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Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks during the daily briefing at the White House on Dec. 1. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Fauci suggests skipping big New Year’s parties as infections skyrocket

Updated December 29, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. EST|Published December 29, 2021 at 3:58 a.m. EST

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Americans planning to ring in 2022 with dozens of other people should reconsider their plans as the omicron variant causes coronavirus infections to surge, Anthony S. Fauci, the Biden administration’s chief medical adviser, said Wednesday.  

Here’s what to know

  • Omicron is the dominant variant in the United States, making up about 59 percent of infections for the week ending Dec. 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.
  • The coronavirus is again spreading on cruise ships, with 86 vessels in U.S. waters reporting infections onboard through Tuesday, according to CDC data. Unlike during earlier outbreaks, there is no indication of a pending industry shutdown.
  • Officials are working to accelerate testing at schools in New York City so that those who test negative or are asymptomatic can continue with in-person classes. The new policy, “Stay Safe, and Stay Open,” will take effect Jan 3.
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Omicron is the dominant variant in the United States, making up about 59 percent of infections for the week ending Dec. 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.
The coronavirus is again spreading on cruise ships, with 86 vessels in U.S. waters reporting infections onboard through Tuesday, according to CDC data. Unlike during earlier outbreaks, there is no indication of a pending industry shutdown.
Officials are working to accelerate testing at schools in New York City so that those who test negative or are asymptomatic can continue with in-person classes. The new policy, “Stay Safe, and Stay Open,” will take effect Jan 3.

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Coronavirus: What you need to know

End of the public health emergency: The Biden administration ended the public health emergency for the coronavirus pandemic on May 11, just days after WHO said it would no longer classify the coronavirus pandemic as a public health emergency. Here’s what the end of the covid public health emergency means for you.

Tracking covid cases, deaths: Covid-19 was the fourth leading cause of death in the United States last year with covid deaths dropping 47 percent between 2021 and 2022. See the latest covid numbers in the U.S. and across the world.

The latest on coronavirus boosters: The FDA cleared the way for people who are at least 65 or immune-compromised to receive a second updated booster shot for the coronavirus. Here’s who should get the second covid booster and when.

New covid variant: A new coronavirus subvariant, XBB. 1.16, has been designated as a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organization. The latest omicron offshoot is particularly prevalent in India. Here’s what you need to know about Arcturus.

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