The latest:

Two new British studies provide some early hints that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus may be milder than the Delta version.

Scientists stress that even if the findings of these early studies hold up, any reductions in severity need to be weighed against the fact Omicron spreads much faster than Delta and is more able to evade vaccines. Sheer numbers of infections could still overwhelm hospitals. 

Some experts also say more people are likely to have some level of immunity at this stage of the pandemic, either through vaccination or a previous COVID-19 infection.

Still, the new studies released Wednesday