COVID-19 fears fade with omicron

The omicron variant of the coronavirus is on its way out. New infections in the United States are now about 50,000 per day, the lowest level since July. Hospitalizations and deaths are also down sharply, and a new poll suggests public concern about the virus is waning.

What do Americans say about the pandemic now?An Associated Press/NORC study of about 1,300 people found that just 24 percent said they were “extremely” or “very” worried about themselves or a family member getting COVID-19. Another 34 percent say they were somewhat concerned, and about 41 percent said they were not really worried about it. Statewide mask mandates have all but disappeared, and on Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it no longer recommends indoor masking for most Americans.

Dig deeper: Read Steve West’s report about the Supreme Court ruling that shut down a federal government mandate for workers of large businesses to get the COVID-19 vaccine.