COVID-19 surges have been reported in more countries as the Omicron variant continues its rapid spread. Here in the U.S., an average of 1,300 people are still dying every day, with Delta remaining the dominant variant for now. Across the country, long lines formed at testing sites amid a wave of new infections and as people prepare for holiday travel and gatherings. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court Friday reinstated the Biden administration vaccine-or-testing mandate for companies with 100 or more employees.

In medical news, Moderna said lab tests showed its booster increases the level of Omicron-fighting antibodies by around 37-fold. Health officials are asking vaccinated people to get boosted as soon as possible in hopes of curbing the winter surge. This is Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Dr. Anthony Fauci: “We are going to see breakthrough infections, Chuck. There’s no doubt about that. The difference between a vaccinated and boosted person who has an infection and someone who has an infection who’s never been vaccinated, a major difference with regard to the risk of severity.”

In other medical news, Pfizer said Friday its vaccine trials on 2-to-4-year-olds generated a weaker immune response than expected. Pfizer is now expanding its clinical trials to see if a third dose will produce a robust immune response in young children — with results not expected for months.