US weighing next phase of COVID-19 as omicron wanes, officials say

WASHINGTON, February 17 ------ US health officials on Wednesday said they are preparing for the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic as omicron-related cases decline, including updating CDC guidance on mask-wearing and shoring up US testing capacity.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is weighing new COVID-19 guidance, including on when to wear face masks, the agency's chief told reporters, adding that hospital capacity will be a key metric. Tom Inglesby, the White House's adviser for COVID-19 testing, also said the administration had issued a formal request for information to related companies about how to bolster the nation's testing capacity, including details about supply-chain challenges and market volatility.

The industry's response will help direct US investment, he said at a news briefing. The plans come as a growing number of US states have begun to ease COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline. "Our highest, first priority is fighting omicron," White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients said. "At the same time, we are preparing for the future."

Source: news.abs-cbn.com