widespread vaccination, WHO says
Omicron will probably lead to comparatively fewer hospitalizations than delta, officials say
New isolation guidance for asymptomatic people was partly meant to increase compliance, CDC director says

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Here's what to know:

Omicron is the dominant variant in the United States, making up about 59 percent of infections for the week ending Dec. 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.

The coronavirus is again spreading on cruise ships, with 86 vessels in U.S. waters reporting infections onboard through Tuesday, according to CDC data. Unlike during earlier outbreaks, there is no indication of a pending industry shutdown.

Officials are working to accelerate testing at schools in New York City so that those who test negative or are asymptomatic can continue with in-person classes. The new policy, “Stay Safe, and Stay Open,” will take effect Jan 3.

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Omicron is the dominant variant in the United States, making up about 59 percent of infections for the week ending Dec. 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.

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Coronavirus: What you need to know

Covid isolation guidelines: Americans who test positive for the coronavirus no longer need to routinely stay home from work and school for five days under new guidance planned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The change has raised concerns among medically vulnerable people.

New coronavirus variant: The United States is in the throes of another covid-19 uptick and coronavirus samples detected in wastewater suggests infections could be as rampant as they were last winter. JN.1, the new dominant variant, appears to be especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected. Here’s how this covid surge compares with earlier spikes.

Latest coronavirus booster: The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months or older gets an updated coronavirus shot, but the vaccine rollout has seen some hiccups, especially for children. Here’s what you need to know about the latest coronavirus vaccines, including when you should get it.

The omicron variant

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Coronavirus boosters targeting omicron get FDA blessing for fall pushAugust 31, 2022Coronavirus boosters targeting omicron get FDA blessing for fall pushAugust 31, 2022
U.K. first to approve booster targeting coronavirus and omicron variantAugust 16, 2022U.K. first to approve booster targeting coronavirus and omicron variantAugust 16, 2022
Is it safe to travel while BA.5 spreads? Health experts weigh in. July 14, 2022Is it safe to travel while BA.5 spreads? Health experts weigh in. July 14, 2022