Covid in US breaks world record, with 1.35 million cases in one day

The previous record was 1.03 million cases on January 3
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(Reuters) – The United States reported 1.35 million new coronavirus infections on Monday, according to a Reuters count, the highest daily total of any country in the world, as the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant showed no signs of stopping.

The previous record was 1.03 million cases on January 3. A large number of cases are reported every Monday due to many countries not reporting over the weekend. The seven-day average of new cases tripled in two weeks to more than 700,000 new infections per day.

The record new cases came on the same day that the country saw the number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals also rise to an all-time high, doubling in three weeks, according to a Reuters tally.

More than 136,604 people have been hospitalized with Covid-19, surpassing the record of 132,051 people in January last year.

While the Omicron variant is potentially less dangerous, health officials have warned that the sheer number of infections could strain hospital systems, some of which have already suspended elective procedures as they struggle to deal with the surge in patients and staff.

The high number of cases has disrupted schools, which suffer from absenteeism from staff, teachers and bus drivers.

Chicago canceled classes for the fourth day because the district and teachers couldn’t agree on how to deal with the rise in infections.

New York City has suspended service on three subway lines because large numbers of workers have fallen ill, according to its Twitter account. The companies’ plans to have workers back in the office have also been thwarted.

Deaths average 1,700 per day, up from about 1,400 in recent days, but within levels seen earlier this winter.

Pfizer Inc’s CEO said Monday that a redesigned Covid-19 vaccine that specifically targets the Omicron variant is needed, adding that his company may have one ready for launch in March.

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