Cassie Sauer, CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association states, "I think that there is almost no chance that it's not [here.]"
Epidemiologists call travel bans politically motivated and ineffective as more cases are detected in Europe.
The WHO is expected to name the heavily mutated variant Nu as health officials call it a "matter of concern."
Travel returns to normal for Thanksgiving which is fueling worry that an explosion of new cases is coming.
2.5 million Washingtonians will become instantly eligible for a booster when the CDC Director gives final approval.
More states approve boosters for all adults as new COVID cases are up 14% nationwide.
Dr. Anthony Fauci recommends boosters for all as new cases start to rise again across the United States.
The Washington State Department of Health plans to continue to follow federal guidelines for booster shots.
California and Colorado now recommend boosters for all as urgency grows to boost COVID immunity.
In an discussion on Tuesday, Dr. Fauci said the United States can avoid a sixth wave through vaccination.