Omicron variant poses ‘very high’ risk, warns WHO

The WHO has said that though it is not yet known how new Omicrone virus contagious and dangerous is but new variant of Covid poses a "very high" global risk and could have "severe consequences" where there are surges. In a technical briefing document for its member states, the UN health agency said that the likelihood of potential further spread of Omicron at the global level is high and the overall risk related to the new variant of concern has been assessed as “very high” The Omicron variant is likely to spread internationally.

Crucial data on Omicron is expected in coming weeks. WHO believes it can affect vaccinated people too. "COVID -19 cases and infections are expected in vaccinated persons, albeit in a small and predictable proportion," it said. WHO said, urging countries to prepare by accelerating vaccinations and put mitigation plans in place to maintain essential health services. Currently, the local transmission of Omicron has been reported in South Africa and the variant has now been detected in four WHO regions: African; Eastern Mediterranean; European; and Western Pacific. The UN agency said that most of the cases outside Africa are travel-related.

The WHO has suggested a number of priority actions for member states to curb the spread of the new virus variant, including enhanced surveillance and sequencing efforts and widespread use of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.’s PCR test to detect the variant. Several countries have already imposed travel bans and restrictions on flights to and from South Africa and neighbouring countries. Japan and Israel have barred foreigners. Australia says it will review plans to re-open borders to skilled migrants and students from December. Every international passenger coming to India has to fill a self-declaration form and show a negative RT-PCR test report. They can't enter India if any of these two conditions are not fulfilled.