People are apprehensive about an anticipated third wave of COVID-19 as the virus continues to spread rapidly with new mutations and variations. Following the concerning Delta variant, another variant of global significance has emerged, initially detected in South Africa and labeled as ‘Omicron’ by the World Health Organization (WHO), designated as a ‘variant of concern’ (VOC). The WHO has cautioned countries about the potential for a surge in new infections in the coming months, emphasizing the severity and risk associated with the Omicron variant.
Recent reports indicate that numerous countries, including Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, and the UK, have reported cases of the Omicron variant. Consequently, many of these countries have reinstated restrictions and implemented travel regulations to contain the spread of this highly severe and mutated version of COVID-19.
The WHO has warned that the Omicron variant has the potential to become a predominant global risk, with significant implications for public health. Emphasizing the need for precautionary measures, the WHO recommends that festivals and celebrations incorporate safety protocols and discourage large gatherings to mitigate the risk of transmission.
Regarding the severity of the Omicron variant, the WHO states that it is yet unclear whether infections with Omicron lead to more severe disease compared to other variants, including Delta. However, the WHO underscores that all variants of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, can cause severe symptoms and even death, particularly among vulnerable populations. Consequently, prevention remains the best approach to managing the current situation.