JP Morgan "Omicron Variant, Phenomenon of Pandemic's Final Stage... Should Seize Low-Price Buying Opportunity"

"Possibility of COVID-19 Acting Like the Flu After Omicron Variant"
Fauci: "If Vaccinated, It's Okay to Enjoy Christmas"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The American investment bank JP Morgan recently analyzed that the COVID-19 pandemic could be entering its final stage following the Omicron variant, which has raised global concerns about widespread transmission. They suggested that the recent market turmoil could present a buying opportunity. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and a leading authority on infectious diseases in the U.S., also expressed positive outlooks, explaining that those fully vaccinated are unlikely to face severe outcomes from the Omicron variant.

According to Bloomberg on the 1st (local time), JP Morgan stated in a report released that day, "The Omicron variant is highly contagious but causes milder symptoms, indicating the final phase of the pandemic," and analyzed that "the current turmoil in the capital markets could be used as a buying opportunity."

In the report, JP Morgan explained, "The Omicron variant has shaken global capital markets in recent days, and although countries worldwide are tightening travel restrictions, there is currently no evidence that Omicron is more deadly than previous variants." They added, "Historically, pandemic viruses tend to be replaced quickly by variants that are less severe but more contagious. The emergence of Omicron could act as a catalyst to reduce the lethality of COVID-19 to a level similar to seasonal influenza."

Dr. Fauci, a U.S. infectious disease expert, also emphasized that those already vaccinated are less likely to suffer fatal damage from the Omicron variant. Appearing on CNN's Town Hall program that day, Fauci said, "If you have been vaccinated and your family members have been vaccinated, you can enjoy Christmas. There is no need to cancel your year-end holiday plans." He added, "A modified vaccine may not be necessary. Pharmaceutical companies are preparing for the possibility that a specific vaccine might be needed."

Claims that the Omicron variant may have higher infectivity but lower fatality compared to previous variants continue to be raised in the international medical community. The South African health authorities, where the Omicron variant was first identified, have reported that no severe cases or deaths have occurred among those infected with Omicron so far.

According to the UK Daily Mail, Professor Lothar Wieler, a German public health expert, stated, "Although the Omicron variant's spike protein has more than 32 mutations, these likely increase infectivity while optimizing for less severity in infected individuals," adding, "This characteristic aligns with the evolutionary pattern of most respiratory viruses."