Pouch: "No Current Signs That Omicron Severity Is High"

▲Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), stated on the 29th (local time) that there is "no sign of increased severity at this time" regarding the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron.

In an interview with CNN on the same day, Director Fauci said, "It is still too early to make a judgment."

He said that the travel restrictions imposed on South Africa, identified as the origin of Omicron, and neighboring countries "will not last for a very long time," and added, "I do not expect additional restrictions."

He further explained, "The travel restrictions were imposed simply because there was an immediate need to do something due to concerns about the molecular structure of this virus, which has numerous mutations."

When asked whether Omicron is expected to become the dominant variant in the United States, he replied, "I don't know," adding, "That is exactly why we are monitoring the infection trends in South Africa."

He also conveyed that infectious disease experts in South Africa have informed that they will be able to determine the severity level of Omicron within about a week.

Director Fauci reiterated the need to complete COVID-19 vaccination and receive booster shots in response to the emergence of Omicron.

He said, "As seen with the Delta variant, which was not the exact target of the existing vaccines, if antibody levels are sufficiently high, protection against other variants is possible."

He emphasized, "Omicron is a rare and unusual variant with many mutations, but there is absolutely no reason to believe that vaccination and booster shots will not provide protective effects."

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden stated in a White House speech that Omicron is "a source of concern, not a cause for panic," and added, "If people get vaccinated and wear masks, lockdown measures will not be necessary."