* At least 30 countries, including the U.S., have detected the omicron variant.
* Omicron has more than 50 mutations. Experts stress that the COVID vaccine is still the best defense against severe illness or hospitalization.
* “Thus far, it does not look like there’s a great degree of severity to it. But we have really got to be careful.”–Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden’s chief medical adviser, on the omicron variant.
* The delta variant: Not pandemically yesterday yet.
*89 percent of Floridians 65 and older have been vaccinated.
* In Hillsborough County, 64 percent of eligible residents—5 and up—have been vaccinated.