dereliction of duty. >> meanwhile, the omicron surge shattering records. over 400,000 cases a day. >> it's really one of these perfect storms with all of these cases coming in. >> more and more schools bracing for a shift to virtual learning. >> there is absolutely no way to keep omicron out of the schools. >> the surge still reeking havoc on holiday travelers. >> in the last ten days, 14,000 plus flights have been cancelled. >> experts say relief could be weeks away. >> by the end of february, we will be through this. i'm pamela brown in washington. you're live in the cnn newsroom. happy new year to you. we begin with breaking news, lloyd austin has tested positive for covid. let's get right to cnn's eva at the white house. what are you learning? >> reporter: pam, we just