"From Eradication to Coexistence" Biden Shifts COVID-19 Strategy Direction

"Promised 'Virus Independence'
But Strategy Shifted Amid Omicron Surge"

President Joe Biden of the United States [Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] U.S. President Joe Biden is preparing to shift the approach from ending COVID-19 to coexisting with it. As confirmed cases surged due to the spread of the Omicron variant, the administration decided to withdraw the previous promise of "independence from the COVID-19 virus."

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 6th (local time) that "the Biden administration is preparing for Americans to accept COVID-19 as a part of everyday life." This policy shift is analyzed to be a response to widespread disruptions caused by the recent Omicron-driven surge, including airline chaos, suspension of in-person schooling, and labor shortages in companies.

Key figures in the Biden administration have recently conveyed messages in public that "more people will be infected with COVID-19 going forward, but if vaccinated, there is no need to worry." President Biden stated, "You can decide for yourself how much impact Omicron can have on your health," adding, "If you have been vaccinated and received a booster shot, you can be protected."

The United States recorded a total of 4 million new confirmed cases in the past week. Considering that it took six months to reach 4 million cumulative cases after the pandemic began, this indicates a rapid spread. USA Today explained, "It is like 400 infections per minute." With the emergence of a highly contagious new variant making the end of COVID-19 more elusive, the Biden administration is interpreted to be taking additional measures while maintaining that "there will be no lockdowns."

Experts who served as health advisors to President Biden during the presidential transition team urged in three papers released on the same day that a new strategy based on coexistence with COVID-19 is necessary for the president.

They emphasized that "COVID-19 should be recognized as one of the respiratory viruses like the flu," and that standards must be established regarding the levels of hospitalizations and deaths from all respiratory diseases that would trigger emergency measures.

They also called for widespread vaccine mandates including elementary school students, improvements in ventilation systems in crowded places, and free provision of N95 masks and oral antiviral treatments.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded, saying, "President Biden's ultimate goal is to defeat the COVID-19 virus," but added, "At this stage, we are focusing on reducing hospitalizations and deaths and enabling the development of more COVID-19 treatments."

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