Fauci warns Omicron variant case count could ‘change rapidly’ amid global spread
Dr. Anthony Fauci predicted Tuesday that the global case tally for Omicron will “change rapidly” as it spreads around the world.
The White House chief medical adviser said at a briefing that the latest COVID-19 variant has already proven it spreads at a fast pace by sweeping all of the provinces in South Africa, where it was first detected by scientists last week before popping up elsewhere.
“Confirmed cases as of yesterday were 205 in 18 countries, and just this morning, that’s gone up to 226 in 20 countries — and I think you’re going to expect to see those numbers change rapidly,” Fauci said.
But the top doc stressed that it will be weeks before more is known about the variant, which has around 50 mutations, most of which are in its spike protein, the part of the virus that binds to human cells.
In terms of immunity provided by the current COVID-19 vaccines against the variant, Fauci said it is “reasonable” to expect that the current shots will still provide some degree of protection.
“Although these mutations suggest a diminution of protection and a degree of immune evasion, you still from the experience that we have with [the] Delta [strain] can make a reasonable conclusion that you would not eliminate all protection against this particular variant,” he said.
White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said the government is already in talks with all three major vaccine manufacturers about studying an Omicron-specific shot or booster.
“The companies currently estimate that it would take a few months to prototype and manufacture a modified vaccine or booster,” Zients said, adding that includes the time that it would take for federal regulators to evaluate and approve the vaccine.
Those who are unvaccinated or have not received a booster were urged to get the jabs to prepare for the arrival of the Omicron variant in the US.
More than 100 million Americans over the age of 18 who are eligible for a booster have not gotten one, and there are 45 million unvaccinated adults, officials said.
“Getting boosted will give you the highest level of protection from COVID and this new variant. If you’re unvaccinated or if your children are unvaccinated, the best thing you can do is get yourself and your kids their shots,” Zients said.
