Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the United States has warned that Christmas travel will increase the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus even among the fully vaccinated.
"There's no mistake about it, Omicron has an exceptional propensity to spread," Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Sunday's edition of NBC's Meet the Press.
The variety is now "raging over the world," according to Dr. Fauci, who advises the US government on the pandemic.
As the significantly modified variety spreads, countries are tightening their measures.
France and Germany are among the European countries that have enforced travel restrictions, while the Netherlands has imposed a rigorous lockdown over the holidays.
Governments are also boosting up their Covid booster vaccination programs after experts found that the extra dose could provide up to 85% protection against serious illness.
Dr. Fauci stated on Sunday that Omicron's rapid growth in the United States could have a major impact on health systems across the country.
"Our hospitals are going to be tremendously stressed if things continue to look like they are," he cautioned.
Dr. Fauci advised that people take precautions such as wearing face masks and avoiding social situations.
He also advised more people in the United States to receive their vaccines and booster doses.
"The difference between an illness in a vaccinated and boosted individual and an infection in a person who has never been vaccinated is a huge difference in terms of the chance of severity," he said.
Dr. Fauci stated unvaccinated people have a considerably higher risk of serious infection and hospitalization, according to a White House press briefing on Friday.
