Christmas travel will increase the spread of the new Covid Variant Omicron, even among fully vaccinated people, the top US infectious disease experts warn. Dr. Anthony Fauci said in a talk with NBC on Sunday. ‘’ There’s no doubt about this, Omicron has extraordinary capabilities of spreading. ‘’ He said, the new variant is now ‘’raging through the world.’’ He is an adviser to the US government on the pandemic. Since the new variant has started, countries have taken strict measures to stop the spread of the virus. For example, France, Germany, and Europe are among those to ban travelers and Netherland has imposed a strict lockdown on Christmas. 

Covid Booster Vaccine

According to research additional shot provides around 85% protection against several illnesses. Therefore, governments have ramped up their Covid booster vaccination programs. Dr. Fauci said that the rapid increase of the new variant could have a serious impact on health services across the US. He warned, ‘’ our hospitals if things look like they’re looking now, are going to be much stressed.’’ He argued people to take precautions such as wearing face masks and social distancing. Also, to get their vaccines and booster shots to avoid serious consequences. He said, ‘’ the difference between a vaccinated and boosted person who has an infection, and someone who has an infection who has never been vaccinated-it’s a major difference concerning the risk of severity.’’

Australian officials approach

Meanwhile, Australian officials say that they would not follow Netherland, and lockdown the country on Christmas despite an increase in several cases. He says that we are well prepared and people continue to do an amazing job. For example, 90% of Australians over 16 have been fully vaccinated. Additionally, people are getting booster shots. Also, Victoria Deputy Premier James Merlino said while the new variant was raising concern, people should just take common steps such as wearing masks to protect themselves. Merlino told reporters, ‘’ we are not changing our settings… We’re not talking about lockdowns.’’

Furthermore, health officials say things are not clear yet what the split was between Delta cases and Omicron cases among Australia’s new infections. AMA President Omar Khorshid said, ‘’ Even if Omicron turns out to be mild in vaccinated people, an explosion of cases will have a devastating effect on healthcare… Caution now so much better than regrets later’’.