The recently discovered COVID-19 variant known as omicron has sparked a new surge of cases around the world. Breaking records from the seemingly worst times of the pandemic, this spike, beginning in the last few days of 2021, has brought worldwide cases up to nearly 2,600,000 (as of January 4th, 2022). This more than doubled the number of cases in the previous spike. 

   North Carolina alone has had an unbelievable increase in cases and the test positivity rate is up to 31.8%, a new state record. Although omicron is known to be less fatal than previous variants, its transmission rate is unnervingly high and many students are questioning whether or not school will stay in person. 

   “No, because it’s [COVID] contagious but not that dangerous to us.” said sophomore, Nolan Abronski when asked whether he thought school should transition back to online learning. While many students would likely agree with Abronski, lots believe that Wake County Schools should return to virtual learning due to the vast number of hospitalizations and cases in the state. As of right now, it seems unlikely that Broughton will go online anytime soon despite the multitude of case records being broken. However, the school has a strict protocol for students exposed and infected with the virus and mask wearing continues to be enforced. 

   In order to minimize the chance of getting COVID, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children aged 12-17 should receive the newest booster shot. “It is critical that we protect our children and teens from Covid-19 infection and the complications of severe disease,” said CDC director, Rochelle Walensky “This booster dose will provide optimized protection against Covid-19 and the Omicron variant.”