Bill Gates: "The Severe Phase of COVID-19 Will End Within Next Year"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft (MS), predicted that the severe phase of COVID-19 will end sometime next year.

According to Bloomberg on the 7th (local time), Gates said on his blog that day, "There is no doubt that the Omicron variant is concerning," but added this prediction.

He said, "The world is better equipped than ever to respond to potential variants," and "Although COVID-19 is more than 10 times deadlier than the flu, vaccines and antiviral drugs can reduce this by 50%."

He also stated, "Variants will often occur, but new drugs will be effective in most cases, and hospitals will handle the rest."

Gates expressed concern about misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccines. He said, "Governments should play a role by sanctioning social media platforms used to spread false information."

He also revealed his feelings about his divorce from his ex-wife Melinda French Gates. Gates, who announced the divorce after 27 years of marriage in August, said, "It has been a personally sad year," and added, "Adapting to change is never easy, but I was impressed by the resilient attitude of my beloved family, including our three children, during this difficult period."