Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who has been expressing concern about the COVID-19 from the very beginning, has now warned the world about the Omicron surge. Just when it seemed like life would return to normal, the newly detected variant has overturned Gates’ expectations.
“We could be entering the worst part of the pandemic,” Gates said, adding that he has revoked his holidays as Omicron takes the world by a storm.
In a series of tweets, the co-founder of Microsoft expressed concerns over the rapid surge in Omicron cases in different countries. “Just when it seemed like life would return to normal, we could be entering the worst part of the pandemic. Omicron will hit home for all of us. Close friends of mine now have it, and I’ve canceled most of my holiday plans,” he said.
“Omicron is spreading faster than any virus in history. It will soon be in every country in the world,” he said.
Urging people to take the situation seriously, he said, “The big unknown is how sick omicron makes you. We need to take it seriously until we know more about it. Even if it’s only half as severe as delta, it will be the worst surge we have seen so far because it’s so infectious.”
In the meantime, Gates said that people have to look out for each other, especially the most vulnerable, whether they live down the street or in another country. He suggested wearing masks, avoiding big indoor gatherings, and getting vaccinated. He opined that a booster gives the best protection against the new variant.