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With infection rates mounting, the Omicron variant has ushered in a new and disorienting phase of the pandemic, leaving Americans frustrated and dismayed that the basic elements they thought they understood about the coronavirus are shifting faster than ever. (Bosman, 1/9)

Like so many COVID-weary Americans, Kyle Hopwood thought the pandemic was winding down over the summer, as virus case counts in the Chicago area waned and life seemed to inch closer to normal. She was relieved after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, and tentatively began dining at restaurants and resuming small get-togethers with loved ones. Hopwood and her fiance set a wedding date for September 2022, assuming that by then the pandemic would be a distant memory. (Lourgos, Presa and Lee, 1/9)

A series of messaging missteps is threatening the credibility of federal health agencies, and critics say the White House isn’t doing enough to manage the fallout. While much of the unvaccinated population is unlikely to be persuaded by any messenger, large swaths of the public are still receptive to expert guidance, but federal health agencies, particularly the CDC, may be squandering their credibility with this population. (Owens, 1/10)

On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention held a telebriefing.Director Rochelle Walensky presided, along with two career scientists. The substance was notable — updated COVID-19 guidance for K-12 schools. But even more notable was the fact that the briefing was happening at all. It was the first such briefing in months, despite the ongoing pandemic crisis. That lack of regular communication has spurred criticism of the agency. In recent days, public health experts have called out CDC for confusing isolation and quarantine guidance, and asked the agency to communicate more often and more clearly. (Simmons-Duffin, 1/7)

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has tested positive for COVID-19 and “is experiencing symptoms and recovering at home,” her office said in a statement Sunday evening. The Democratic congresswoman’s office said Ocasio-Cortez received a booster shot last fall, adding that she “encourages everyone to get their booster” and follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1/10)

Tennessee Rep. Jim Cooper (D) announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19, making him at least the third lawmaker of the weekend to announce a breakthrough case of the virus. "This morning I tested positive for COVID-19," Cooper, 67, said in a tweet on Saturday. "Thankfully I only have mild symptoms because I have been vaccinated and received my booster. Everyone should be vaccinated and boosted as soon as they’re able. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones." (Choi, 1/9)

U.S. Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois has tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19, according to his office. The suburban Chicago Democrat’s office released a statement Saturday saying Casten was fully vaccinated and had received a booster vaccine dose. He described his symptoms as “mild” and said was in isolation. (1/9)