Dr. Fauci, chief medical adviser to the U.S. government, said that the new mutant virus, Omicron strain, "has not been seen to become more severe" based on early information from South Africa. In a few weeks, he said he would need more time to make the final decision, as he would find out more.
Dr. Fauci said at a press conference at the White House on the 7th that the new mutant virus Omicron strain, according to early information obtained in South Africa, seems to be highly infectious but "is getting worse so far. It's rarely seen. It may be due to the fact that young people make up the majority of infected people, but there seems to be less need for hospitalization and oxygen inhalation. "
He cautioned that "these things are still in the early stages," and said, "in the next few weeks, we will be able to find out more details." He showed the idea that it was necessary.
In addition, regarding whether or not the effect of the vaccine will be affected, "the results of the analysis will be obtained next week and it will be possible to judge."