The Washington, D.C., Department of Health on Thursday recorded the highest number of daily positive COVID-19 cases in the city's history since the pandemic began. D.C. recorded 844 positive COVID-19 cases on Dec. 16 — a record high for the city after its last record of 508 daily cases on Dec. 15. Prior to this month, the U.S. capital's previous record was 357 daily positive cases on Jan. 7, 2021.
Vice President Kamala Harris recently revealed to the Los Angeles Times in an interview that the White House was unprepared for both delta and omicron variants of the virus.
"We didn’t see Delta coming. I think most scientists did not — upon whose advice and direction we have relied — didn’t see delta coming," she said in an interview with the outlet at the time. "We didn’t see the omicron coming. And that’s the nature of what this awful virus has been, which as it turns out, has mutations and variants."
WATCH: BRITAIN'S HEAVIEST MAN HAS PASSED AWAY AT 33
"The Vice President’s comments referred to the exact kind of mutation," a statement by a Harris adviser obtained by Fox News on Saturday says. "The administration knew mutations were possible, it [is] the reason we ordered extra tests, extra gear and extra PPE."
WATCH: AT WHAT POINT WE WILL TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY?
"We didn’t see Delta coming. I think most scientists did not — upon whose advice and direction we have relied — didn’t see delta coming," Harris told the LA Times on Friday. "We didn’t see the omicron coming. And that’s the nature of what this awful virus has been, which as it turns out, has mutations and variants."
PASTOR DODGES BULLET MID-SERMON AFTER MAN "SEES SPIRITS" AND OPENS FIRE
Both variants are currently persisting in the United States. The newer omicron variant is highly contagious and is expected to quickly replace the delta strain, which spread swiftly over the summer.
The White House noted that the administration's focus on vaccinations, masking and social distancing was in preparation for possible variants. "It is the reason the President, Vice President and our entire administration warned early and often that the best way to get on the other side of the pandemic is to get vaccinated. We were and continue to be prepared."
Harris was once viewed as an heir apparent to President Biden, but Democrats are reportedly considering other alternatives should the president decide not to seek reelection.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
