Fauci Is 'Confident' Omicron Cases Will Peak By February, Infections Trending In 'Right Direction'

Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday that he's "as confident as you can be" that the latest wave of Omicron coronavirus cases in the U.S. will peak by mid-February.

Fauci, one of the pandemic's most divisive figures, told anchor Martha Raddatz on ABC’s "This Week" that the level of infections recorded in the U.S. are "going in the right direction." He outlined a best-case scenario where COVID-19 cases fall to manageable levels in the coming months and that the nation learns "to live with" the virus. Before those numbers begin to drop, Fauci said hospitals that are still facing a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations may endure "a bit more pain and suffering." The infectious disease expert also noted that it's "quite conceivable" the immunity obtained from the booster shots currently available to the public will hold up against the virus. He added that health officials still "want to determine what the durability" of those shots are before recommending a fourth COVID-19 vaccine.

Fauci's comments were covered prominently across the spectrum, with many outlets noting that he "sounded cautiously optimistic." Left-rated outlets were more likely to emphasize how Fauci said it's important for people to get vaccinated and receive booster shots in case "a still-more dangerous variant" emerges. Right-rated outlets were more likely to accentuate how Fauci outlined a "return to normal" and "tamped down" discussions around a second booster shot.