Vaccination Key to Battling Omicron: WHO

A new variant of the coronavirus, the Omicron variant has been detected in over 30 countries already. It is causing huge concern due to its rapid infection rate. The Delta variant has already been wreaking quite some havoc, especially in Europe. The World Health Organization, which is a specialized UN body that oversees international public health, is keeping a close eye on the variant, along with scientists from around the world. 

The Origin of the Omicron Variant

The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa. They then swiftly alerted the globe of this new variant of the coronavirus. However, it has since been found that the variant might have first emerged in Europe, from where it went to South Africa. More than the deadliness of the new variant, it is its infection rate that is concerning. Although there have been no reports of death due to the new variant, it has spread internationally very fast. Many countries have imposed lockdown measures, most of which had already been there due to the Delta variant. 

Omicron Variant in India

India, too, had reported over 20 cases of the Omicron variant already. Five Indian states including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Delhi have reported people suffering from COVID, with the coronavirus. Most of the people who have been detected with this new variant are either those who have just returned to the country after being abroad, especially in Europe and Africa or those who have been in contact with them. The latest cases have been detected in Delhi, while other states have also been warned to stay on high alert.

Vaccination Key To Battling Omicron: WHO

The Omicron variant is still very new. It has been difficult to reach any concrete solutions from the science community as the variant is still being studied. Various officials across the World Health Organization have spoken that it is important to keep track of the variant to see whether it becomes dominant or not. Moreover, they have also emphasized that placing border restrictions is not enough. While it might delay the spread of the variant, it is important to take robust measures to ensure that the spread can be controlled as much as possible. All necessary precautions must continue to be undertaken. 

Since the variant is spreading so rapidly, it might be that it has some capacity to evade the immune response that everyone has built till now. The vaccine has been seen to reduce the severity of the infection and it is expected it will do so for this variant too. Although it might not be able to completely keep the infection from Omicron away, it can help to not make it deadly.

Endnotes

The crucial things at this point are the proper tracking, tracing and detection of the new variant. People all over the world should stay alert, but not panic and only believe in verified information. Preventative measures such as double vaccination, social distancing, wearing masks, using sanitizers should be followed by all, diligently, to prevent the new variant from growing into a bigger menace than it already is. WHO officials have already stated that people should not rely just on border controls, but also be diligent themselves. reports till now have suggested that the existing approach to the virus and COVID pandemic is alright to go on for now. 

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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.