The new omicron strain of the coronavirus has spread to 19 US states five days after it was first detected in a single person in California. To date, the number of cases in the country is approaching 50 million, according to The Washington Post.
It is noted that such data were calculated on Monday, December 6. The publication clarifies that the indicated number reflects the potential increased throughput of the new strain, as well as its easier detection.
However, the majority of COVID-19 cases across the country are still associated with the delta strain. By December 7, there are about 49.3 million cases in the United States and 786 thousand deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
The first case of infection with the omicron strain was recorded on December 1 in California. According to the American authorities, the sick patient came from South Africa and was fully vaccinated.
Later, the chief infectious disease specialist of the United States, Anthony Fauci, said that the spread of the new strain of infection was easier. He also suggested that omicron might be more resistant to vaccines. The infectious disease specialist emphasized that it is not yet known for certain, but you need to be ready for this.
