Michael Osterholm, a former Biden adviser at COVID-19, warned on Sunday that although progress was being made in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the threat of new virus variants was still looming.
While appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Osterholm was asked by the host Chuck Todd
Charles (Chuck) David ToddCrown swears that Democrats will “find a way” to raise the minimum wage. how vulnerable the US is now as states begin to lift pandemic restrictions. Osterholm was a former member of Biden’s COVID-19 Advisory Committee during the transition.
“Let me tell you – it was a hurricane right now. It seems that things are going very well “, said Osterholm. “I went through a terrible, terrible year. But what we know is about to come upon us is the situation with this B.1.1.7. alternative. A virus native to the United Kingdom, which is wreaking havoc in parts of Europe today. ”
Osterholm noted that several European countries have recently resorted to 2-month blockades to contain the new variants. Early research found that its possible variants, such as those in Brazil and South Africa, are able to re-infect those who have already recovered from a previous case of COVID-19.
“The last time I was on your show four weeks ago, version B.1.1.7 had about 1 to 4% of the virus I saw in communities across the country. Today it is up to 30 to 40 percent. “Osterholm told Todd.” And what we saw in Europe when we reached that 50% margin, you’ll see increasing cases. So right now, we need to keep America safe from this virus by not eliminating it. none of the public health measures we have taken and we need to vaccinate people as soon as we can. ”
Todd also noted during the interview that the CDC guidelines for those who have been vaccinated have not been released so far and asked Osterholm what his recommendations would be.
“What can the public do with any guidance we give them?” Osterholm asked. “If we tell people that they have to stay roosters, that they have to stay in their homes, that they have to keep wearing masks, even if they are completely vaccinated, they will not do that. They will ignore 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’m a little worried that we’ll basically stick with this idea we’ve always had: Do this or that,” Osterholm said. “And so I hope the CDC guide recognizes that people will not take extreme control in 2022, that’s not going to happen. So what can we give them reasonable information to give them the best case to protect themselves?”