* “The most heavily mutated version of the virus we have seen.”–University of Warwick (UK) virologist Lawrence Young on the omicron variant.
* The U.S. is restricting travel from South Africa and seven other countries in that region. In this case, restrictions mean no travel to or from the designated countries except for returning U.S. citizens and permanent residents who test negative.
* “I do not accept the idea that we have to choose between America and the world.”–U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who has defended offering COVID booster shots to fully vaccinated Americans while also continuing efforts to vaccinate the rest of the world.
* “(The unvaccinated) are the virus’ best friends because they give it a big pool of welcoming hosts.”–Eugene Robinson, Washington Post.
* Booster shots: Appointments available at local Publix, CVS and Walgreens.