U.K. COVID cases are rising. Health officials are watching to see if the U.S. is next

The U.S. omicron outbreak has dramatically slowed, cutting wait times for tests. But health officials worry a new uptick in cases fueled by the BA.2 variant could be on the way.

Joe Raedle / Joe Raedle

U.S. health officials are watching the climb in COVID case numbers in the U.K. with concern. Daily case counts there have more than doubled, and hospitalizations are on the upswing.

“Over the last year or so, what happens in the U.K. usually happens here a few weeks later,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the President’s chief medical advisor said in an interview with NPR. “And right now, the U.K. is seeing somewhat of a rebound in cases.”

Officials in the U.K. attribute the increase to the quick-spreading BA.2 omicron subvariant, the widespread removal of COVID restrictions, and to waning immunity from vaccinations and infections.