Omicron is here. It has been found in 100 % of the waste water samples in Orlando Florida.The only reason it isn’t being reported officially is because it is not being sequenced in labs.
Omicron is in a battle against the already raging Delta Variant in America. In South Africa Omicron completely overwhelmed and replaced Delta in a matter of weeks. In that case however Delta was already on the downswing. It is hard to know exactly how two variants battling against each other for human fuel will play out. The unvaccinated will all face this threat. Even the vaccinated could be re-innfected but cases should be more mild.
In New York City the Rockettes canceled its run because of infections among the cast. Hamilton, Mrs Doubtfire and other Broadway shows are shutting down. The NFL is canceling games because too many players are infected. In a struggle for normalcy players can get back on the field after just 1 negative test. School children are much he same they do not need to isolate as long as they do not test positive. Asymptomatic spread is being ignored. More than 60 fully vaccinated people tested positive for Omicron after an office holiday party in Norway, and all had gotten negative rapid-test results just a day earlier.
A case study in Japan found that Omicron is much better at infecting Bronchial tissue. The brochus are the tubed that lead down to the lungs. They found that it infects bronchus tissues 70% more than Delta. That means there is plenty of viral partials expelled when any infected person breaths, or speaks. Another finding was that Omicron infects actual lung tissue 10% less than Delta. That means there might be less need for supplemental oxygen or intubation. With milder symptoms an infected person might feel free to go out and infect many more people.
The Omicron variant is incredible transmissible. Super spreading events are happening daily since everyone has let their guard down. To stay safe the rules remain the same, social distance, wear a quality N95 mask and wash your hands often. Vaccinate, get boosted and stay vigilant. This holiday season is going to be a viral battle ground.