deaths from the virus are also rising, averaging just under 1,300 a day, 8% more than last week. in fact, no state has reported more cases over the past two weeks than new york. illinois, ohio, pennsylvania and michigan round out the top five. bottom line the nation's health experts say we need to dig in, wear masks and get the vaccine to keep the holidays merry. >> we are in the situation we're now facing a very important delta surge, and we're looking over our shoulder at an on coming omicron surge. >> so this is not a moment to panic because we know how to protect people, and we have to tools to do it. but we need to american people to do their part, to protect themselves, their children and their communities. >> the covid surge is also forcing strong measures across the world.