Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins reported 385 new cases and 13 deaths on Wednesday.
Pfizer says early data shows booter offers omicron protection, The Dallas Morning News reports. Pfizer and BioNTech say while their initial two vaccine doses are not strong enough to prevent infection, the booster increases protection against the omicron variant by 25-fold. The companies say the original two boosters should still prevent severe disease or death from the omicron variant.
Dallas County is preparing for the COVID-19 omicron variant, NBC DFW reports. Even though Dallas County has not yet recorded a confirmed case of the omicron variant of COVID-19, officials are preparing as if it is already in the county. Dallas County Health Director Dr. Philip Huang says the holiday season may promote the spread of the virus. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins says, “Get vaccinated if you’re not already vaccinated. Get boosted if your vaccination was some time ago. Wear your mask indoors.”
US tightens COVID protocols for travelers, WFAA reports. The U.S. mask mandate for travelers on airplanes, trains and buses as well as airports and train stations will be extended until mid-March. All travelers to the U.S., regardless of nationality or vaccination status, currently need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within one day of their flight.
