omicron cases spread quickly, the new variant now detected in at least 36 states. we expect to see the proportion of omicron cases here in the united states continue to grow in the coming weeks. early data suggest that omicron is more transmissible than delta with a doubling time of about two days. reporter: one in six hospitals in the u.s. is already reporting critical staffing shortages with patient numbers still climbing. i think this is an opportunity to remind people the importance of testing before they visit with family, testing before travel to make sure they re not bringing the omicron variant back to their home states or home communities. reporter: new data from the national institutes of health finds a third dose of moderna s vaccine offers coverage from omicron versus the two-dose regimen. a strengthening case for boosters while new restrictions are set to take effect. california implementing a
critical staffing shortages with patient numbers still climbing. i think this is an opportunity to remind people the importance of testing before they visit with family. testing before travel to make sure they re not bringing the omicron variant back to their home states or home communities. new data from the national institutes of health finds a third dose of moderna s vaccine offers protection 20 times greater than the two-dose regimen while pfizer is 75% effective against symptomatic infection. a strengthening case for boosters while new restrictions are set to take effect. california implementing a month-long indoor mask mandate today. the last thing you want is timely and high-quality hospital services and not be able to get that because of something we could have prevented. new york city moving forward with a vaccine for the private sector later this month. this new variant moves fast. we have to move faster. professional sports are yet again suffering covid setbacks.