While it's estimated by medical professionals that the COVID omicron variant will lose its grip over the next couple of weeks, it's the here and now that has many communities stressed in more ways than one. And, that includes New Haven.
Nearly 600 of the school system's roughly 4,000 employees were absent Wednesday, and that's not including the over 50 bus drivers who called out.
During a City Hall press conference on Wednesday, New Haven officials also discussed how the public safety sector has withstood the COVID crush.
The New Haven Police Department, which is still at least 70 officers below what it's budgeted for, now has an unprecedented number of cops out sick.
"I currently have 48 sworn officers out and 44 of those 48 are positive," said Acting Police Chief Renee Dominguez.