U.S. President Joe Biden warned on Thursday that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is going to spread more rapidly in the United States and that a winter of severe illness and death awaits the unvaccinated.
Getting an update on the pandemic from top health advisers, Biden also said it is past time for people to get booster shots and urged them to do so as quickly as possible.
At least 36 states have reported confirmed Omicron cases, officials from the Centers for Disease Control said on Wednesday.
Get daily National news
“If you’re vaccinated and have your booster shot, you’re protected from severe illness and death,” Biden said.
- Vancouver councillor suing Mayor Ken Sim for defamation over drug comments
- Ontario ‘taking over’ Toronto’s island airport, will compensate city
- Ford government confirms 75% reduction in number of conservation authorities
- ‘I’m sorry’: Nova Scotia premier reverses some budget cuts, stands firm on others
Biden said the Omicron variant had not spread as fast in the United States as it could have thanks to his administration’s policies. “It’s here now. It is spreading and it’s going to increase.” “Get your booster shot. It’s critically important,” he said.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason and Steve Holland; editing by Diane Craft and David Gegorio)
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.