omicron variant

Amid the omicron surge, there is understandable anxiety among parents, particularly those with kids under 5. Pediatric infectious disease doctor Ibukun Kalu answers some of their questions.

A resurgence in COVID-19 cases is testing the endurance of health care workers who care for the sickest patients, most of whom are unvaccinated.

The variant caused fewer deaths and less severe infections than past versions of the virus in South Africa, but that could be different in other countries.

In a letter sent to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, Dr. Joseph Ladapo wrote that federal agencies should not be controlling COVID options. He asked that Florida be able to pursue unlimited acquisition of any treatment.

New data from the CDC released on Tuesday shows that while omicron remains the dominant variant, delta — which is the more severe strain — is still a worrisome driving force behind the current surge.

The Carnival Freedom, with an undisclosed number of cases, and Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas, with at least 60, returned to their Florida ports on Sunday.

The state reported 31,758 new cases Friday and 32,850 Saturday, a 320% surge in weekly numbers. The surge has come with a rush to get tested ahead of the holidays, and that trend continued after Christmas.

More than 1,400 flights canceled worldwide Monday, adding to thousands canceled over the Christmas weekend. And across the country, long lines continued at COVID-19 testing sites.

Meantime, the College Football Playoff committee announced contingences for the national semifinals - including Miami's Orange Bowl - and national championship, should any of the four teams be unable to compete.

In a study this month, researchers concluded that "the omicron wave in Florida is likely to cause many more infections than occurred during the delta wave" — about 40,000 new cases per day.