Biden: "Omicron Confusion Not Significant... Let's Respond with Booster Shots and Masks"

Denial of Possibility for Additional Travel Restrictions or Traffic Control Measures

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Joe Biden on the 29th (local time) predicted that the occurrence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in the United States is inevitable, but there will be no additional travel restrictions or movement limitations.

President Biden said in a speech after a meeting with the White House COVID-19 response team on the 29th (local time) that confirmed cases of Omicron will soon occur in the U.S., and this is almost unavoidable.

President Biden said that while Omicron is a cause for concern, it is not a cause for panic, stating, "We will fight this variant not with chaos and confusion, but with scientific measures and speed."

He denied the possibility of expanding travel restrictions on travelers from countries where Omicron has broken out, such as South Africa, which began on this day.

He forecasted that more information about Omicron is needed to decide on travel restrictions, but said, "Given the current situation, it seems there will be no additional restrictions."

President Biden predicted that even if Omicron spreads, movement restrictions at the level of the early COVID-19 period will not be necessary.

The Omicron response methods presented by President Biden were booster shots and wearing masks.

He urged Americans to get vaccinated and receive booster shots, saying, "We will overcome this new variant."

President Biden appealed for mask-wearing indoors and in public places. Coincidentally, New York City mandated indoor mask-wearing on the same day.

President Biden said it would take two weeks to gather information about Omicron and announced that he would present a strategy to cope with the surge in cases during the winter, including Omicron, on December 2nd.

President Biden emphasized that the U.S. is prepared to respond to Omicron and promised to accelerate the development of vaccines specialized for Omicron if necessary.