The seven-day average new SARS-CoV-2 infections in the United States tripled in two weeks to more than 700,000 per day. In addition, more than 135,500 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Monday, also a record.
The rapid increase in the number of infections has disrupted the work of schools, which are struggling with the absence of staff, teachers and bus drivers. Chicago has canceled classes for the fourth day in a rowLocal school authorities and teachers failed to agree on how to deal with the growing number of infections.
In New York, three subway lines have been suspended due to the large number of sick workers. The companies’ plans to return employees to established business have also been thwarted. Across the country, the average number of deaths per day is 1,700.
Meanwhile, the economy is a greater concern for Americans than the pandemic. Only 37 percent. Participants in an AP survey and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research cited the coronavirus as one of the top five social priorities. Commentators appreciate it It can empower the Republican in future electionsAnd for Democrats, maintaining control of Congress will be a challenge.
The survey was conducted in early December with growing concern about the virus and with Omikron spreading in the country but before it caused a record number of cases, hospitals were overburdened and holiday travel was disrupted. However, respondents interviewed recently in the survey said they had not changed their mind about priorities, the PA stressed.
The state of the economy was identified as the most important problem by 68 percent. responders. A similar percentage said the same thing last year, but 53% called the epidemic a pandemic. responders. In addition, 14% said there is a risk of inflation. of respondents, while in 2021 there were less than 1% of them.
