The Omicron COVID variant has already been found in 57 countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Omicron, a “variant of concern,” was discovered by South African authorities and notified to the World Health Organization.
According to reports, the variation had been discovered in the Netherlands before to South Africa’s declaration.
Concerns regarding the novel variant’s possible increased transmissibility have arisen as a result of the rise in COVID cases in South Africa since its identification.
Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said during a virtual media conference on Wednesday that key characteristics of Omicron, such as its global distribution and large number of mutations, imply it could have a substantial impact on the pandemic’s trajectory.
“Exactly what that impact will be is still difficult to know,” he said.
“We are now starting to see a consistent picture of rapid increase in transmission, although for now, the exact rate of increase relative to other variants remains difficult to quantify. In South Africa, the number of Omicron cases is increasing quickly. However, Omicron was detected when transmission of Delta was very low, so it had little competition.
“It will, therefore, be important to monitor carefully what happens around the world, to understand whether Omicron can outcompete Delta.”
The WHO director-general urged countries to evaluate their national policies, increase vaccine coverage for at-risk populations, ramp up efforts to reduce transmission, and expand surveillance, testing, and sequencing.
He also urged countries to refrain from enacting “ineffective and discriminatory travel bans.”
“I’m pleased that France and Switzerland have lifted their travel bans on southern African countries, and I urge other countries to follow their lead. To France and Switzerland, merci beaucoup,” he said.
“All individuals can reduce their risk by keeping a safe distance from others, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, cleaning your hands, and meeting outside if possible, or in a well-ventilated space indoors.
“And please, get vaccinated if you can. We can save lives from Delta right now; We can prevent Omicron becoming a global crisis right now. And we can prevent other variants emerging right now. This virus is changing, but our collThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has disclosed that the Omicron COVID variant has now been detected in 57 countries.
Omicron – labelled a “variant of concern” – was detected by South African authorities and subsequently reported to the WHO.
According to reports, the variation had been discovered in the Netherlands before to South Africa’s declaration.
Concerns regarding the novel variant’s possible increased transmissibility have arisen as a result of the rise in COVID cases in South Africa since its identification.
Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said during a virtual media conference on Wednesday that key characteristics of Omicron, such as its global distribution and large number of mutations, imply it could have a substantial impact on the pandemic’s trajectory.
“Exactly what that impact will be is still difficult to know,” he said.
“We are now starting to see a consistent picture of rapid increase in transmission, although for now, the exact rate of increase relative to other variants remains difficult to quantify. In South Africa, the number of Omicron cases is increasing quickly. However, Omicron was detected when transmission of Delta was very low, so it had little competition.
“It will, therefore, be important to monitor carefully what happens around the world, to understand whether Omicron can outcompete Delta.”
The WHO director-general called on countries to review their national plans, accelerate vaccine coverage for at-risk populations, intensify efforts to drive transmission down, and scale up surveillance, testing and sequencing.
He also asked that countries avoid “ineffective and discriminatory travel bans”.
“I’m pleased that France and Switzerland have lifted their travel bans on southern African countries, and I urge other countries to follow their lead. To France and Switzerland, merci beaucoup,” he said.
“All individuals can reduce their risk by keeping a safe distance from others, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, cleaning your hands, and meeting outside if possible, or in a well-ventilated space indoors.
“And please, get vaccinated if you can. We can save lives from Delta right now; We can prevent Omicron becoming a global crisis right now. And we can prevent other variants emerging right now. This virus is changing, but our collective resolve must not.”ective resolve must not.”
