Omicron Variant

With omicron spreading globally at a dizzying pace, scientists are scrambling to learn as much as they can about the latest worrisome variant of the coronavirus. First [blank] in South Africa and Botswana at the end of November, omicron is already poised to soon [blank] the dominant variant dethroning delta in some regions, public health officials warn. In a few places, it already has. So answers, including how sick does omicron make people and how well do vaccines hobble it, can't come fast enough. A rising tide of data on omicron is beginning to [blank] a glimpse at what's ahead as we enter year three of the global pandemic, though many questions linger. And with many people preparing to gather with family and friends for holidays, experts are bracing for yet [blank] case surges, compounded by already high infection rates in some countries linked to the still-prevalent delta variant. Omicron's collision with the holidays and travel is "a perfect storm". At this point, even vaccinated people should be [blank] precautions, such as wearing masks indoors and testing before family gatherings.