US is facing record numbers of daily coronavirus cases driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant. The public health authorities nationwide have said that teens and younger adults are helping fuel this increase.
- The uptick in Covid-19 among the under-50s coincides with a surge in cases among young children, and a troubling increase in pediatric hospitalizations.
- In England, masks return for secondary pupils in classrooms amid fears that the new term could trigger a huge spike in cases of the Omicron variant.
- Meanwhile, thousands of Australians are isolated from Covid. Australia records more than 37,000 new Covid cases. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Australians to remain calm about the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
- France’s minister of health, Olivier Véran, has addressed the new Covid curbs in an appearance. He said, “It is never contradictory to protect the health of our society and the health of the French. One does not go without the other. The isolation rules which come into force respect this balance.”
However, India begins its vaccination drive for children aged 15 to 18, and South Korea reported two deaths in connection with the Omicron variant.
