WASHINGTON (Reuters] – The U.S. president Joe Biden met Monday with members of the White House’s COVID-19 response group. They were there to discuss the Omicron variant that has been spreading through the U.S. state this week.

As flight crews became infected with the virus over Christmas weekend, it drew a halt to air travel and resulted in thousands of cancellations. As the virus became more widespread, other plans were canceled due to curtailed cruises.

U.S. airlines cancelled 800 flights Monday. It was the fourth day in a row of cancellations. The announcement reaffirmed concerns that Omicron might cause economic problems for the United States as we move into 2022.

According to Reuters, U.S. COVID-19 infection rates are on the rise with 205.509 new cases reported each day.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards stated Sunday that the number of hospitalizations increased by twofold in a single week. The announcement came as his department of health urged caution before New Year’s Day.

On Monday, Dr. Anthony Fauci (the top U.S. infection official) urged citizens to abstain from large New Year’s parties to lessen the Omicron-driven rise in cases.

Officials have stated that people are safe to gather with their family members if they’re vaccinated. However, large celebrations can pose a risk.

When we’re talking about a New Years Eve party… It is a bad idea to go there this year. “There will be years for that,” Fauci, Biden’s chief medical advisor, said to CNN.

Fauci said that although he hopes that the surge in cases will subside by January, he is concerned that there could be more serious infections in hospitals in areas that are not yet fully vaccinated.

Separately, he stated that “we really still need be extremely cautious,” on MSNBC.

Biden last week announced reinforcements to bolster hospitals and testing, but some healthcare experts say that effort is too little, too late https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/biden-omicron-measures-too-little-too-late-fast-moving-virus-experts-2021-12-23.