US Needs No Lockdown to Curb Covid-19: White House

jpnn.com, AMERIKA - The United States does not need to impose a lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 and will rely on other means, according to White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients.

"We are not headed in that direction. We have the tools to accelerate the path out of this pandemic: widely available vaccinations; booster shots; kids’ shots; therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies to help those who contract the virus," Zients said at a White House briefing on Monday (22/11).

"We can curb the spread of the virus without having to in any way shut down our economy," he added.

US regulatory agencies on Friday expanded the feasibility of using booster vaccine shots for immunity to Covid-19 to all adults, and 3 million Americans have already received them, according to Zients.

"In fact, just across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we got 3 million booster shots into arms — a million booster shots per day," said Zients.

"And as our doctors said, the message to everyone who is eligible is clear: Don’t delay. Get your booster shot so you can have enhanced protection from Covid-19 as we head into the winter."

Separately, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said US health affairs officials were not currently recommending lockdowns or restrictions on economic activity to curb Covid-19 cases.

Europe is once again the epicenter of the global Covid-19 pandemic, with Austria re-imposing a full lockdown, riots breaking out in cities across the Netherlands over its partial lockdown, and many other countries in Europe imposing restrictions.