COTW: Covid-19 Still With US

Europe has been a few weeks ahead of the US in terms of pandemic case numbers.  This chart from NYT shows the spike in cases due to the latest virus variant BA.2 that appears to be even more contagious than Omicron.  The virus is fighting back, just like the Ukrainians.  BA.2 has already spread to the USA, accounting for 12% of newly diagnosed COVID-19 cases.

If the current trend holds, the USA could see an end to declining case numbers in about two months.  New daily cases are at the lowest since last summer before the Delta surge.  Fortunately vaccination reduces the  virility of the infection, and about 45% of Americans have already endured Omicron.  Just to see how bad the new infection can be, LOOK at this chart:

Hong Kong has a low vaccination rate among the elderly.  Vaccination is still the key to defeating the virus. You may be enjoying not having to wear a mask in public, but the virus is still out there.