The U.S. is taking aggressive new steps to try to protect the nation from the new omicron coronavirus variant.

The nation is now limiting travel from South Africa and seven other countries due to the new COVID-19 variant.

The new restrictions took effect this morning, just weeks after the country reopened to international tourists with new entry rules. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are excluded.

News 12's Doug Geed was joined by Dr. John Zaso, who is board-certified in emergency medicine and pediatrics. He's also on the Nassau Board of Health.

Below is what Dr. Zaso says this is what we know about the omicron and what we don't:

Are pediatricians seeing a big push for kids to get the COVID-19 vaccine? What are the side effects?