So far there have been no cases of the omicron variant detected in the U.S. and experts caution there’s still a lot to learn about the real threat it could pose. Meanwhile, on Monday President Joe Biden said he doesn’t think new lockdowns will be needed; current vaccines are likely to provide protection against severe disease from the new variant. But his administration is working with drug manufacturers to update vaccines or boosters if needed. Experts say it could be weeks before we know how well our current vaccines protect us against this newest variant.
“There have been cases that have been detected in southern Africa, as well as several European countries, U.K., Germany, Italy, Belgium, and there are several suspected cases elsewhere as well. Right now what we do know is that omicron seems to be on track to overtake the delta variants as the dominant strain in South Africa,” said epidemiologist Dr. Stephanie Silvera.
