Omicron virus, accounts for 30% of infections in the US. Whereas hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline. BA.2 is about 50% more transmissible than the original strain of omicron, but it doesn’t cause more severe illness or evade immunity from vaccinations or an earlier infection, Fauci said.
The US has recently relaxed Covid-related restrictions like mask mandates and requirements for proof of vaccination. Besides, people who were vaccinated six months ago and have not taken a booster shot, are facing continuously waning immunity.
Fauci said it is unclear how long immunity from the prior infection will last. “Hopefully, we won’t see a surge. I don’t think we will.
The easiest way to prevent that is to continue to get people vaccinated. And for those who have been vaccinated, to continue to get them boosted," Fauci added.