Even those who’ve received COVID-19 booster shots are at risks if they participate in large gatherings for the holidays in the next few weeks due to of the Omicron variant the White House’s chief medical adviser has said.
In an White House news briefing on Wednesday, Anthony Fauci, MD, said he as well as CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, are often asked if it will be safe for those who have been vaccinated and boosters to gather with family in a family setting.
“The answer is yes. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said that additional protection would be provided by the testing mentioned by Dr. Walensky.
“But I would like to ensure this isn’t confused with attending an event with a large number of people -and there are plenty of these — parties that have 30, 40, or 50 people, and you are not aware of the status of a person’s vaccination,” he said. “Those are the kinds of events, in the context of COVID and particularly in the context of Omicron that you should not go to.
“So, we urge to stay clear of situations that increase your risk.”
Walensky also spoke at the same news briefing, and advised Americans not to overlook to take preventive measures.
She said, “Let me repeat those four preventive measures I’ve suggested for you Take a vaccine and boost by wearing an indoor mask in public indoor settings, areas with high and significant risk of transmission to the community, and take a test to see whether you have gathered.”
Walensky said deaths and COVID cases are on the rise. She said that the 7-day average of cases is around 149,300 per days, which is a 25% increase over the previous week. The average hospitalization for 7 days is approximately 7,800 per day. The 7-day average of deaths is about 1,200 per day which is 3.5 percent more than the previous week.
The Omicron variant is now responsible for 73% of the new COVID cases in the nation, Walensky said.
Sources:
The White House: “Press Briefing by White House COVID-19 Response team and Public Health Officials” Dec. 22, 20,21
