The United Kingdom yesterday raised its COVID-19 alert to its second highest level, due to a rapid rise in Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant cases that appears likely to put more pressure on an already strained health system.COVID-19 patterns in the United Kingdom are often a bellwether for how events might unfold in other countries, including the United States.
Elsewhere, Denmark and Norway are reporting rapidly growing rises, with South Africa continuing to report brisk activity.UK notes first death, expects 'tidal wave' of casesIn an address to the nation yesterday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said evidence suggests Omicron cases are doubling every 2 to 3 days and that the country knows from experience how exponential curves develop."No