Thread by @nytimes

It’s too soon to predict the full impact Omicron could have on deaths and illness across the U.S.

But data in some of the earliest-hit cities is beginning to show what the future could hold. Here's what it shows.

nyti.ms/34p2eUq

In cities hit early by Omicron, Covid deaths have begun to spike, although at a slightly reduced scale compared to previous peaks. But with the extraordinarily high case count, even a proportionally lower death toll could be devastating. nyti.ms/34p2eUq

Hospitals in early-hit cities such as Chicago are seeing more patients with Covid than at any time last year. Some doctors say patients are faring better than in previous waves. But the number needing intensive care or ventilation is approaching levels not seen since last winter.

Since vaccines became available, the unvaccinated have been far more likely to be hospitalized with severe Covid-19 than people who have been vaccinated.

Early data from New York City shows that the gap became even wider during the first weeks of the city’s Omicron surge.

Unvaccinated seniors are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from Covid-19. About 12% of people ages 65 and older are not fully vaccinated, according to CDC data.

See where that rate is estimated to be highest and more in our full story. nyti.ms/34p2eUq