Most of Omicron’s problems are ‘encouraging’, says the US health official

Early warning signs of the dangers of the new version of the Omicron coronavirus that has spread worldwide are “encouraging”, according to one US health official, with additional jabs that could provide a “high level” of protection.

Anthony Fauci, senior medical adviser to President Joe Biden, admitted Sunday that it was too early to know the consequences of the new crisis, but he was optimistic about the start. Omicron has issued an important warning since it was released less than two weeks ago in South Africa and Botswana.

“We have to be careful before making sure it is not too serious or does not cause any serious illness like Delta, but in the meantime the signs are encouraging,” he told CNN. “It doesn’t look like there’s a big problem with that.”

Now available in nearly 40 countries and at least 15 states in the US, Omicron was selected as a “concern” by the World Health Organization shortly after its recognition. The problem has a wide range of mutations that could mean that they are easily transmitted and can bypass the protection provided by modern vaccines or previous infections.

The Biden government immediately imposed travel bans on eight African countries – a process, which European leaders and others re-established, which led to controversy and strong criticism from the WHO, which said it “imposes a heavy burden on lives and lives”.

Fauci Sunday said the sanctions are being reviewed “daily” and hoped the US would be able to remove them “in good time”.

White House he announced additions last week in order to prevent the spread, including free testing, ordering a larger mask on public movement and more testing requirements. for travelers from all over the world.

Officials have repeatedly urged vaccinated Americans to get a raise – a message repeated by Fauci and other officials on Sunday.

“The additions will be very difficult to deal with or not,” he said. “If you are encouraged. . . we are confident that there will be some degree and perhaps even greater security for the Omicron brand if it begins to play a major role in this country. “

Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urged people to get vaccinated, but stopped helping nationwide.

“I would love to see people get vaccinated, encouraged, and follow our advice. I would not want to have the resources to do so,” he told ABC News. “People should do this on their own.”

Economists have also expressed concern over the new changes. Jay Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, warned last week that it could worsen the volatility that has contributed to rising US inflation over the past 30 years.

Loretta Mester, President of the Cleveland Fed, he tells Financial Times on Thursday said it could also boost the decline in labor, which has hampered the quick recovery of the labor market. Growth of US jobs delayed most last month, with only 210,000 sites created. This is less than half of October and short of expectations for economists.

Despite the Omicron threat, the Fed appears calm to expedite the removal of its incentive program from its policy meeting this month, as it thinks critically against falling prices and offers flexibility to raise interest rates as soon as next year.