The US COVID-19 deaths reach another grim milestone as coronavirus cases soar in the US. Read to know how the nation is bracing for a potential surge due to the highly transmissible omicron.
US COVID-19 deaths and infections: At a record high
According to data from Johns Hopkins University, the US surpassed 800,000 COVID-19 related deaths and 50 million cases. The nation has the highest number of deaths followed by Brazil and India. Despite being the home to just four percent of the world’s population, over 19 and 14 percent of COVID-19 cases and deaths respectively are reported in the US. According to reports, every one in 100 Americans above the age of 65 is succumbing to a COVID-19 related death. Additionally, over 75 percent of people who lost their lives to the infection are 65 or older. According to reports, the number is 1 in every 1,400 for younger people.
The US Air Force also became the first for discharging 27 people for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that the new variant is spreading at an exceptionally fast pace. The variant is now present in over 77 nations. “The reality is that Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet. Omicron is spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant,” stressed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems,” added the WHO chief, stressing against “dismissing Omicron as mild”.
Omicron variant across the world
The vaccine passport law in the UK passed by a 369 to 126 as the House of Commons backed the UK government’s plan of introducing COVID-19 passes. Hence, from Wednesday, people in England need to show their vaccination passes for entry into places where large crowds can gather. Despite delays in testing, England reported a total of 633 additional confirmed Omicron cases across the nation. Moreover, Australia identified a potential super-spreading Omicron event in Melbourne. According to Australian heath authorities, a person who later tested positive for the new variant attended two venues on December 10.
France reported a total of 130 cases of Omicron cases. According to reports, Africa is experiencing its fastest ever surge in coronavirus cases this year. While the numbers cross 83 percent, the death toll is thankfully low. Germany is going to exempt people from taking a covid dest before entering venues if they have the booster jab. Similarly, Austria is planning to recommend booster doses once every four months for children over 12 after their second dose. Norway and Denmark ensure higher safety, introducing stricter covid-19 measures as the infections sore high.
