multiple recent studies have found omicron does not seem to affect the lungs like previous variants did. instead suggesting it stays in the upper respiratory system the question we all want answered as we enter 2022, could we be at a turning point with an end to the pandemic in sight? here s gadi schwartz reporter: tonight, cautious optimism from experts studying the most contagious covid variant so far, saying over the next few months there is a strong chance vaccinated or not, the majority of americans will come into contact with omicron which not only appears less severe but is likely pushing us closer to herd immunity. if you have a very transmissible virus that replaces another virus and that virus has less a degree of severity, that would be a positive outcome. reporter: omicron made up the majority of cases in the u.s. just weeks after first being detected pretty much everybody will have some immunity to this virus come the spring. reporter: early research shows a risk
oh! reporter: what so many grandparents missed zooms and facetimes finally replaced by walks in the park, family trips, and selfies with friends i can t believe it! reporter: a new appreciation for even the simplest moments hey, grandma s here yeah! i love being around my grandkids i m just really glad that this was i see it maybe coming to an end, hopefully mwah! i got it! i got it! reporter: the pandemic has been hard on all of us but there were sweet reunions at airports after months and miles of distance. two best friends finally seeing each other after too long you just made my day! i feel like i m dreaming reporter: and after special days we missed -
some school districts going back to remote others mandating all students get tested. is there a light at the end of the tunnel the new science of omicron some experts hope may bring an end to the pandemic sooner. pretty much everybody will have some immunity to this virus come this spring. no more surprises. a new law banning unexpected medical bills goes into effect today. what you need to know so you aren t overcharged. and on this new year s day, after so much time apart, we celebrate the reunions this past year that gave us reason to smile. good evening, i m kate snow in for jose. happy new year. and on this holiday weekend there are millions of americans moving through airports after celebrating with family and friends unfortunately, a lot of them are running into delays.