Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the Director of CDC, warned Wednesday against lowering Covid-19 safety protocol because this omicron strain drives hospitalizations and cases to new records.

Walensky declared that mild does not necessarily mean gentle. He also stated that it was impossible to overlook the significant strains on health systems as well as the deaths. a press briefing with the White House Covid response team.

Walensky said that “it’s important not to forget we’re still faced with a high overall prevalence of disease.” She urged people to get vaccinated and wear masks to stay “aware.”

According to data from the Department of Health and Human Services, there are approximately 155,000 Covid-infected patients in U.S. hospital. This is higher than last winter’s peak level. Johns Hopkins University also reported that the U.S. has reported a daily average of 2,260 Covid-related deaths each day for seven days. It is this highest level since February.

This is adding to the already stretched health-care sector. There are several thousand of these workers. resignedThe past year. Many breakthrough cases have been restraining those who are still active in this field. spend days at homeIsolation and absence from work

Walensky stated that while many are exhausted, many hospitals in the country are struggling to meet their needs. “It has been a difficult two years. But, we ask that you now take the time to be present in this moment.

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reduced its isolation time for healthcare workers, and Biden’s administration deployed thousands of military nurses and doctors to help overwhelmed hospitals, workers still report that they are struggling.

The end of the omicron waves could come soon, it is certain. White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci said earlier this week that most states will reach a peak of omicron cases by mid-February. Many states already report declining populations.

However, there could still be thousands more infections on the opposite side of the peak. Walensky stated that Americans must still follow strict Covid prevention steps, such as wearing protective masks or getting boosted.

Nate Rattner from CNBC contributed to this article.