The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that the coronavirus continued its onslaught across Georgia on New Year’s Eve as officials reported thousands of new cases due to the omicron variant. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) on Friday reported 24,320 confirmed and probable coronavirus infections, the second-highest total of the pandemic.
A day ago, Georgia reported more than 25,000 cases, nearly double the worst day Georgia reported before omicron. Thursday was the third day in a row of record-breaking daily infections, following reports of 13,670 cases Tuesday and 19,894 on Wednesday.
Omicron spreads faster than previous variants, though at least early indications are that many patients generally have less severe symptoms. Still, health officials have warned the more contagious variant could swamp hospitals amid rapid spread.
Hospitalizations continue to soar as well. The state is nearly half-way to its delta wave hospitalization peak of more than 6,000
About 85% of Georgia hospital beds were in use, including about 82% of intensive care beds.
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