US prepares for Omicron variant (includes video story)

The U.S. is buckling down on preparation for the new coronavirus variant—Omicron– and scientists urge the public not to panic.

“What we don’t know is whether this omicron variant will outcompete delta,” shared Francis Collins, director of the National Institute of Health. “What we do know, it has a lot of mutations, more than 50, a new record, and some of those we’ve seen before and some we haven’t.”

The new coronavirus variant is now found in a dozen countries, including Canada. President Biden doesn’t believe shutdowns or lockdowns will be needed but says the best protection against Omicron is the vaccine. He adds that in the unlikely event updated vaccines or boosters are needed, the U.S will work with vaccine makers to accelerate development and deployment.

On Thursday, the White House is set to release details on a new strategy toward fighting COVID-19 this winter.

Zitlali Solache is a student in Florida International University, pursuing her Masters degree in Spanish-Language Broadcast Journalism. Zitlali Solache is Mexican American and has a passion for storytelling and news. She has interned for WPBT PBS, WSVN Channel 7 and STEP Univision. After graduation, Zitlali aspires to become a reporter/anchor in her hometown Miami, FL.