Covid: Biden says to beat Omicron variant ‘we have to shut it down worldwide’ – as it happened

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After their remarks, the members of the taskforce took a handful of questions from reporters. Fauci was asked when scientists will have a better understanding of the risks posed by the Omicron variant. He said they would have a clearer picture in the next few weeks".

But he said it could take longer to understand the impact of Omicron and whether it will overtake Delta as the dominant strain in the US.