"Entering Worst Part Of Pandemic": Bill Gates Warns The World Over Omicron In Twitter Thread

Bill Gates, in a series of tweets aimed at alerting the public to the worrisome surge in Omicron worldwide, warned on Tuesday of an abundant need for caution as we approach the peak of the festive season, sharing that he too has canceled most of his holiday plans.

The tech mogul sounded alarm after his close friends have increasingly been getting infected with the virus, he tweeted. The billionaire Microsoft co-founder urged his followers take cognizance of the fact that we "could be entering the worst part of the pandemic".

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.

¡ª Bill Gates (@BillGates) December 21, 2021

Twitter thread by Bill Gates

Gates' tweets emphasised the danger of the Omicron variant, particularly in relation to it's reinfection rate, as well as the frighteningly little knowledge we collectively possess about the strain. "Omicron is spreading faster than any virus in history. It will soon be in every country in the world," tweeted Gates.

"The big unknown is how sick omicron makes you...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," he added in a subsequent tweet.

AFP

Also known for his insights on global disasters, Gates wrote, "The pandemic can be over in 2022. That is, of course, if we take the right steps. And the steps, as per Gates, is what the entire thread is all about."

US ahead of the curve

All the major technology companies in the US have already realised the severity of the situation. As a result, more and more of them are coming up with new measures to safeguard their staff. Examples we have seen recently include a delay in the return-to-office dates and skipping CES 2022. Companies including Apple, Meta, and Google have already postponed their return-to-office dates.

In fact, companies are now even cracking down on employees who are not yet vaccinated. Joining Google, Intel now plans to put unvaccinated employees on unpaid leave for three months. The company has reportedly asked the employees to submit their vaccination or medical reasons for not taking the vaccine against Covid-19, by January 4.

AFP

Gates' appeal to all

To make sure Omicron does not become the worst we have seen so far, Gates advises everyone through his tweets to follow the regular protocol of protection against the Covid-19 spread. This includes "wearing masks, avoiding big indoor gatherings, and getting vaccinated."

Reuters

Gates also mentions the best protection against the disease can be expected upon getting a booster dose. He even appeals to all "to look out for each other, especially the most vulnerable." In the process of being cautious, Gates notes that we all might have to even skip our festivities for the time being.