Biden addresses nation on omicron variant as some travel bans to US take effect

With the omicron variant prompting new travel restrictions this week, President Joe Biden will address the nation on Monday in remarks about the new COVID-19 variant.

With the COVID-19 omicron variant sending shockwaves around the world, President Joe Biden addressed the nation surrounding the new variant as new travel restrictions to the U.S. took effect on Monday.

"While we have said that travel restrictions can slow the speed of omicron, it cannot prevent it. Here's what it does: It gives us time," Biden said in remarks from the White House. "It gives us time to take more actions. To move quicker, to make sure people understand you have to get the vaccine. You have to get the shot. You have to get the booster."

"This variant is a cause for concern, not a cause for panic. We have the best vaccine in the world, and the best medicines, the best scientists and we're learning more every single day," Biden added.

The president announced Friday that starting this week, the U.S. will restrict travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. Experts predict it's only a matter of time before the variant first detected in southern Africa is circulating in the U.S.