<article><p class="lead">The US authorities will not introduce additional restrictions on travel and economic activity following the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant, known as Omicron, President Joe Biden said today.</p><p>"There is no need for lockdowns if people are vaccinated and wear masks," Biden said following a White House briefing with US government health scientists. The US on 26 November joined other countries in Europe and Asia in imposing <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2278220">a ban on air travel from South Africa and seven other countries</a> in Africa's southern tip, but does not, for now, plan to broaden travel restrictions, Biden said.</p><p>The White House on 2 December will unveil a strategy for tackling the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in the winter season, Biden said. The plan is to address the pandemic "not with shutdowns or lockdowns, but more widespread vaccinations, boosters and testing." </p><p>News of the emergence of a new variant weighed on oil and equity markets globally last week, with crude futures <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2277917">falling sharply lower on 26 November</a>. But Biden said that "this variant is a cause for concern, not a cause for panic."</p><p class="bylines">By Haik Gugarats</p></article>
