At the moment the powers that be are using the Omicron (oh no!) variant as another fear porn tool, even if a fair part of the population can see right through it. Masks, fear induced reductions in family gatherings, 1000's of airline flight cancellations, 5 year olds having to wear masks in kindergarden, etc. It's a continuation of the altering of society.
Is this "new" variant a long term plan by the Chinee? I dunno. Again, nothing they do will surprise but it almost always will have nefarious intentions. The CCP has zero regard for human life.
On a lighter note...Merry Christmas Nully!
Merry Christmas right back atcha! Always a pleasure to see you!