Biden says the omicron variant is ‘a cause for concern, not a cause for panic,’ as he urges vaccinations and boosters

Views: 2

As questions loom large about the new omicron coronavirus variant, President Biden is telling Americans to stay calm and get vaccinated and boosted to receive the best protection.

The emerging COVID-19 variant was first identified last week in South Africa, and countries including the U.S. have restricted travel from southern African countries to get ahead of the highly transmissible variant.

© Provided by Boston Herald President Joe Biden speaks as he announces that he is nominating Jerome Powell for a second four-year term as Federal Reserve chair, during an event in the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex in Washington, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021. Biden also nominated Lael Brainard as vice chair, the No. 2 slot at the Federal Reserve. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Biden admitted that while the travel restrictions can slow the speed of omicron, the variant will inevitably be here.

“Sooner or later, we’re going to see cases of this new variant here in the United States,” Biden said from the White House on Monday. “We’ll have to face this new threat, just as we’ve faced those that have come before it.”

“This variant is a cause for concern, not a cause for panic,” the president said, later adding, “We’ll fight this variant with scientific and knowledgeable actions and speed, not chaos and confusion.”

The best protection against this new variant and any of the other variants is getting fully vaccinated and getting a booster shot, Biden emphasized.

“Do not wait: Go get your booster if it’s time for you to do so,” he said.

Biden also urged people to wear a mask while indoors in public settings.

It will be a few weeks before scientists know how strongly the existing vaccines protect against the new variant. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Biden’s chief medical adviser, has said he believes that the vaccines will continue to provide a degree of protection against severe disease.

If updated vaccines or boosters are needed for the new variant, Biden said they will “accelerate their development and deployment.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noting the emergence of omicron, on Monday strengthened its recommendation on booster doses for people who are 18-plus. Everyone 18-plus should get a booster shot either 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky announced.

“The recent emergence of the omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19,” she said. “Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the omicron variant, and scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant.”