measure possible to interrupt transmission. >> so what about those, i've heard this new trend about those that are throwing omicron parties because they just want to get it over with. what are your thoughts on that? i think i know what you're going to say, but i'd like to give you the floor to do so. >> well, you know, there's no question we are seeing a rise in hospitalizations from covid, and omicron is just about the only variant we have now in this country, so the bottom line is people are still getting very sick from omicron, and if you can avoid getting it, you should do so by all means. there is nothing good about getting omicron, and don't forget, there's still the risk of long coe video, and neurodegenerative effects from long covid. we don't know the extent of that from previous lineages. we're hearing about diabetes in kids. this business of going around calling it omicold and this nonsense is not helpful. it's still a dangerous pathogen.