Dr Fauci appeals not to travel on Christmas over the fear of fast spreading Omicron

Physician-scientist and immunologist, Dr Anthony Fauci says that Christmas travel will increase the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant, even among the people who are fully vaccinated.

"Omicron has an extraordinary capability of spreading and there is no doubt about that," Dr Anthony Fauci told NBC's Meet the Press programme on Sunday.

The variant was now "raging through the world," advised Dr Fauci during the press briefing.

As the heavily mutated variant spreads, the countries around the world are tightening measures. 

Europe, France and Germany have issued travel restrictions whereas the Netherlands has imposed a strict lockdown over Christmas.

After it was revealed that the additional shot could provide around 85% protection against severe illness, governments are ramping up their Covid booster vaccination programmes.

Dr Fauci said the rapid spread of Omicron in the US could have a serious impact on health services across the country.

He warned: "Our hospitals, if things look like they're looking now, are going to be very stressed." 

He urged the people to take necessary precautions such as wearing face masks and social distancing. He also urged more Americans to get their vaccine and booster shots.

"The difference between a vaccinated and boosted person who has an infection, and someone who has an infection who has never been vaccinated - it's a major difference with regard to the risk of severity," he added.

"The fully vaccinated are doing much better... the optimum protection is fully vaccinated plus a boost," Fauci added.

Meanwhile two US Senators, Democrats Elizabeth Warren, 72, and Cory Booker, 52, said they had tested positive for the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) almost 73% of the US population has received at least one Covid vaccination, so far, almost 30% have had a booster shot.

The latest CDC estimates suggest the Omicron variant have been recorded in the state of New York.