There’s been a lot of news in the last few days about #Omicron. I can understand that many people are worried and exhausted at the prospect of another variant. Let’s review what we know and don’t know. Remember to be cautious about speculations you hear in the next few days: 1/12
#Omicron has raised concern among scientists because of its unusual mutations and rapid spread in South Africa. Cases have been detected in Europe, Asia, North America and other parts of Africa. We should expect more cases will be reported in the days ahead. 2/
There are important questions we are working to answer, including: Are Omicron infections more severe? Is the new variant more transmissible? Do our vaccines and therapeutics (e.g. monoclonal antibodies) extend the same protection against Omicron as other variants? 3/
While the exact level of vaccine protection can vary based on the variant, we've seen again and again that you are more protected against COVID19 with a vaccine than without one – especially against hospitalization and death. 4/
We are working closely with our South African colleagues and other public health experts around the world to answer these questions and more. Our South African colleagues in particular deserve credit for their swift action and open communication and collaboration. 5/
Travel restrictions don't guarantee Omicron won't spread but early restrictions can buy time to answer key questions about Omicron, vaccinate millions, & bolster travel safety measures. This is part of a broader strategy that includes global vaccination, testing, mitigation. 6/
While we should be prepared that Omicron will eventually make its way around the world, we are not powerless to act. Quite the opposite. We’ve learned a lot about how to protect ourselves from #COVID19 variants and now is the time to double down on those learnings. 7/
So what do you need to do in light of #Omicron? If you're vaccinated, get boosted. If you're unvaccinated, get vaccinated. With every variant we've encountered to date, the vaccines have reduced the likelihood of serious outcomes like hospitalization and death. 8/
Additionally, remember that wearing good quality masks in public indoor spaces, hand hygiene, and testing before gatherings are proven strategies to reduce spread. 9/
#Omicron underscores the urgency of vaccinating the world against #COVID19. Uncontrolled spread of the virus anywhere puts all of us at risk. The US has committed >1B global doses and is working to expand manufacturing and tech transfer. We & other nations have more to do. 10/
Countries like South Africa which are reporting sufficient supply of vaccine but problems with demand illustrate the broader challenge misinformation poses to our pandemic response. Technology platforms & other stakeholders must step up to reduce the spread of misinformation. 11/
Our teams in government are working around the clock to make sure we know as much as possible, as soon as possible, so we can safeguard our collective health and wellbeing. Whatever challenges we uncover, we will find a way to tackle them together. /end
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