The omicron variant: What we know so far

Leading infectious disease experts urged Long Islanders on Monday to get their COVID-19 booster shots immediately as a defense against the new omicron variant emerging in parts of the world. Today's newsletter includes the latest on the variant, the Islanders' recent plight with COVID-19 and the effects from the supply chain crisis. By Erin Serpico Doctors: Best defense against omicron variant is a booster Dr. Nicholas Galindez, a Stony Brook University Hospital pharmacist, prepares a COVID-19 vaccine on Nov. 14 in Stony Brook. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin As more cases of the omicron variant emerge around the world, Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of infectious diseases at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital, said the variant has signs of being worse than the delta variant in some ways. "It certainly is alarming," Farber said. "It has spread remarkably quickly, replacing the delta variant, which we didn't previously think was possible. The impossible always becomes the possible with this virus." Advertisements Farber cautioned that medical experts still lack substantial information about omicron, such as how effective the current vaccines will be against it or how severely it will impact people's health. Dr. Usma Syed, infectious disease specialist at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, said it isn't surprising a new variant has emerged, since with many people unvaccinated the virus continues to circulate widely and mutate. She agreed that people should get their booster as soon as possible — or their first shots. Read more from this story by Newsday's Bart Jones and Lisa L. Colangelo. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden on Monday called the new variant a cause for concern, but "not a cause for panic" and was not considering a widespread U.S. lockdown. Doctors say South Africa's rapid increase in COVID-19 cases attributed to the omicron variant is resulting in mostly mild symptoms. Answering your questions: We have an FAQ focused on the variant, summarizing what we know about it and what we don't. Plus, travel bans around the world: Some countries have shut their doors again to try to keep the variant at bay, like Japan announced it would bar entry of all foreign visitors, joining Israel in doing so, and Morocco banned all incoming flights. Advertisements The chart below shows the number of new cases confirmed each day in the state this month. The number of new cases confirmed each day. Search a map of new cases and view more charts showing the latest local trends in vaccinations, testing, hospitalizations, deaths and more. See more coronavirus headlines below. NYC mayor urges masks for indoor locations; issues vax mandate for child-care employees Mayor Bill de Blasio said he is not ready to issue a mask mandate for all indoor sites in the city until more is learned about the omicron variant. Experts: Get-togethers likely to fuel COVID rise on LI; omicron impact unknown The increase in COVID-19 cases and positivity rates this autumn has roughly mirrored the pattern from last fall, while the omicron variant represents "a whole new wild card," an infectious disease specialist said. To our community: Newsday readers support our strong local journalism by subscribing. Please show you value this important work by becoming a subscriber now. Subscribe for $1 Only in Newsday Asian vaccination rate of 15 and older highest among LI's ethnic groups Community leaders cite high rates of education and income and cultural differences as the key reasons Long Island's Asian population is getting vaccinated against COVID-19. WHO chief: Omicron shows need for global accord on pandemics "The emergence of the highly mutated omicron variant underlines just how perilous and precarious our situation is," the WHO director-general said, calling for a "legally binding" agreement that wasn't mentioned in a draft text seeking consensus on the way forward. Advertisement Only in Newsday Empty shelves, shipment delays: Pharmacists feeling supply chain woes The logjam is making it tougher to get some prescription drugs, common items ranging from cough medicine to feminine products, and vital equipment such as ventilators. Newsday's Breaking News newsletter Get breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our email news alerts. SIGN UP As workers struggle with pandemic, employers expand mental health benefits Many employers polled for the 2021 Employer Health Benefits Survey reported that they've made changes to their mental health and substance use benefits, such as increasing the ways employees can tap into mental health services. Santa is back this year, but he pleads caution Santa might not be wearing plastic face shields, but about half of them say they're not quite ready for hugs, whispers and kids sobbing on their knees. Advertisement Isles' COVID-19 outbreak could have long-term effect on team Coach Barry Trotz said earlier in the week that some of the players who tested positive for COVID-19 had been "hit hard," while others experienced minimal effects. FDA: Merck COVID pill effective, experts will review safety Federal health regulators say an experimental COVID-19 pill from Merck is effective against the virus, but they will seek input from outside experts on risks of birth defects and other potential problems in pregnant women. More businesses to host holiday parties, many still unsure   Caution and precaution are high in the celebration-planning conversation. Keira Knightley quarantining with family after contracting COVID "I've got COVID and I'm feeling pretty rubbish," the two-time Academy Award nominee said. Advertisement Sign up for more newsletters You can cancel anytime How are we doing? We're always looking for ways to make newsletters better for you, and would love your feedback on how Tracking the Coronavirus could be improved. Email your thoughts, suggestions, or complaints to: anthony.bottan@newsday.com View this email in your browser Copyright © 2021 Newsday. All rights reserved. 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