The spike in COVID-19 cases is alarming public health officials, who fear an explosion of infections after the Christmas and New Year's holidays. With the new variant in circulation, COVID-19 cases are now doubling in 1-1/2 to three days in areas with community transmission, the World Health Organization said on Saturday. In New York City, COVID-19 cases rose 60% in the week that ended on Sunday as Omicron spread rapidly around the US Northeast. 'Just stay home'New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi said on Monday that while new COVID-19 cases have "increased sharply," hospitalizations have not jumped at the same rate. The state's health director, Dr. Mary Bassett, is among those who have tested positive for COVID-19, Hochul said.

Source: The Edge Markets December 21, 2021 15:31 UTC