Natalie Duckworth, Staff Writer A recent surge in Covid-19 cases, fueled by the Omicron variant, has led to a recent testing shortage and economic troubles nationwide, with cases on the rise around the world. Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 9.5 million new cases of Covid-19 globally, a 71% increase in new cases. Despite this drastic change from the previous stats, fortunately deaths are on the decline. While the Omicron variant is significantly less dangerous than the previous Delta variant, top doctors advise the public to continue to take caution. The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, says that “the tsunami of cases is so huge and quick that it is overwhelming health systems around the world.” Across the country, there has been a shortage of Covid tests, and the places that do have tests have very long lines. Consequently, the White House is in the process of sending an at-home Covid test to every American. Due to the shortage of tests, the case numbers reported daily are most likely smaller than what they really are. Photo by Lily Strickland; As more students must quarantine due to the more contagious Omicron variant, please remember to keep your mask on and oblige social distancing rules. The Omicron variant is comparably mild, mainly because it does not affect the lungs as much. Nonetheless, the variant can be more dangerous for toddlers, whose respiratory tracks are not as developed as teens and adults. Health experts such as Dr. Marc Siegel recommend that children should still stay in school despite the sudden uptick in cases. According to him, keeping schools closed does not lead to a decrease in the spread of the virus. If everything were shut down like it did in 2020, then there would be a major toll on the already suffering economy. It is also important to note that there are already therapeutics that can treat those sick with Covid. For example, monoclonal antibodies can enhance or immediate the immune system’s defense against invading cells. Dr. Siegel recommends that the White House should develop their own “Operation Warp Speed” (a reference to a Trump-era campaign that helped to create and distribute Covid vaccines) to help curb the rapid spread of Omicron. Lastly, Omicron has taken a toll on the entertainment industry. Just recently, the Recording Academy announced that the Grammy Awards will be postponed to a future date due to the amount of risks associated with holding such a big event. It will be tricky for organizers to find a new date, for the Los Angeles Convention Center is also home to professional basketball and hockey teams. Works Cited "As Omicron Spreads, Europe Scrambles to Shore Up Health Care." Fox News, 7 Jan. 2022,
www.foxnews.com/world/covid-19-europe-health-systems-staff-shortage. Accessed 9 Jan. 2022. "Grammys Postpone Awards Ceremony over Omicron COVID Variant Concerns." Fox News, 5 Jan. 2022, www.foxnews.com/entertainment/grammys-postpone-awards-ceremony-omicron-variant-coronavirus-concerns. Accessed 9 Jan. 2022. Nerozzi, Timothy. "Senate Dems Give Biden Pass on COVID-19 Testing Shortages Despite Repeatedly Slamming Trump." Fox News, 7 Jan. 2022, www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-dems-biden-covid-19-pass. Accessed 9 Jan. 2022. Siegel, Marc. "Don't Fear Omicron — It Will Burn Out. Here Are Five Ways to Be Unafraid." Fox News, 5 Jan. 2022, www.foxnews.com/opinion/omicron-covid-public-health-testing-masks-marc-siegel. Accessed 9 Jan. 2022.
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