Omicron, a recently identified coronavirus strain, has caused concern among governments around the world due to its rapid transmissibility. The Omicron Covid-19 variant has already been designated as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization. The variant has raised concerns about the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, which has been going on for nearly two years. As a result, a dozen countries have closed their borders in order to contain the pandemic’s next phase.
- At present, WHO is coordinating with a large number of researchers around the world to better understand Omicron. Studies currently underway or underway shortly include assessments of transmissibility, the severity of infection (including symptoms), the performance of vaccines and diagnostic tests, and the effectiveness of treatments.
- According to the WHO findings, there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron (i.e., people who have previously had COVID-19 could become reinfected more easily with Omicron), as compared to other variants of concern.
- Regarding the nature of the new variant, the WHO has advised countries to implement effective public health measures to reduce COVID-19 circulation overall. The UN body has also advised countries to ensure that a maximum number of population get vaccinated.
- The WHO has said that it is unclear whether the Omicron is more transmissible or causes more severe disease compared to other variants, including the highly-transmissible and globally prevalent Delta variant. “There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants,” the WHO said.
- The global heath body said it is trying to understand the potential impact of this variant on existing countermeasures, including vaccines. “Vaccines remain critical to reducing severe disease and death, including against the dominant circulating virus, Delta. Current vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death.”
