Perspectives: The Omicron Variant Arrives
Summary from the AllSides News Team
The Omicron coronavirus variant is quickly spreading across the globe, prompting a series of travel restrictions and alarming warnings from political figures.
The World Health Organization said Friday that Omicron is a "variant of concern" that has a "large number of mutations." Like other coronavirus variants, scientists are speculating that these mutations could be extra transmissible and possibly evade at least some immune protection — but more epidemiological data is needed to know for sure. While the Omicron variant is yet to appear in the US, Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Sunday that it's "inevitable" the coronavirus variant will be detected in the US. Pfizer and BioNTech are saying they can adjust their mRNA vaccine within six weeks to combat the new variant if necessary. Also, Moderna is proposing an Omicron-specific booster candidate.
Most voices across the political spectrum seem to agree that the U.S. should defend itself from the Omicron variant "without resorting to lockdowns." Left-rated outlets noted that the pandemic "is being fueled by the unvaccinated" and that this new variant "should compel all adults to get a booster shot." While many left-rated voices agree that it's "extremely unlikely that Omicron will render the COVID-19 vaccines completely ineffective," they also said vaccine manufacturers should "immediately begin developing vaccines specifically for Omicron." Right-rated outlets were more likely to focus on how the stock market has plummeted and raised concerns about bringing back social distancing protocols. Many right-rated voices also emphasized how "Americans and the rest of the world need to learn to live with an ever-mutating virus."
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