Maria Caspani

NEW YORK, (Reuters) – New cases of coronavirus are declining in the areas of the United States most affected by Omicron variant. This is according to a Reuters review of public health data. It’s possible that the virus may be retreating once more.

A comparison of the week ending Wednesday and the week before showed that the number of COVID-19-related infections has decreased in 15 US states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.

The Northeast had the highest number of cases in the last surge. However, infection rates are down by 36% per week.

Nationally, there was a smaller drop with the average seven-day number of COVID-19 new cases dropping 1%, according to the Reuters tally.

The COVID-19 data can often be a day behind actual conditions.

Wafaa El Sadr is a Columbia University professor of medicine and epidemiology in New York City. “It bodes well for Omicron’s trajectory,” she said.

Although there is some hope that the number of cases in the first- and hardest-hit areas of the United States will drop, infection rates are on the increase across the nation.

The Midwest continues to see an increase in cases at 14% per week. This is followed by the South, at 8%, and Western states, at 7%. But, this increase has been slowing in recent weeks.

On a national level, the average number of cases is still at 765,000. This is down from an all-time high of 815,000. Deaths usually fall three weeks behind cases. They are now at an average of 1,950 per days, up from 1,300 at January’s start, but far below the 3,300 people who died during the February 2021 surge.

According to Reuters, COVID hospitalizations (also a lagging indicator) reached a new record on Wednesday at 152,555. However, they have shown signs of stabilizing in the last week around 150,000.

El-Sadr explained, “We need to remember that we’re still not out in the woods. There’s a glimpse of hope, there’s light at the other end of the tunnel.” Based on where you live and who you are, that light may be closer or farther away.

Numerous hospitals across the nation are struggling to deal with the Omicron-led increase. The administration of Joe Biden announced last week that it would send military medical workers to six states in the United States to combat the rising number of patients and the staff shortage.

After Biden was criticised for not putting enough effort into fighting the pandemic, the federal government has begun providing free tests at home to Americans.

Omicron rapidly spread during the holiday season, forcing Americans to halt plans for normality and slow down as the United States enters its third pandemic year.

In some schools, classes were cancelled or delayed. Teachers and staff members were also reduced due to illness and safety concerns. Parents were forced to learn how to navigate the complex school COVID-19 policies, while students protested against being placed in unsafe schools and demanded a change to distance learning.

Companies postponed and changed back-office plans while entertainment venues had to be temporarily closed due to the sudden surge.

There are other reasons to feel optimistic, such as the drop in New York City, New Jersey, Rhode Island cases.

Prof. El-Sadr pointed out some positive aspects in the fight against pandemic. He noted that Omicron was found to be less severe than COVID-19 strains and also the protection provided by vaccines against severe illnesses. There is the potential to adapt mRNA vaccinations quickly to accommodate new varieties.