Biden: Omicron coronavirus variant 'cause for concern, not a cause for panic'

President Biden on Monday described the omicron variant of COVID-19 as a "cause for concern" but not a cause for panic, saying Americans getting vaccinated and getting their booster shots is the best defense against the virus.

He also said officials would release more guidance on how they plan to fight the spread of COVID-19 this winter, but promised it wouldn't include lockdowns.

"This variant is a cause for concern, not a cause for panic," Biden said in prepared remarks at the White House. "We have the best vaccine in the world, the best medicines, the best scientists, and we're learning more every single day. And we’ll fight this variant with scientific and knowledgeable actions and speed. Not chaos and confusion."