Omicron Worsens

The Variant’s growing danger

Omicron is fast becoming the dominant variant in the United States and many parts of the world. Omicron is in at least 34 states. The daily infection rate across the country has skyrocketed. In Massachusetts, the daily infections were over 11,000. In the United Kingdom, Omicron infections outpace Delta infections. The U.K. has also experienced its first Omicron-related death.

While scientists study Omicron’s impact, doctors are pleading with people to get not only the vaccine but also a booster shot. Early studies of Omicron have shown that the variant weakens the effectiveness of the vaccines. However, a booster shot will increase protection against Omicron.

The bottom line is this — get vaccinated. Omicron is more contagious than the Delta Variant. If you’re vaccinated, please get the booster shot. More and more people across the United States have become infected by the virus — many of them are vaccinated. However, they didn’t have booster shots.

In the meantime, please wear your mask. Mask mandates are returning in many states. Also, remember to socially distance yourself from other people and wash your hands regularly. These actions can mitigate the spread of the virus. Infections can decrease while scientists and drug makers figure out a counter to Omicron.

As much as we want it to be over, the pandemic isn’t over. If anything, it seems to be gaining strength. We had a break over the summer with infection rates low and many people being vaccinated. Unfortunately, many more people didn’t get vaccinated or were boosted. Now, we have both the Delta and Omicron variants. More people need to be vaccinated before the next variant emerges.