Omicron now in 43 states: https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2021-12-19/covid-omicron-variant-raging-through-the-world-traveling-increases-risk-fauci . It is also in about 90 countries. No variant has spread anywhere near this rapidly, so Omicron is obviously one of the most contagious viruses in history. As noted before, Omicron’s severity relative to Delta is hard to measure because vaccination levels and treatment protocols continue to advance rapidly. However, as many US hospitals are already under strain from Delta, the rapid spread of Omicron will push many hospitals to full occupancy. Access to care will be a problem, and that can raise disease severity and mortality. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/hospitals-are-strained-even-before-omicron-hits-11639946782 .
WSJ: Global update on Omicron: https://www.wsj.com/articles/omicron-prompts-new-covid-19-restrictions-in-europe-11639921351 .
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker test positive for COVID: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-elizabeth-warren-tests-positive-covid-breakthrough-case-n1286289 . Both were vaccinated and boosted. Both are in higher risk groups for more severe COVID.
Royal Caribbean Cruise has 44 passengers test positive for COVID: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2021/12/19/cruise-ship-covid-cases-royal-caribbean/8960209002/ . The facts in the article indicate that the cruise line did not require passengers to receive a booster. Given that Omicron regularly causes breakthrough infections in vaccinated people without a booster, their safety protocols seem inadequate. However, the initial question is why anyone would choose to take a weeklong outing with over 6,000 strangers in close quarters during a pandemic.
Blinken’s diplomatic mission cut short by COVID: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/12/19/airmen-test-positive-covid-upends-blinkens-diplomatic-mission.html .
Americans burning out on COVID precautions: https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/19/politics/covid-exhaustion-analysis/index.html . The most likely scenario is that Christmas travel will be a nationwide twindemic superspreader event. Many hospitals will be overwhelmed, and only then will people take precautions.
Omicron may sideline some COVID drugs: https://apnews.com/article/omicron-may-sideline-two-covid-antibody-drugs-ffab32bd6e4e6b4822360b34da1785f0 . More bad news arrives for the potential hospitalization surge.
The importance of searching for a universal coronavirus vaccine: https://scitechdaily.com/covid-variants-like-omicron-and-delta-arent-the-only-reason-nih-scientists-urge-pursuit-of-universal-coronavirus-vaccine/ .
Timeline of the pandemic by month: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-12-19/key-moments-of-covid-19-pandemic .
NPR’s major COVID stories of 2021: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/12/19/1062792638/our-11-most-read-global-pandemic-stories-of-2021 .
San Diego reporter sees a potential upside to Omicron: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/latino-life/newsletter/2021-12-18/coronavirus-today-how-omicron-could-help-coronavirus-today . Yes, this is a possibility. But it is more likely that we are entering a “twindemic” of Omicron and Delta. It is also possible that with such a high viral load of both, a combination could emerge with the worst characteristics of both. Karen’s attempt at being upbeat seems closer to gallows humor.
Rapid COVID tests cut UK hospitalizations by 1/3: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/19/mass-rapid-tests-in-liverpool-cut-hospital-stays-by-a-third . Rapid testing is exactly what we should be doing now to lessen the impending hospitalization surge. Really, as a nation we can’t seem to get a passing grade in Pandemic 101. Meanwhile, access to testing is decreasing: https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-tests-get-harder-to-find-as-omicron-variant-spreads-11639922403 .
Russia passes 10 million COVID cases, nears 300,000 deaths: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/12/19/coronavirus-in-russia-the-latest-news-dec-19-a69117 . The mortality level suggests they are closer to 30 million cases.
Israel in Omicron wave, considers banning travelers from US: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-12-19/israel-in-fifth-covid-wave-mulls-adding-u-s-to-omicron-red-list . More: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/covid-19-in-israel-372-new-cases-81-in-serious-condition-689146 .
Manchin bails on Biden’s Build Back Better: https://www.aol.com/finance/1-manchin-says-no-bidens-142306001-151829529.html . It should be obvious to every Democrat on Capitol Hill (and millions elsewhere) that failing to pass anything beyond the bipartisan infrastructure bill will lead to calamity in the November 2022 elections. So either (a) a major part of this legislation must be resurrected, or (b) Democrats must change Senate rules to bypass the filibuster and pass meaningful federal voting rights legislation. Frankly, it would be best to do both. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/manchin-says-he-won-t-vote-for-build-back-better-bill-11639924048 .
OJ faces shrinking crowds: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/trumps-houston-history-tour-event-sees-closed-upper-section-more-empty-seats%e2%80%94report/ar-AARXKNa?li=BBnb7Kz . Hallelujah! This dim star is fading from view, kicking and screaming.
WSJ: We specialize in offensive economic analysis: https://www.wsj.com/articles/vast-household-wealth-could-be-a-factor-behind-u-s-labor-shortage-11639926006 . What the article describes is not “vast economic wealth”. As is well-known by educated people, the US has one of the most unequal wealth distributions in the world. Apparently, we must find ways to force the poorer among us further behind the economic 8-ball. Then they will be forced to serve their corporate masters. That is, at least until we can automate their jobs.
China’s economic woes deepen: https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-china-job-cuts-mount-in-sectors-hit-by-tighter-regulations-11639915203 . The US needs to not be so US-centric. China’s situation screams “major problem” for the global economy.