Pouch: "Omicron Spread is Serious, We Must Not Be Complacent... Fourth Dose May Be Necessary"

Confirmed Cases Surge from 70,000 to 260,000 Last Month
Trump Urges Vaccination, "Keep It Up"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), stated regarding the COVID-19 Omicron variant that although the symptoms are less severe, its rapid spread should not be taken lightly. He also warned that a fourth vaccination dose may be necessary if the situation worsens.

On the 26th (local time), Fauci appeared on ABC News and said, "Even though the Omicron variant appears to be less severe in terms of hospitalizations, we should not become complacent," adding, "If the number of people with mild symptoms increases significantly, the positive effect of lower severity could be offset."

He emphasized, "Last week, the average daily COVID-19 cases were 150,000 and are expected to increase much more," and added, "A fourth vaccination dose may be necessary." He also criticized, "The Biden administration should have distributed more than 500 million self-test kits, as originally planned, much faster than now."

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. dropped to the 70,000 range at the end of last month but surged past 260,000 on the 23rd. The cumulative death toll has also surpassed 830,000. This month, Omicron variant cases accounted for 73.2% of total cases, becoming the dominant strain and intensifying the spread.

Fauci stated, "People who have not yet been vaccinated are at high risk of developing severe illness," and welcomed former President Donald Trump’s recent positive stance on COVID-19 vaccination. He said, "It is good that former President Trump continues to tell people to get vaccinated and clearly expresses this. I hope he continues to do this."

Earlier, on the 19th, former President Trump revealed at a rally in Texas for his supporters that he had received a booster shot, emphasizing, "The COVID-19 vaccine is one of humanity’s greatest achievements." He added, "Those who get very sick and go to the hospital are unvaccinated people," and stressed, "Vaccination is still your choice, but if you get vaccinated, you will be protected."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.