Omicron’s worldwide spread is very fast. Yesterday (29th) at this time alone, I was informed that there were confirmed cases in 12 countries, but in just one day, the number increased to at least 15 countries. Omicron mutant virus seems to be spreading in all continents, and Japan has again banned the entry of foreigners from 00:00 today. On the other hand, US President Joe Biden has said that Omicron is a concern but will not impose a lockdown policy right away.
Correspondent Pil-gyu Kim from Washington.
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In Belenenses, a Portuguese professional soccer team, 13 people, including players and staff, have been diagnosed with Omicron mutation.
It seems to have spread from a person who recently went to South Africa, and most said it was asymptomatic or mild symptoms.
There have been cases of infection in 15 countries, including Canada, so far, but there are rumors that the virus has spread to virtually all continents.
Following Israel, which closed its doors on the 28th, Japan also bans all foreigners from entering the country for one month from today.
However, President Biden said he would not consider additional restrictions other than the eight countries that had previously imposed travel restrictions.
There will be no economic lockdown right now, he said, and it is not a stage to be too concerned about.
[조 바이든/미국 대통령 : 이 변이 바이러스가 우려스럽지만 패닉을 초래할 정도는 아닙니다. 우리는 세계 최고의 백신이 있고 치료제가 있고 과학자가 있습니다.]
The best way to protect yourself right now is to vaccinate, and asked for a booster shot.
I have instructed the quarantine authorities to take the fastest measures to develop a vaccine for Omicron.
But Moderna CEO Stefan Bansel predicts it could be months before mass production of a new vaccine is possible.
However, Pfizer CEO Albert Bulla is confident that the company’s oral coronavirus treatment will be effective against omicron mutations.
The world has been anxiously awaiting the results of the two weeks that the vaccine now available will be considered to prevent the omicron mutation.
