Michael Osterholm, a former Biden adviser at COVID-19, warned on Sunday that while progress was being made in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the threat of new variants of the virus still loomed in the air.
While appearing on the NBC program “Meet the Press”, Osterholm was invited by the host Chuck Todd
Charles (Chuck) David ToddBrown promises that Democrats will ‘find a way’ to raise the minimum wage Fauci sets a timetable for vaccinating teenagers and children Trudeau: Canada and the US border will remain closed ‘for now’ MORE how vulnerable the United States is today, as states begin to lift restrictions on the pandemic. Osterholm was a member of Biden’s COVID-19 Advisory Board during the transition.
“Let me just say that we are in the eye of the storm now. It looks like things are going very well, ”said Osterholm. “We have been through a terrible, terrible year. But what we know is about to come over us is the situation with this B.1.1.7. variant. A virus that originated in the United Kingdom, which is now wreaking havoc in parts of Europe. “
Osterholm noted that several countries in Europe recently resorted to 2-month blocks to contain the new variants. Initial research has found that its possible variants, such as those in Brazil and South Africa, are capable of reinfecting those who have already recovered from a previous case of COVID-19.
“The last time I was on your program four weeks ago, variant B.1.1.7 had about 1 to 4 percent of the virus that we saw in communities across the country. Today it is 30 to 40 percent. ”Osterholm told Todd. “And what we saw in Europe when we reached the 50 percent mark, you will see an increase in cases. So now we have to keep America as safe as possible against this virus, by not giving up any of the public health measures we take, and we need to vaccinate people as soon as possible. ”
Todd also noted during the interview that CDC guidelines for those who have been vaccinated have not been released so far and asked Osterholm what his recommendations would be.
“What will the public likely do with any guidance we give them?” Osterholm asked. “If we just tell people that they need to be encased, that they need to stay in their homes, that they need to continue using the masks, even though they are fully vaccinated, they are not going to do that. They will disregard the public health recommendation.”
The epidemiologist said he would not go to a crowded restaurant at this time, even if he was vaccinated.
“We have to be practical and I worry a little about the idea of basically continuing with the idea that we have always had: do this or else,” said Osterholm. “And therefore, I hope that the CDC’s guidance recognizes that people will not go to extreme lengths to remain dominated in 2022, that simply will not happen. So what can we provide them with reasonable information that will give them the best case for protect themselves? “