WHO says Omicron is spreading at an unprecedented rate and warns that people should not ‘dismiss’ it as ‘mild’

Dec 15, 2021

By: Vaamanaa Sethi

The World Health Organization (WHO), on Tuesday, said that...

...the newly emerged Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading across countries in the world at an unprecedented rate.

Credit: Pixabay

More than 77 countries have reported the cases of this heavily mutated variant.

“The reality is that Omicron is probably in most of the countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a media briefing.

Credit: Pixabay

WHO in the media briefing also said that the Omicron will likely take over the Delta strain...

...as the dominant variant where community transmission occurs.

Credit: Pixabay

He further added, “We’re concerned that people are dismissing Omicron as mild.

Surely, we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril. Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems."

Credit: Pixabay

Vaccines alone cannot prevent the spread of the new variant.

He suggested that all the countries take effective measures to stop the spread of the strain.

Credit: Pixabay

Keeping in mind the transmissibility of new variant, some countries are planning to roll out booster shots.

“WHO is concerned that such programmes will repeat the COVID-19 vaccine hoarding seen previously this year,” Tedros said.

Credit: Pixabay

He added that there is not enough data that shows whether a third vaccine...

...jab is needed to effectively protect healthy adults or not.

Credit: Pixabay

Whereas, a senior Indian health official, as cited by the Times of India, said that...

...India could see a major surge in Omicron cases during January-February next year, but the cases are likely to remain mild.

Credit: Pixabay

India has reported 55 Omicron cases so far...

...with Maharashtra at the top of the list with 28 cases, followed by Rajasthan (17 cases) and Delhi (6 cases).

Credit: Pixabay

Stock markets stage strong rebound after 4 days of slump; Sensex rallies 599 pts