Omicron’s Spread was Rapid and Concerning

By Rebecca Altmann ‘24
Omicron is a highly transmissible variant of COVID-19 being referred to as “the fastest spreading virus” as it has spread more rapidly than the previous Delta variant. Experts say that with the arrival of this variant, it is crucial to follow COVID protocols, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated.

While Omicron is considered mild, many have been hospitalized, and causes an estimated two deaths for every thousand people infected. Omicron has spread rapidly throughout the world and reached global records daily this winter. Doctors have said that it can be infectious prior to a positive test, which can lead to even more spread. The US alone logged about 800,000 new infections per day in January, and Omicron is responsible for over 73% of COVID cases. 
One struggle in doctors’ research has been Omicron’s increased infectiousness- even in people who have received a vaccine. Due to the many mutations on the spike protein, the virus has had more success infecting those with immunity than previous variants. Despite this, vaccinated people are much less likely to end up with severe cases, leading to hospitalization or death than those who are unvaccinated. 
“It's been very annoying to have to keep wearing masks and being careful now into our third year of this pandemic.  Hopefully it will end soon,” said eighth grader Maya Footerman.
In light of the recent uproar, many schools felt it necessary to proceed learning remotely following winter break. Furthermore, some teachers are refusing to work in person. In Chicago, classes were canceled after teachers walked out in early January. The teachers were demanding safer COVID-19 protocols to be put in place at their schools. 
“I feel like we haven’t done that much remote learning this year compared to last year, and hopefully we’ve done enough to ride out this wave,” said eighth grader Isabel Horn. 
For low income families, virtual school can be a hardship. Low income workers are more likely to have jobs that must be in person, forcing these families to struggle with finding supervision for their children. 
Moreover, many of these families can’t afford technology, leaving their children with no option for virtual learning, and putting them at a disadvantage. Low income families also need the schools to be open to keep their children warm and fed.
Since Omicron is highly contagious, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has made several changes in COVID protocols recently. New CDC studies are proving that cloth masks may not be an effective choice, and it is a better option to wear more tight-fitting masks, such as surgical masks or N95 respirators. 
Isolation protocols have changed as well. Isolation periods have been reduced from ten to five days with no symptoms. Studies show that most transmission occurs in the first two days, so these shorter guidelines prevent people from going out when they’re most infectious. 
The CDC wanted to give a time period that people are more likely to adhere to, as it is expected that less than a third of people properly isolate when they are supposed to. 
Despite changing protocols, the CDC has not changed the definition of the term “fully vaccinated.” The CDC still counts people as fully vaccinated after two shots, but highly recommends the booster, which provides even more protection. Studies show that one’s resistance to COVID may decline five months after receiving the second dose. 
With surging cases, there has been a significant lack of tests. New York has seen long lines of people waiting at mobile testing sites. There has also been a shortage of at-home tests, adding to people’s frustration and struggle. 
To address that problem, the government has announced that starting January 15th, people will be able to get insurance coverage for up to eight at-home tests per person per month. 
While the future of the pandemic remains uncertain, these new recommendations and more available tests may reassure people that progress against COVID is being made.