Omicron holidays: No zero-risk scenario exists, says epidemiologist

“This variant is so much more contagious, that the speed with which this wave is going to come and wash over us, it's going to be a lot faster,” says UCLA epidemiologist Anne Rimoin about the Omicron variant.

“This variant is so much more contagious, that the speed with which this wave is going to come and wash over us, it's going to be a lot faster,” says UCLA epidemiologist Anne Rimoin about the Omicron variant. Photo by Shutterstock.

As some families are preparing to travel and gather for the holidays next week, they should be especially careful as the Omicron variant is expected to overtake the Delta variant, says UCLA epidemiology professor Anne Rimoin. She emphasizes the importance of booster shots, using high-quality masks, keeping your distance from people if you don’t know their vaccination status, and rethinking which activities are worth it. When it comes to considering holiday plans, she says it comes down to your risk threshold.

Press Play also looks into the mysteries behind humans’ olfactory senses and gets reviews for the latest movies, including “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Swan Song,” “The Novice,” and “Nightmare Alley.” Finally, Good Food host Evan Kleiman shares savory pie recipes.

From this Episode:

Credits

Host:

Madeleine Brand

Producers:

Sarah Sweeney, Angie Perrin, Michell Eloy, Amy Ta, Brian Hardzinski, Bennett Purser, Robin Estrin