16 month old not walking independently

My lo is 15.5 months and not walking on his own, can walk with push walker,cruise around wall and change from one chair to another but doesn’t want to walk on his own.

I am having so much anxiety due to that.

He can squat,climb,can do stairs,crawl,good with speech.

Everyone ask me about his walking all the time and I get upset as if I m a failure😭

Pediatrician said if he doesn’t walk by 18 months we will do neuro Refferal

And hearing that gives me more anxiety

I got PT appointment and that gives me hope

I am FTM and with covid we hardly go out so I m thinking due to that he is not walking.

Anyone with similar experience