By the middle of February, most modelling predicts that at least 50% of Americans will have been infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
This prediction is based on infection rate, whereas many states are showing possibilities of peak infection. That only means, however, that we’re at the mid-way point of this particular infectious wave.
Case counts for the US appear to have peaked at a 7-day average of 806k on Jan 14. Omicron grew from approximately 35k daily cases on Dec 14 to ~800k daily cases in ~4 weeks. 1/9 pic.twitter.com/D1Y6R58SjN
— Trevor Bedford (@trvrb) January 20, 2022
Looking at cases per 100k population per day across states, downturns are clear in NY, NJ, MA, FL, etc…, but many states are not yet at peak case loads. 2/9 pic.twitter.com/CMgVS6BG8O
— Trevor Bedford (@trvrb) January 20, 2022
Without sweeping healthcare measures, worldwide vaccine access, and anti-vaxxers getting the vaccines, the death toll will increase and a return to “Normal” will be delayed. Enhanced public health measures are key to mitigate the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, many jurisdictions are still anti-science and are directly contributing to the collapse of the healthcare systems. Everyone does not inevitably have to contract the virus. Good ppublic health measures can mitigate this occurrence.