Coronavirus Report: December 27, 2021

By Marsha Mullings, MPH

USA

52.3 million cases,

821,000 deaths

Florida

3.9 million cases,

62,342 deaths

Update

• New coronavirus cases continue a rapid rise across the US. The daily average number of new cases has shot up to 215,000 in just one week.
• The Northeast is experiencing the largest upsurge of cases across the US. Cases in New York have jumped 80% over the last two weeks.
• COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are rising steadily in all states.
• Florida is experiencing a rapid increase in new cases. The state has again set a record for daily cases, reporting 32, 850 new cases on Christmas day, breaking the record set only a day earlier, of 31,780 cases.
• Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties are hotspots for new cases. It is believed that the Omicron variant is circulating widely in the tri-county area.
• Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines, originating out of the ports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, have reported outbreaks among cruise passengers. Some of the ships are currently barred from entering ports of call in the Caribbean.

Announcements

Omicron Variant Reported in All US States

The Omicron variant is now completely dispersed across every state in the US. Omicron is believed to be four times more transmissible than the Delta variant.

Vaccinated people may at risk for infection with Omicron as the variant may be partially resistant to vaccines. Vaccination still protects against severe illness and hospitalization, even if an infection occurs.

The global response to the Omicron variant continues to evolve. Many nations have instituted new travel restrictions. The US requires that all persons entering the US from a foreign country present a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of their travel date, regardless of their vaccination status.

FDA Approves an Anti-Viral COVID-19 Pill Made by Pfizer/BioNTech

The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization (eua) for Paxlovid, an oral tablet for use among persons suffering mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. The pill is thought to reduce the risk of severe disease and death by up to 89%. The pill will be available for distribution in January.

Advisory

The emergence of Omicron and other coronavirus variants highlights the seriousness of COVID-19 as a continued health crisis.         Vigilance is critical to reducing the chance of acquiring an infection. Practice good COVID-19 control strategies:

*Observe social distancing guidelines (six feet or more of separation from others).

*Practice good hand hygiene (wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizers).

*Wear a mask when out in public if you are unvaccinated.

For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org; nyt.com; www.coronavirus.jhu.edu;  www.cdc.gov;