Market comment 2021

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Cornell University reported 903 cases of Covid-19 among students between December 7-13, and a “very high percentage” of them are Omicron variant cases in fully vaccinated individuals, according to university officials. The school’s Covid-19 dashboard was updated late Tuesday afternoon, accounting for the jump in case numbers reported. “Virtually every case of the Omicron variant to date has been found in fully vaccinated students, a portion of whom had also received a booster shot,” said Vice President for University Relations Joel Malina in a statement. The fact that this high a level of outbreaks is happening among young people, who have robust immune systems, including those who were boosted, is not a good sign at all. Remember that boosters were first authorized for the elderly and at risk

 Cornell Goes Code Red, Cancels Most Campus Activities During Covid Spike with "Very High Percentage" Omicron in Fully Vaxxed | naked capitalism

The Omicron Covid variant has been found to multiply about 70 times quicker than the original and Delta versions of coronavirus in tissue samples taken from the bronchus, the main tubes from the windpipe to the lungs, in laboratory experiments that could help explain its rapid transmission. The study, by a team from the University of Hong Kong, also found that the new variant grew 10 times slower in lung tissue, which the authors said could be an indicator of lower disease severity.

 Omicron found to grow 70 times faster than Delta in bronchial tissue | Coronavirus | The Guardian

Britain’s economy has suffered a sharp slowdown since the arrival of the Omicron Covid variant and activity is at its weakest since February when a full lockdown was in force, a report has shown. The monthly flash estimate of economic activity compiled by IHS Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) reported a marked impact on the service sector from a tightening of government restrictions and a more cautious approach by consumers.

 Omicron causing sharp slowdown in Britain’s economy, figures show | Economic growth (GDP) | The Guardian