Omicron Fuels Surge in Daily Covid-19 Cases

Iran’s Health Ministry reported a spike in coronavirus cases as the Omicron variant drove daily infections above the 3,000 mark for the first time since early December. 
The Health Ministry on Monday logged 3,160 confirmed cases, up by 38% compared to a day earlier, IRNA reported.
Masoud Younesian, a senior member of the national Covid-19 science committee, said on Monday that up to 40% of coronavirus transmissions are linked to Omicron. 
The highly contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus was first detected in Africa and reported to the World Health Organization in late November. 
Younesian said, “Infection by Omicron and the number of patients are rising. It seems like we have received a signal for the sixth wave.”
“If circumstances continue, Omicron will become the dominant strain across the country by next week,” he added.
Omicron was found in Iran nearly a month ago in a recent traveler to the United Arab Emirates. Cases have been rising ever since as community transmission of the variant began. 
“Over the past four weeks, Omicron cases have witnessed a 10% climb every week,” Younesian said, noting that 43% of cases over the last week were caused by Omicron.