Michael Osterholm, a former adviser to Biden on COVID-19, warned on Sunday that although progress is being made in combating the coronavirus pandemic, the threat of new virus variants still threatens.
While appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press”, Osterholm was asked by the host Chuck Todd
Charles (Chuck) David Todd Brown vows Democrats will find ” a way ” to raise minimum wage Fauci sets timeline for vaccinating teens, children Trudeau: Canadian, US border remains closed ‘for now’ MORE how vulnerable the US is currently as states begin to lift pandemic restrictions. Osterholm is a former member of Biden’s COVID-19 Advisory Board during the transition.
‘Let me just say we are currently in the eye of the hurricane. It seems that things are going very well, ”Osterholm said. “We went through a terrible, terrible year. But what we know is about to come over us is the situation with this B.1.1.7. variant. A virus that originated in the United Kingdom, wreaking havoc in parts of Europe today. ‘
Osterholm noted that several countries in Europe have recently used up to two months of lockers to contain the new variants. Early investigation found that its possible variants, such as those of Brazil and South Africa, could re-infect those who had already recovered from a previous COVID-19 case.
‘The last time I was on your program four weeks ago, the B.1.1.7 variant had about 1 to 4 percent of the virus we saw in communities across the country. Today it is up to 30 to 40 percent. Osterholm told Todd. ‘And what we saw in Europe when we reached the 50% mark will see cases increase. At the moment, we need to keep America as safe as we can from this virus by abandoning any of the public health measures we have taken, and we need to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible. ‘
Todd also noted during the interview that CDC guidance for those vaccinated has not been announced so far, and asked Osterholm what his recommendations would be.
“What is the public likely to do with any guidance we give them?” Ask Osterholm. ‘If we’re just telling people to stay cocooned, to stay in their homes, to keep wearing their masks even though they’re fully vaccinated, they’re not going to do that. They are going to disregard the recommendation on public health. ‘
The epidemiologist said he would not go to a busy restaurant at this time, even if he was vaccinated.
“We have to be practical and I’m a little worried that we’ll basically stick to this idea we’ve had all along: do this or that,” Osterholm said. “And so I hope the CDC leadership acknowledges that people are not going to do their utmost to stay under control in 2022. That just is not going to happen. What then can we give reasonable information that gives them the best argument for themselves? to protect? “