According to Reuters, the United States reported at least 1.13 million new coronavirus infections on Monday, the highest daily total of any country in the world, as the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant showed no signs of slowing. On January 3, the previous record was 1.03 million cases. Because many states do not report over the weekend, a large number of cases are reported each Monday. In two weeks, the seven-day average for new cases tripled to over 700,000 new infections per day.
Despite the fact that the Omicron strain has been reported as a milder variant, the new variant of concern has arisen at an all-time high in hospitalizations in the United States. Because of an increase in Covid hospitalizations and staff shortages, many hospitals in the United States have suspended elective surgeries. Reports from Our World in Data, the United States suggest that there are 2,130 daily COVID-19 cases per million people.
The United States reports at least 1.13 million new coronavirus infections on Monday
On Monday, not all states had reported, so the final figure is likely to be higher. The record number of new cases was set on the same day that the nation’s hospitalized COVID-19 patients reached an all-time high. Having made twice as much in three weeks. More than 135,500 people were in hospital with COVID, smashing the previous record of 132,051 set in January of last year. Health officials have instructed that the sheer number of infections could put a strain on hospital systems. With some already discontinuing elective procedures to deal with an increase in patients and staff shortages.
The growth in cases has resulted in devastation in schools. Which are dealing with staff, teachers, and bus drivers being absent. Chicago discontinued classes for a fourth day due to a stalemate between the district and teachers over how to deal with an increase in infections. New York City suspended service on three subway lines. Due to a large number of workers being absent due to illness companies’ plans for employees to return to work are on hold now. Deaths are averaging around 1,700 per day, up from around 1,400 in recent days but still within acceptable levels.