significant, more serious dereliction of duty. reporter: meanwhile, the omicron surge shattering records. over 4,000 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 wreaking havoc on holiday travelers. in the last ten days, 14,000-plus flights have been canceled. experts say relief could be weeks away. by the end of february, we will be through this. st a very happy new year to you. i m pamela brown in washington. it s great to be back with you. you re live in the cnn newsroom. a new year arrives and a new week awaits, and the troubling surge of covid infections looms over the post-holiday return to
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