Bill Gates warns world is 'entering the worst part of pandemic', says his close friends have Omicron; shares prevention steps

As several countries are reporting rise in Omicron cases, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday sent out a strong warning against the dangers of the new Covid-19 variant, saying that while we think life could be returning to normal, we might just be entering into "the worst part of the pandemic".

The businessman also revealed that some of his close friends have tested positive for Omicron. Considering the looming concerns of the virus, Gates has already canceled most of his holiday plans. "Omicron will hit home for all of us," he shared with his over 56 million followers on Twitter.

In a series of tweets, the 66-year-old further said that the new variant of coronavirus is spreading faster than any virus in history. "It will soon be in every country in the world," Gates warned.

Several people continue to take the situation lightly while new cases of Omicron are popping up across the world. So far, the direness of the situation isn't yet clear since not much is known about the new variant.

Gates, who is also a philanthropist and an author, urged people to be cautious and take Omicron seriously, expressing that even if its half as severe as the delta variant of Covid-19, Omicron can lead to the "worst surge we have seen so far since it's so infectious."

"In the meantime, we all have to look out for each other, especially the most vulnerable, whether they live down the street or in another country," he said.

The businessman also shared steps that people can take to avoid the surge and control the spread of Omicron.

Gates shares three key steps against the Covid's new variant:

1. Wearing masks
2. Avoiding big indoor gatherings
3. Getting vaccinated

"Getting a booster gives the best protection," the business magnate added.

'More breakthrough cases in vaccinated people'
Gates further expressed a shocking prediction by saying that in future, there will be more breakthrough cases in vaccinated people. "Which sounds concerning but is purely a factor of how many people are vx’d (vaccinated) and how fast this variant is spreading. Vaccines are designed to prevent people from getting seriously ill or dying & are doing that well," he added.

According to the Microsoft co-founder, the next wave, which might occur due to Omicron, should last less than three months in a country, since the new variant moves quickly.
In the end, Gates also sympathised with people as the pandemic is yet again dampening holiday plans for everyone just when things were starting to look normal.

"I know it’s frustrating to go into another holiday season with COVID looming over us. But it won’t be like this forever. Someday the pandemic will end, and the better we look after each other, the sooner that time will come," he wrote in his final tweet.