I would add a 3rd flawed notion: that COVID is COVID, all variants are to be avoided at all costs.
At this point we've got well established indications of omicron being an unserious infection (sparing the lungs entirely, being no more than a bad cold for the vast majority of those who contract it). Not 1000% confirmed, of course ongoing study is warranted, but it would be shocking if omicron turns out to be a serious driver of illness and death.
But policy makers and media commentators are allergic to optimism on what this implies long term, so we are stuck in a state of alarm.
At this point we've got well established indications of omicron being an unserious infection (sparing the lungs entirely, being no more than a bad cold for the vast majority of those who contract it). Not 1000% confirmed, of course ongoing study is warranted, but it would be shocking if omicron turns out to be a serious driver of illness and death.
But policy makers and media commentators are allergic to optimism on what this implies long term, so we are stuck in a state of alarm.