The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is driving an unprecedented surge in infections and hospitalizations in the United States, leading to record-breaking numbers of deaths, hospitalizations, and positive cases..
**Record-breaking numbers of COVID cases**.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States recorded over 1.3 million new COVID cases on January 10, 2023, the highest single-day total since the pandemic began. The seven-day average of new cases has also reached a record high of over 750,000..
**Unprecedented surge in hospitalizations**.
The surge in infections has led to an unprecedented surge in hospitalizations. As of January 10, 2023, over 140,000 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, the highest number since January 2021. The strain on hospitals is particularly acute in areas with low vaccination rates..
**Over 800,000 COVID deaths**.
The Omicron surge has also contributed to a significant increase in the number of deaths from COVID-19. As of January 10, 2023, over 800,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States. The seven-day average of deaths has also reached a record high of over 2,300..
**Surge primarily driven by Omicron**.
The Omicron variant is highly transmissible and has quickly become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States. Omicron is believed to be more transmissible than previous variants and may be able to evade immunity from vaccination or prior infection..
**Health officials urge precautions**.
Health officials are urging people to take precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including getting vaccinated, wearing masks in indoor public spaces, and practicing social distancing. They also recommend that people get tested for COVID-19 if they have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive..
**Outlook**.
The Omicron surge is expected to continue for several weeks before it begins to decline. Health officials are hopeful that the surge will not lead to a significant increase in deaths due to the high levels of vaccination in the United States. However, they are cautioning that the situation could change rapidly if people do not take precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19..
