Trevor Hunnicutt and Nandita Bose

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Joe Biden said Wednesday that prices are rising and there will be a decrease in shortages. This is despite the fact that the United States faces new Omicron COVID-19 threats as it approaches holiday season.

The strong demand has strained the economic capacity of an economy that is still struggling with the new coronavirus panademic. It also created inflation and political dangers for the Democratic president.

Biden stated that he cannot guarantee that everyone will receive every present they desire on the due date. Only Santa Claus is able to keep that promise. He said that he believes store shelves will be full.

The U.S. saw an increase in manufacturing activity, hiring, and other indicators on Wednesday. But, the data also indicated that there is still a shortage of labor and raw materials. This has contributed to rising prices for American consumers. On Friday, a widely-watched measure of employment is expected.

After spending the first weeks of his January inauguration pushing for stimulus to boost demand, President Obama has been more active in recent months trying lower shipping costs and clear any port congestions.

The Omicron COVID version has raised concerns that the demand might slow down and keep unemployed people at home.

Biden stated that he will announce new measures to control the outbreak on Thursday, but they won’t include lockdowns or shutdowns like those that drove the U.S. into recession last year.

Biden stated that there is a tendency to be shortfalls during holidays, such as the shortages of Cabbage patch Kids dolls in 1980s and Beanie Babies for the 1990s.