People wait and sign waivers ahead of a Covid-19 vaccine clinic in Houston, Texas. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images.
The first confirmed death in the U.S. from the Omicron variant was reported in Texas' Harris County on Monday.
Why it matters: The man who died was in his 50s, unvaccinated and had previously been infected with COVID-19, per a press release.
The big picture: The CDC reported on Monday that Omicron accounted for 73% of recent COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
- The first Omicron variant death in the world was reported in Britain in December.
What they're saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the patient’s family, and we extend our deepest sympathies,” said Barbie Robinson, Harris County Public Health Executive Director.
- "We urge all residents who qualify to get vaccinated and get their booster shot if they have not already," Robinson added.