The Heat: Omicron variant expected to sweep Britain and U.S.

The Heat

Scientists now say the COVID-19 Omicron variant first detected in South Africa and Botswana, has now been discovered in more than 65 countries.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the first known death from the Omicron variant on Monday and warned a “tidal wave” of infections is expected to sweep the country. The British government is accelerating its vaccine booster program aimed at getting all eligible adults a booster shot by the end of the year. The United States has close to 800-thousand deaths and 50-million confirmed cases. Omicron has now been detected in at least 30 states.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. top infectious diseases expert, explains why the new COVID-19 variant is so worrisome.

Joining the discussion:

  • Dr. Kate Tulenko is the CEO of Corvus Health.
  • Dr. Alok Patel is a Pediatric Specialist and Medical Journalist.
  • Joseph Williams is a former Senior News Editor with U.S. News and World Report.
  • Dr. Chris Smith is a Consulting Clinical Virologist at the University of Cambridge.

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