The covid deathcount in the US is so far showing only a very small uptick compared to Delta. That’s in the US.
Japan looks somewhat worse. The UK’s death curve is bizarre and likely informs us of nothing.
As for what one does in response to a virus. Depends on the virus. If a new variant is 80% lethal in the target high risk population (the elderly, all of whom have comorbidities so no point in adding that), it will not matter what the gov’t tells you to do. You had better be doing it all without being told to.
If a new variant is much less severe, the response question will be more difficult.
Excess deaths in the US right now are lower for 85+ than for 65-84. Quite surprising. They never went to zero. Deaths of all causes are slightly elevated above pre virus norms, but not for 85+ (the heaviest vaxed cohort). The new variant hasn’t really been around long enough for EDs to show.
We have herd immunity so new variants are unlikely going to do much damage now. The elderly will remain vulnerable, that's why they should take booster shots yearly. (My personal opinion, but the immune system of the elderly are defective so covid is more likely to take them out.)
Erectile Dysfunction?