Amna: Three years into the
pandemic, and yet another new
subvariant of the coronavirus
has emerged.
As William brangham explains,
it is spreading rapidly, and
it's driving an uptick in new
infections.
William: The new omicron
subvariant, known as xbb 1.5,
now accounts for more than 40%
of new covid infections here in
the U.S
-- the U.S., and around 75% of
cases in the northeast.
This new variant emerges while
just over a third of Americans
65 and older the most at-risk
for severe outcomes have gotten
the updated booster shot.
As China deals with a massive
surge in cases, this week the
U.S. Will require a negative
covid test from passengers
flying from China to the U.S.
Dr. Jay Varma is a physician and
epidemiologist.
He is also a professor and
director of the Cornell center
for pandemic prevention and
response.
Great to have you back on the
newshour.
There are these various covid
alarm bells that are ringing.
Cases are rising, some
localities are asking for masks
to be put back on with mandates.
Now this new variant has
emerged.
How worried should we be about
this variant?
Dr. Varma: I think it is
important for all Americans to
understand that this is a very
precarious time for our
health-care system.
We are dealing with new covid
variance, we're dealing with a
potential surge in it infections
that might arise from infections
around the world.
.
And we still have influenza and
rsv to deal with.
It don't think Americans should
be unduly alarmed.
This variant is going to cause
similar apps and downs as we saw
earlier this year.
At the same time, it is yet
another reminder about the
importance of vaccines and
high-quality masks.
William: The initial reports
that have come out that xbb 1.5
might be more able to evade our
immunity, either from vaccines
or prior infection, those are
not as alarming to you?
Dr. Varma: What is concerning is
that similar to these other
omicron variant's, it is when to
make people more likely to catch
covid.
Similar to other variance, it
does not appear that it will
increase the risk of
hospitalization and death beyond
what has already happened in the
past.
More likely to get infected, but
if you have vaccines and prior
infections, you have a similar
level of protection.
If think the other thing that is
worrisome is one part of our
treatment arsenal, is no longer
effective monoclonal antibodies.
It leaves us with paxlovid, the
one drug that is widely
available as our treatment
option.
William: I mentioned below
booster rate for Americans.
Beyond that, some places are
starting to require masks.
As I've traveled around the
country, and I'm sure you know
this, most Americans are not
wearing masks and seem to have
no interest in them again.
I did see the mayor of your city
was wearing a mask in a public
space, an indoor space.
I'm curious what you think the
government's position ought to
be with regards to masking?
Dr. Varma: Every time we think
about public health, we think
about what works scientifically,
but also what is acceptable.
And what is likely that people
will do.
And max -- and masks are the
perfect example.
We know a high quality mask will
protect you, and we know if lots
of people do it, it will reduce
the stress on our health care
system.
We also know a lot of Americans
are tired of wearing them.
I like what is happening in new
York where elected officials are
modeling good behavior.
We know social norms are
important.
Even if you don't have a
mandate.
The other thing I wish
governments were doing is making
high-quality masks widely
available.
Just like we have toilet paper
in every bathroom.
Does not mean you have to use it
but it is another reminder, and
reducing that friction so people
who feel like they might want to
wear one, have one always
available.
William: I mentioned, we know
cases are searching in China,
seemingly as they have somewhat
done then a about-face on their
zero covid policy.
The Biden administration says
later this week, you need a
negative test to get into the
country from China.
Administration officials say
this is a prudent and smart
thing to do.
One global health expert I spoke
to said, he did not think it
would have any real impact.
What is your take on this?
Dr. Varma: I am pretty skeptical
that it will have any public
health impact.
There is so much covid
transmission occurring in the
U.S., but all over the world.
Most countries around the world
have removed almost all of their
covid mitigation strategies.
Even though China has an
enormous population that is at
risk of getting infected over
the next few months, I am not
convinced that is likely to
change the burden of disease in
the U.S.
William: So much of the country
seemingly has moved on from talk
of covid or action against covid
.
What should the government's
response be in that case?
Dr. Varma: It is a very natural
human phenomena.
Trying to wear masks, get
vaccinated, be cautious takes
work and work is exhausting.
I do feel government has a
responsibility to remind
Americans about how many people
are dying every day, because it
is important to stay up-to-date
on your vaccines and half masks
and test available when you need
them.
In my own personal life, I had
dinner with my wife and a few
friends at our home the other
night, and they were not aware
that 15 to 20 new yorkers are
dying every day for the past
several week from covid.
I think it is important for
government to remind people.
.
As I mentioned before, to make
tools such as tests, masks, and
drugs frictionless.
So everyone has access.
William: Jay Varma Jay Varma
Dr., always -- Dr. Jay Varma,
great to have you.
Dr. Varma: Thank you for having