As we discussed briefly in class today, there is still a significant amount of new information emerging regarding the omicron variant of COIVD. It is not well known if this variant is stronger than the others, or if it has weakened. This article discusses how the news of the arrival of the new strain of the infection has sprouted new "jitters" for the world. It states that the delta variant is the dominant strain and how it has continued to unsettle nations, especially those located in Europe. Many countries are still dealing with large infection surges and hospitalizations and are considering mandatory vaccinations.
As mentioned before, there is much still unknown about omicron including how contagious it is and whether it can evade vaccines. Nonetheless, governments have rushed to impose restrictions they had hoped they wouldn't have to use again. The first known cases were seen in West Africa and the Gulf region and there are already further reports in Japan by a man who came from Peru via Qatar. The article discusses how the United States is working toward requiring that all air travelers to the country be tested for COVID within a day before boarding their flight while those who are fully vaccinated may present a test taken within three days of boarding. There are still significant concerns regarding the delta variant and any new variant of COVID including the new omicron strain. I wonder how much longer global economies can continue to survive with the supply chain crisis, decreased tourism income, and many other forms of income revenue.
https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2021-12-01/japan-suspends-new-reservations-on-all-incoming-flights
2 comments:
I think I share the same fears as the longer it takes for us to put COVID-19 behind us, the more likely it is for the world to go into a traumatic recession. Another thing to worry about is the increasing insurance costs as well. As more people become hospitalized or need any kind of treatment as a result of COVID-19, it will be reflected in the medical bills that have begun to pile up.
As long as the Omicron variant is not more contagious or deadly than the Delta variant, I do not think there will be any significant changes in the U.S. economy. However, I do agree that Omicron is going to create international issues in regard to the travel and supply chain sector.
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