Officials from several countries say omicron is mild and no worse than previous variants. Some outlets can’t let the fearmongering go.
Summary
According to public health officials in the United States, the omicron variant of COVID-19 is producing only mild illnesses.
- This confirms early data from South Africa where the variant was first discovered.
- Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer released data indicating a booster shot provides greater immunity to omicron.
- This comes on the heels of Dr. Anthony Fauci saying the definition of “fully vaccinated” is likely to change at some point to include booster shots.
- While more Americans are getting vaccinated and receiving boosters, a bipartisan coalition of senators condemned the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate on employers, though the vote is largely symbolic.
- CNN asked their Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, former head of Planned Parenthood, how the omicron variant should change Americans’ Christmas plans, with Wen recommending hosts require vaccination and boosting among partygoers.
- CNBC highlighted Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla’s speculation that omicron could require a fourth dose of the vaccine roughly a year, though possibly sooner, after the booster shot.
- The Atlantic dialed up the fear to announce omicron’s spread could still flood the healthcare system even if it’s as mild as several nations’ experts have said.
- Fox Business covered the Senate’s vote to disapprove of Biden’s vaccine mandate on businesses, quoting Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer blasting the efforts of “anti-vaxxers” in the Senate.
- Newsmax ran a wire report from Agence France-Presse reporting scientists from the World Health Organization saying omicron appears to be no worse than previous variants and it is “unlikely” to completely evade all vaccines.
- Townhall made fun of a piece published by The Atlantic in which the author speculated it’s not worth the risk of socializing with “unboosted” people.
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© Dallas Gerber, 2021
