The omicron variant has quickly surpassed the delta variant in collections taken from wastewater sampling sites in Orange County, officials said. A sampling this week showed that omicron represented almost 100% of the strains in the samples from the wastewater facilities, Orange County Utilities spokesperson Sarah Lux said in an email. It's a different story when it comes to people seeking treatment for COVID-19, officials said. “Those who are hospitalized are being primarily infected by the delta variant,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Wednesday at a news conference held at the Orlando International Airport. Scientists have said omicron is more contagious than delta, but it’s unclear whether omicron’s rapid spread will overwhelm hospitals.

Source: ABC News December 17, 2021 14:00 UTC