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.
'We're overwhelmed': Minnesota hospitals run full page ad in newspapers
In a letter running in newspapers across Minnesota, hospital leaders say they are sounding the alarm about the stresses the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place on the hospital system in the state.
Minnesota’s 2nd omicron case confirmed at MSU-Mankato
Minnesota’s second case of the COVID-19 omicron variant has been confirmed in a person associated with Minnesota State University Mankato. They were vaccinated, had recently traveled within the U.S., and their symptoms have resolved.
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.
Omicron basics: Mayo Clinic expert on severity, vaccine resilience
“Let me make this clear, we can no longer eradicate this virus and this disease. Your great great great grandchildren will be getting immunized against this disease," said Director/Founder of Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group, Dr. Greg Poland.
Omicron basics: Mayo Clinic expert talks severity, vaccine resilience
On Wednesday Dr. Greg Poland, a Mayo Clinic vaccine and epidemiology expert, and founder and director of the Mayo Vaccine Research Group breaks down what doctors know about the latest Omicron COVID-19 variant and how effective current vaccines are against it.
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.
Study suggests past COVID-19 infection may not fend off omicron variant
A research group has been tracking reinfections in South Africa and reported a jump with the arrival of omicron that they hadn't seen when two previous variants, including the extra-contagious delta variant, moved through the country.