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MARCH 16, 2022 / 9:58 AM
CBS NEWS
Just as Americans start taking off their masks, the Omicron sub-variant BA.2 is quickly spreading across the United States, making up nearly a quarter of new COVID-19 infections, health officials estimate.
BA.2 is about 30% more transmissible than Omicron, but it does not appear to be more severe. And despite the spread of the new sub-variant, U.S. daily cases and hospitalizations continue to drop while deaths plateau.
... In the U.K., meanwhile, cases were up about 52% in the last week and hospitalizations were up 18%, almost three weeks after the country dropped its last remaining COVID-19 mandates.
In China, COVID infections are rising fast, with daily cases jumping about 14% in the last few days. China's less effective COVID vaccine and low levels of natural immunity — due in part to severe lockdowns — have complicated the country's efforts to stop the spread of BA.2.
... The White House says cuts to COVID funding in Congress could hit Americans as early as next week. Medical providers will no longer be able to submit claims for COVID treatments, tests or vaccinations for the uninsured, and the U.S. may not have enough funding to purchase additional boosters.
CBS NEWS
Just as Americans start taking off their masks, the Omicron sub-variant BA.2 is quickly spreading across the United States, making up nearly a quarter of new COVID-19 infections, health officials estimate.
BA.2 is about 30% more transmissible than Omicron, but it does not appear to be more severe. And despite the spread of the new sub-variant, U.S. daily cases and hospitalizations continue to drop while deaths plateau.
... In the U.K., meanwhile, cases were up about 52% in the last week and hospitalizations were up 18%, almost three weeks after the country dropped its last remaining COVID-19 mandates.
In China, COVID infections are rising fast, with daily cases jumping about 14% in the last few days. China's less effective COVID vaccine and low levels of natural immunity — due in part to severe lockdowns — have complicated the country's efforts to stop the spread of BA.2.
... The White House says cuts to COVID funding in Congress could hit Americans as early as next week. Medical providers will no longer be able to submit claims for COVID treatments, tests or vaccinations for the uninsured, and the U.S. may not have enough funding to purchase additional boosters.
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