As expected – Omicron is so virulent; and testing is now so prevalent – than recorded cases already for Jan (to the 21st) are at a record. Over 14 million cases. Run rate for fatalities puts it about 50,000 deaths this month.
Even though the UK has definitely peaked on average daily cases – the total for the month will be a record – and fatalities will be the highest for 10 months.
The UK has definitely peaked for cases:
But the US has not and the fatality rate has risen sharply and is much higher (per capita) than the UK:
Tennessee
My home state Tennessee shows sharply rising cases, and very high level of fatalities
But NY has definitely peaked:
But not soon enough to avoid January being a record month for fatalities in the past 10+ months. Expect fatalities of about 5,000 by the end of the month – close to the same level from Jan 2021.
11 States now have average daily fatalities in excess of 10 people per million per day:
It’s still time to be cautious and avoid putting incremental pressure on hospitals. And of course – if you are not vaccinated or boosted – get it!
The overall higher fatality rate in the US versus the UK is most likely attributable to lower vaccination levels here in the US.
JF Insights 