US President Joe Biden has called the Omicron COVID variant a cause for concern and not a cause for panic, one day after it was detected in North America. He said, he sees no need for a lockdown for now, adding, if people are vaccinated and wear their masks.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Cases have been found in Canada and the US has imposed travel bans on eight African countries. Despite vaccines and Mr Biden's vow to shut down the virus, more Americans died this year from COVID than last. He added that vaccine companies are creating contingency plans for new vaccines if needed.</span><br />