[hdjjhhvvhga]

If you ignore the context and the multifaceted consequences of lockdowns etc., then yes, you are correct and we should be obsessed with the transmission rates. However, we don't have the same level of obsessions about other viruses present in humans (say, HSV-1 which unlike SARS-CoV-2 will live inside you until you die), and even other coronaviruses. Why? Because what matters most is how dangerous the virus is.

Fortunately, as of today, Omicron deaths are still at zero, and this fills me with moderate optimism. [0]

[0] https://www.cityam.com/anxiously-optimistic-south-africa-hol...

[bluGill]

> Omicron deaths are still at zero

Omicron hasn't been around long enough to expect many deaths yet. Even the optimists need to wait a few more weeks.

[PaulDavisThe1st]

Plenty of evidence that Omicron has been around for a substantial period of time. I believe the lower bound is at least a month in the US and Europe at this point, presumably longer at the point of origin.

[bluGill]

technically you are right. However delta is dominate and we don't sequence most tests so we don't really have any data to work with.

[PaulDavisThe1st]

sewage treatment testing happens behind the scenes, involves essentially the entire population, and is incredibly valuable. it confirms omicron's "long term" presence in the US.