Anthony Fauci, the chief pandemic adviser in the United States, said on Sunday that the country is experiencing a "very sharp rise" in COVID cases with the spread of the Omicron variant, suggesting that the peak of the wave could occur in just a few weeks. Fauci stated to ABC News, "We are certainly in the midst of a very sharp increase in cases," describing the rising infection rate as "unprecedented." He explained that the curve of infections has seen an "almost vertical rise."
With the Omicron variant spreading worldwide, more than 440,000 new cases were recorded in the United States on Friday, an increase of about 200,000 cases compared to the peak figures reported last February. However, Fauci noted that South Africa's experience provides some hope, as the wave there receded almost as quickly as it spread.
He added that evidence is increasing that Omicron is less severe than previous variants. The rates of hospitalization and death in the United States have been much lower in recent weeks compared to other COVID waves. The United States, like other countries, is trying to find a balance that protects public health without harming the economy and essential services like policing and air travel.
As children prepare to return to school on Monday after the end-of-year break, Fauci and U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona expressed their belief that in-person education can continue safely if proper precautions are taken. Fauci urged parents to vaccinate their children, wear masks, and get tested if necessary. He stated, "I believe that with all these measures combined, it is safe enough to return children to school, compared to the negative effects of keeping them out."
In the meantime, Secretary Cardona said returning to schools will be challenging but necessary. He told Fox News Sunday, "I think there will be bumps in the road, especially tomorrow," Monday, with many teachers and staff expected to be absent due to illness. For his part, Eric Adams, who was sworn in as New York City's mayor, said there is no option but to safely return children to school. He added in a statement to ABC News, "We have lost nearly two years of education… we cannot repeat that… the safest place for children is school."
