No New Federal Restrictions Expected Amid Spread of South African Omicron Variant

Dr. Anthony Fauci told Good Morning America that he does not expect President Biden to issue any new federal restrictions despite the rise in the new omicron variant of COVID-19. Forbes reported President Biden did issue a travel ban restricting travel to several countries in southern Africa (as did several other countries) when the story broke of the new variant.

The Chief Medical Advisor to the President of United States said on ABC Sunday that much is still unknown about the variant, and the main goal right now is to be prepared for what may come. The news of a new variant also bolsters the administration’s request for eligible citizens to get vaccinated against coronavirus.

“We don’t know exactly what’s going on with this variant, but we would assume, and I think it’s a reasonable assumption, that when you get vaccinated and boosted and your level goes way up, you’re going to have some degree of protection, at least against severe disease,” Fauci said to Good Morning America.

The news of no additional restrictions may come as a relief for the restaurant industry, which is already struggling with supply chain and labor issues. Countries throughout the world are reporting cases, including the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany and Canada, although no omicron cases have been identified in the U.S. as of November 29, 2021.