On Monday, the United States reported 1.35 million new COVID-19 cases according to a Reuters tally, viewed by "Al Arabiya.net." This is the highest daily total for any country in the world, as the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant shows no signs of slowing down. The previous record was 1.03 million cases on January 3. A large number of cases are reported each Monday due to many countries not reporting over the weekend.
Additionally, the seven-day average for new cases has tripled in two weeks to more than 700,000 new cases per day, as stated by Reuters, which was also reviewed by "Al Arabiya.net." The record number of new cases came on the same day that the U.S. saw the highest ever number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals, having doubled in three weeks, according to a Reuters tally. More than 136,604 people have been hospitalized due to COVID-19, surpassing the previous record of 132,051 from January of last year.
While the Omicron variant may be less severe, health officials warned that the massive number of infections could strain hospital systems, some of which have already suspended elective procedures as they struggle to cope with the surge in patients and staff shortages. The rising case numbers have disrupted schools facing staff absences, teachers, and bus drivers. Chicago canceled classes for the fourth day as the area and teachers failed to agree on how to handle the increasing infections. Similarly, New York City suspended service on three subway lines due to a large number of workers falling ill, according to their Twitter account. Plans for companies to return workers to offices have also gone off track.
The daily average of deaths has reached 1,700, up from about 1,400 in recent days but within levels seen earlier this winter. Meanwhile, the CEO of Pfizer stated on Monday that a new COVID-19 vaccine specifically targeting the Omicron variant is needed, adding that his company may have one ready for rollout by March.
