The message be concerned, but not too concerned.

The lead starts right now.

Top US public health experts lay out what we do and still do not know about the new coronavirus

variant as we learn new details from the very first patients.

First on CNN, Donald Trump's chief of staff is now cooperating with insurrection investigators.

What does he know?

Plus, as one recovering addict described it, it actually fries your brain, a close look

at the surge of meth in America through the eyes of a man who got hooked at the age of 11.

Welcome to the lead.

I'm Dana Bashin for Jake Tapper and we start today with the health lead and new confirmed cases

of the Omicron COVID variant with US health officials racing to ramp up vaccinations and

testing before a case is detected in the United States.

20 nations have now identified cases of this new strain and it continues to have an impact

on the global economy moment to go.

The Dow finished the days trading down more than 600 points after the Moderna CEO said the vaccines

may not have the same amount of protection against the Omicron variant.

But there is so much we don't know about its mysterious mutations like how dangerous is it?

How easily can it spread as scientists race to learn more and countries cut off travel from

South Africa where the variant was first discovered?

A doctor there told CNN the world's response has been an overreaction.

CNN's NICWAT starts our coverage.

The question is when, not if the Omicron variant reaches the United States could

...