United States President Joe Biden warned on Thursday, 16 December, that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus will start to spread much more rapidly in the country and urged Americans to get vaccinated or boosted. According to AFP, Biden said, “We are looking at a winter of severe illness and death” for the unvaccinated.
At least 36 States in the US have reported confirmed Omicron cases, officials from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said on Wednesday.
“If you’re vaccinated and have your booster shot, you’re protected from severe illness and death,” Biden said.
He added that the Omicron variant had not spread as fast as it could have thanks to his administration’s policies. “It’s here now. It is spreading and it’s going to increase,” he said, “Get your booster shot. It’s critically important."
The coronavirus outbreak linked to the new Omicron variant has spread globally, and more European nations are implementing travel restrictions.
The US is currently averaging 1,150 COVID-19 deaths per day, according to figures provided by the CDC. In New York, the COVID-19 positivity rate has doubled in three days, which the experts say is due to the Omicron variant.
As per AFP, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “It is clear that the Omicron variant is here in New York City in full force.” However, Delta is still believed to be the main variant circulating in the US.
According to the CDC, 200 million Americans have been fully vaccinated, but only 56 million have received a booster shot.
(With inputs from AFP)
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