The CDC has reported, that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading at higher rates in New York and New Jersey than in any other state in America.
According to experts, the new variant has been detected in at least 36 states across the country. Experts stressed that the surges do not warrant another set of lockdowns.
According to the New York Post, Dr. Rochelle Walensky said that the contagious new variant is estimated to account for about 3% of infections that are being genetically sequenced nationwide, with the highest rates in the New York-New Jersey region.
How could this be? New York has some of the strictest COVID-19 restrictions in the nation. From a new mask mandate to vaccine passports in New York City.
Despite these efforts, New York and New Jersey makeup roughly 13% of all omicron infections according to Walensky.
New York has the second-highest vaccination rate in the country for individuals aged 18-64. 79.1% of New Yorkers 18 or older, and younger than 65 are fully vaccinated.
Dr. Anthony Fauci seems to have an explanation. He claims that preliminary studies indicate that Omicron has a “profound ability” to resist immune systems built by two-dose mRNA vaccines, like the ones we are currently using.
Fauci went on to claim that the booster shot on the other hand will protect individuals from Omicron “38 fold”.
The doctor insists that the original two shots will prevent Omicron hospitalizations but do little to prevent contraction. He asserts that boosters do work to prevent infections from the new variant.
“If we didn’t have these tools, I would be telling you to be really, really worried,” he said.
