With news of the new Omicron variant rapidly spreading, a lot of people are wondering if this new variant is going to put a hold on family holiday plans in the United States.
According to a CNN news report, the United States’ first confirmed case of the Omicron variant has been identified in California.
However, it’s reasonable to assume that there are probably a lot more cases already here, and that the variant is going to very quickly spread across the country.
But does this mean that we should count the holidays out already? Is this variant going to lead to bigger lockdowns and a new wave of fear in regards to the Coronavirus?
Thankfully, the official word from the scientific community seems to be that you’re not going to have to change your holiday plans due to Omicron.
But there’s one caveat.
This is only true if you’re vaccinated.
According to another CNN news report, Dr. Fousey, who’s been a regular figure in the spotlight when it comes to enacting COVID-centered government policies and decisions, has said that it’s time for Americans to stop waiting to get vaccinated.
It’s also time to get your booster shot, he said, if you want to safely travel and spend time with family during the holidays.
The messages about vaccination and COVID are remaining consistent.
According to the CDC, the best way to protect yourself from a new COVID infection is to get vaccinated and to make sure that you’re up-to-date on your booster.
Is Omicron Worse Than Delta?
There’s a lot of fear going around online about the Omicron variant.
With as many mutations as it has, and with how quickly it spread through South Africa, scientists and government officials have been worried that it may wreak havoc in the United States.
But doctors in America are also constantly reminding the public that we’re already dealing with a very formidable variant:
The Delta variant.
In fact, the Delta variant currently accounts for more than 99% of Coronavirus cases that are genetically sequenced in the United States, according to the CDC.
Virologists have also been doing head-to-head comparisons of the Omicron and Delta variants.
But here’s the sticking point.
While Omicron is unique in how its mutations have manifested, virologists don’t seem to believe that the Omicron variant will be any more contagious than Delta.
In other words, it’s highly possible that Delta is actually already much worse than Omicron, and that since we’ve already dealt with (and are currently dealing with) Delta, Omicron doesn’t necessarily give us anything additional to worry about that we’re not already dealing with.
But of course, a lot remains to be seen.
There isn’t much that’s known about this variant at this stage in time.
And Covid’s evolution, where Omicron is concerned, could yet hold some secrets that haven’t been unveiled.
As of right now, it’s just a matter of time.
Time is needed to see how truly contagious Omicron will end up being.
In the meantime, messages about vaccinations remain the same.
Get vaccinated, and get your boosters.
This will give you your greatest shot at enjoying the holiday season without getting sick with a Coronavirus infection.
