Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins reported 335 new COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths on Monday.
WHO warns of the omicron variant’s “very high” global risk, WFAA reports. Although there are still uncertainties on this variant’s characteristics, the World Health Organization warns that the mutated coronavirus could lead to surges with “severe consequences.” President Joe Biden called the omicron variant a cause for concern but “not a cause for panic.” President Biden says he is not considering any widespread U.S. lockdown and instead urged vaccinations and mask-wearing.
Dallas Cowboys head coach tests positive for COVID-19, FOX4 news reports. Coach Mike McCarthy is vaccinated, but the Cowboys are dealing with an outbreak of cases. McCarthy says the Cowboys will be increasing COVID-19 testing, hoping not to lose any more members of the team. Although he will not be on the field for the Saints game, McCarthy will continue to remotely direct and be involved in preparations for the remainder of the week, including Thursday night’s game in New Orleans.
Vaccine expert says delta variant still the biggest threat in the U.S., KERA reports. Seven countries, including the U.S., have moved to prohibit travelers from arriving from southern Africa in response to the omicron variant. Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston says scientists will know if COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the omicron variant within the next two weeks, but for now, he remains most concerned about delta.
