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The newly identified omicron strain of COVID-19 is prompting fears of renewed lockdowns. The World Health Organization presented the new variant as a ‘variant of concern,’ advising countries to consider imposing new restrictions and banning international travel. This threatens the cruise line’s recovery. Also, it is not yet clear whether the current vaccines will be effective against the variant. Recently, Moderna Inc. (MRNA) CEO expressed concerns about the possibility of a ‘material drop’ in the effectiveness of existing vaccines against the new variant. If the omicron variant drives another COVID-19 wave, or the vaccines fail against the strain, it could adversely affect RCL and the cruise industry’s recovery.
Even though Emer Cooke, executive director of the European Medicines Agency, has attempted to reassure the world, stating that “even if the new variant becomes more widespread, the vaccines we have will continue to provide protection,” uncertainty persists.
