(CNS): As expected, given the increased transmissiblility of this latest variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the number of new Omicron cases is rising, and there were 18 new suspected cases on Wednesday, compared to ten on Tuesday. There are 72 suspected cases of the new variant, which are going through genomic sequencing, in addition to the four already confirmed. However, the latest research is supporting early suggestions that Omicron, while much more contagious, may be far less virulent than Delta. Early data indicates a two-thirds reduction in hospitalization of double vaccinated adults compared with the Delta variant, or a 15-20% reduced risk of needing hospital treatment. While Omicron cases here are increasing rapidly, Delta is still the dominant variant here.

Source: Fox News December 24, 2021 15:21 UTC