“Results: From November 28 to December 31, 2797 COVID-19 cases were identified (mean [SD], 82.3 [82.4] cases/d; 3.1% positivity; 89.0% students, 11.0% employees), eclipsing previously measured incidence. Most cases (82.2%) reported mild symptoms (no reported hospitalizations). Despite high vaccination rates (97.9% of campus3), 98.6% of cases were breakthrough infections…
Discussion: The Omicron variant is highly transmissible, particularly in high-density social settings.5,6 Based on analysis of routinely collected population surveillance data, Cornell’s experience shows that traditional public health interventions were not a match for Omicron. While vaccination protected against severe illness, it was not sufficient to prevent rapid spread, even when combined with other public health measures including widespread surveillance testing.”