WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Monday reported at least 1.13 million new coronavirus infections, according to a Reuters tally, the highest daily total of any country in the world, as the spread of the variant highly contagious omicron has shown no signs of slowing down.
The previous record was 1.03 million cases on January 3. A large number of cases are reported every Monday due to the fact that many states did not report over the weekend. The seven-day average of new cases has tripled in two weeks to more than 700,000 new infections per day.
Not all states have reported yet on Monday and the final figure is likely to be even higher.
The record for new cases arrived the same day the country saw the number of COVID-19 hospital patients also hit a record high, having doubled in three weeks, according to a Reuters tally.
More than 135,500 people have been hospitalized for COVID, surpassing the record of 132,051 set in January of last year.
While the omicron variant is potentially less serious, health officials have warned the large number of infections could strain hospital systems, some of which have already suspended elective procedures as they struggle to cope with increasing patient numbers and staff shortages.
The increase in the number of cases has disrupted schools, which are struggling with absences of staff, teachers and bus drivers. Chicago canceled classes for a fourth day as the district and teachers disagreed on how to deal with the rise in infections.
New York City has suspended service on three subway lines due to large numbers of sick workers, according to its Twitter account. Corporate plans to return workers to power have also been derailed.
Deaths are on average 1,700 per day, up from around 1,400 in recent days, but within levels seen earlier this winter.
A redesigned COVID-19 vaccine that specifically targets the omicron variant is likely needed, the CEO of Pfizer Inc said on Monday, adding that his company may have one ready to launch by March.