Biden Says New COVID-19 Variant Is ‘Not a Cause for Panic’

President Joe Biden says the country is going to fight the new variant of Covid-19 with science, not “chaos and confusion.”

While delivering remarks from the White House Monday, Biden attempted to reassure Americans about the new Omicron variant of the virus.

“This variant is a cause for concern, not a cause for panic,” Biden said.

He continued, “We have the best vaccine in the world, the best medicines, best scientists, and we’re learning more every single day. We’ll fight this variant with scientific and knowledgeable actions and speed, not chaos and confusion.”

Biden explained the country is going to “fight and beat this new variant.” The president also stressed how important it is to get the vaccine.

Watch Biden’s remarks below:

“We do not yet believe that additional measures will be needed,” Biden said.

He continued, “But so that we are prepared, if needed, my team is already working with officials at Pfizer and Moderna and Johnson and Johnson to develop contingency plans for vaccines or boosters, if needed, and I will also direct the and the to use the fastest process available without cutting any corners for safety to get such vaccines approved and on the market if needed.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci commented on the new variant during an interview with CBS News Monday.

“We should not be freaking out,” Fauci said. “We should be doing the things that we know work when you’re dealing with a pandemic virus. It’s not the time to panic.”

According to the outlet, South Africa first reported the new variant last week. At least 14 nations have reported cases of the new variant.

“It appears to be spreading very readily and has a transmission advantage,” Fauci explained.

He advised Americans to get the vaccine and told them to “absolutely get boosted” if they have already received the vaccine.