PRESIDENT Joe Biden on Monday pledged that the U.S. is not returning to lockdown mitigation measures as it prepares for the omicron COVID-19 variant, urging calm as much remains unknown about the strain that sparked worldwide concern in a matter of days over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
“We do not yet believe that additional measures will be needed,” Biden said in prepared remarks delivered from the White House, wasting no time in addressing the nation on the emerging threat as Americans return to school and work. When asked if lockdowns are off the table, Biden said: “Yes, for now.”
He added that lockdown scenarios shouldn’t be needed because “if people are vaccinated and wear their mask, there’s no need for the lockdown.” He insisted it is a “cause for concern, not a cause for panic.”
“We have the best vaccine in the world, the best medicines, the best scientists, and
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