| An anxious world is still waiting for scientists to decide if the omicron variant of COVID-19 can defeat the best vaccines, spread faster than the delta variant or pose greater risks of death and serious illness. With an abundance of caution, U.S. scientists on Sunday said it was still too soon to say whether omicron is to be feared for its potency, its transmissibility or the dispiriting recognition that the delta winter surge of COVID-19, complicated by omicron that is now coast to coast in the United States, means the pandemic will circle the planet for eons. COVID-19 is nearing the two-year mark and has killed more than 5.2 million people, including 790,000 in the U.S. The New York Times: Here’s what scientists say they know about the omicron version of COVID-19 so far. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says early reports about omicron offer glimmers of encouragement because the variant may be less dangerous than delta (The Associated Press). A small study in South Africa, where omicron and its many mutations first surfaced, points to a pattern of milder illness from the new strain compared with earlier waves of COVID-19. U.S. regulators are hopeful that even if COVID-19 infections occur in fully vaccinated people, existing vaccines can prevent severe disease and hospitalizations (The Wall Street Journal). The Hill: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky confirmed that the Food and Drug Administration is in discussions with drug manufacturers to streamline federal authorization of an omicron-specific vaccine. Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb on CBS News on Sunday cautioned that variant-targeted vaccines “may not work” (The Hill). Omicron may not be the last COVID-19 variant we see, National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins said on Sunday (The Hill). This week, new U.S. travel restrictions go into effect that impact everyone who enters the country from abroad by requiring negative test results within 24 hours of departure. Because omicron appears capable of spreading widely and with speed, and because fully vaccinated people have tested positive for the new variant since late November, omicron creates hurdles for travelers and the travel industry and for employers and businesses everywhere. The Hill: A Norwegian Cruise Line ship experienced an outbreak of COVID-19 among 3,200 fully vaccinated passengers and crew before docking in New Orleans on Sunday. All of those who tested positive for COVID-19 during the cruise were asymptomatic. Gyms, restaurants, airlines and other industries battered by the virus are bracing for another COVID-19 wave that could curb demand and spark renewed government restrictions. “We’re all on our toes right now, thinking, ‘Oh god, what’s going to happen next,’” Brett Ewer, head of government affairs at CrossFit, told The Hill. “The uncertainty really does not help, especially when so many gym owners are almost entirely bled out.” President Biden’s response to omicron, announced last week, places heavy reliance on at-home tests, which he said Friday would come at no cost in January under private insurance coverage and at low or no cost for Medicaid beneficiaries and low-income Americans. The Hill’s Peter Sullivan reports that there would still be considerable hassle for most people under Biden’s test-from-home plan. Omicron has revived global calls for intellectual property waivers to encourage more rapid COVID-19 vaccine manufacture and distribution around the globe. The World Trade Organization faces pressures to approve such waivers but has delayed a decision. Many experts worry that because the developing world is still struggling to get shots in arms, COVID-19 has found perfect conditions to do what viruses do — mutate, evolve and adapt to their human hosts (The Hill). The Wall Street Journal: Antiviral COVID-19 pills by Pfizer and Merck are likely to take longer to reach low- and middle-income countries because of manufacturing and pricing obstacles, despite licensing to generic drug makers. Meanwhile on Sunday, all of official Washington focused on the death of former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) at age 98, bringing to an end an extraordinary life that included Army service in World War II and recovery from serious war injuries, 11 years leading the Senate, and nomination by his party as presidential candidate in 1996. Dole announced early this year that he had stage 4 lung cancer (The Hill). “Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep. At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years,” the Elizabeth Dole Foundation said in a statement on Sunday morning. Dole, a man of dry wit, occasional dark moods and prairie sensibilities, represented Kansas from 1969 to 1996, rising to become a skilled institutionalist and Washington insider as Senate majority leader. Nominated by his party at age 73 to try to defeat former President Clinton in 1996, Dole lost by a wide margin. His wife Elizabeth Dole, now 85, previously ran the American Red Cross, served as secretary of both the Labor and Transportation departments, and served North Carolina as a U.S. senator. News of Dole’s death after nearly a century since his birth in Russell, Kan., prompted an outpouring of tributes from former presidents, longtime colleagues, political figures and military veterans. In a lengthy statement, Biden hailed his former Senate colleague as “an American statesman like few in our history,” noting their decades-long friendship. “To me, he was also a friend whom I could look to for trusted guidance, or a humorous line at just the right moment to settle frayed nerves. I will miss my friend,” Biden said. “Bob was a man to be admired by Americans. He had an unerring sense of integrity and honor. May God bless him, and may our nation draw upon his legacy of decency, dignity, good humor, and patriotism for all time.” Clinton, who never served in the military or legislative branch, lauded his former presidential opponent for his public service. “Bob Dole dedicated his entire life to serving the American people, from his heroism in World War II to the 35 years he spent in Congress,” the 41st president said. “After all he gave in the war, he didn’t have to give more. But he did. His example should inspire people today and for generations to come.” Biden issued a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff through Thursday in Dole’s honor. As of this morning, information about funeral arrangements in Kansas and Washington was forthcoming. The Washington Post: Robert J. Dole, longtime GOP leader who sought the presidency three times, dies at 98. The Associated Press: Dole, a man of war, power, zingers and denied ambition. The Kansas City Star: Dole — war hero, senator, presidential candidate, Kansan — dies at 98. The Associated Press: Reactions, statements following Dole’s death. 
© Associated Press/J. Scott Applewhite | 
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