In President Biden‘s recent presidential address, he talked about the concerns and worries surrounding the newest COVID variant, Omicron.
Biden called the new variant a cause for concern but “not a cause for panic.” He is not considering any nationwide lockdown following the new variant. However, some countries have already started business lockdowns and reinstated travel bans.
He urges Americans to continue wearing masks and get double vaccinated. Though many believe it could reach the U.S. sooner than later as the Delta variant has.
Speaking Monday, Biden says that it was inevitable that the new variant would reach the U.S. however, “we have more tools today to fight the variant than we’ve had before.” About 80 million people are still not vaccinated, and Biden urges them to do so.
In attendance with President Biden was Dr. Anthony Fauci.
In the news conference, Dr. Fauci touched on a question about screening international travelers. He said, “we already have in place when people come into the United States, they have to be tested before they get on and have to show vaccination documentation.”
Biden moved to a strict travel ban to South Africa and surrounding countries to allow scientists to learn more about the variant, which gives the U.S. more time to push double vaccinations and boosters before it hits the country.
Though pharmacists are trying to adjust current vaccines to fit the new omicron variant, Dr. Fauci recommends people to get their second dose or boosters currently because it will help tremendously.
The U.S. has already donated over 200 million vaccines which is more than the rest of the world combined. It is up to Americans to halt this global pandemic by increasing vaccination rates and continuing wearing masks.
