Is the new omnicron covid variant spreading quickly due to aerosols or should we worry about surface? restaurants too risky now? not sure what to do with holiday gatherings?

To my knowledge, Omicron is much more contagious just because it multiplies much faster in the upper respiratory tract so the virus load will be higher when an infected patient spreads. That does not mean the virus will survive longer in the air or surface. So far, we have known that this variant has lower virulence so the infected people are less likely sick enough to be hospitalized (50% less).

Use a mask at all times possible.Stay away from crowds as this variant spreads easily and rapidly. Get your booster two weeks ahead of mixing. Good Luck