'We're going to be cautious' -Biden on travel ban

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"We don't know a lot about the variant except that it is a great concern, it seems to spread rapidly," Biden said during a weekend in Nantucket.

The restrictions go into effect Monday. The U.S. is among countries around the world that rushed to suspend travel from southern Africa on news over the new variant, named omicron, which the World Health Organization said was "of concern."

The restrictions apply to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.

When asked by reporters if he was considering new vaccine mandates the president replied, "not at the moment."