White House anticipating rise in new Covid-19 cases from Omicron variant

(Washington, D.C.) -- The White House is bracing for a significant rise in new COVID cases due to the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant.  During a briefing, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky cited a 25-percent hike in new cases last week.  White House COVID coordinator Jeff Zients told reporters that unvaccinated people face the greatest risk.  

All 50 states say they have seen the COVID-19 Omicron variant.  The variant was first detected 22 days ago after being discovered in South Africa less than a month ago.  Omicron cases have also been reported in Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.