It’s on everyone’s mind– when will the Omicron strand, one of the most transmissible variations of COVID-19, peak? It is important to know that the peaking of a virus does not mean the end of it; rather, the peak refers to the point when cases have reached their highest point and are at a steady decline. Peaking would mean that there would be fewer COVID-19-related hospitalizations, shutdowns, and worries, so when will it happen?

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the US and the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, gave his opinion on the topic during an interview with ABC co-anchor Martha Raddatz. Fauci says he is “as confident as you can be” that most states should reach a peak of Omicron cases in a week or two if they haven’t already. He reported that there are states in the northeast and midwest where cases have already peaked but that many southern and western states have not reached that point. He makes clear that the virus won’t go away but will become more manageable as we learn how to better deal with it. Fauci stressed the importance of following CDC guidelines concerning mask-wearing, testing, and quarantining so that the number of COVID-19 cases can be kept below what he calls the “area of control”. 

Many families have found it difficult to procure items such as masks and tests due to high demand, but the government is working to streamline the process. Large chains such as CVS, Costco, Harris Teeter, and Walgreens are set to receive shipments of government-supplied N95 masks to be handed out to shoppers. As well as this, free COVID-19 tests can be ordered at  https://www.covidtests.gov/, although there is a limit of four per household. Everyone is urged to order tests as soon as possible so that they are available when needed, since shipping can take seven to twelve days.