Omicron variant is the new iteration of the Covid-19 which has caused concern and worries among public health officials, scientists and the general public.
W.H.O have recorded different variants of the coronavirus before Omicron which are Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. In which Delta is considered the worst and most contagious form of the virus.
The variant is currently identified in nearly 60 countries. To be precise, as at December 9, it has been recorded in 57 countries. It has affected all continent except Antarctica.
“Africa accounts for 46% of nearly 1000 Omicron cases reported by 57 countries with South Africa recording the highest. More than 70 countries have imposed travel bans mainly targeting South African countries..”
This variant was first identified in South Africa and Botswana. According to report, the first person to have tested positive for Omicron Variant arrived San Francisco, USA from South Africa on Nov.22 and tested positive on Nov. 29. Since then, it has been detected in more than 20 states in the US. The second person that tested positive to this virus visited New York from Minnesota to attend an anime convention. He developed mild symptoms on Nov.22, and tested positive to the virus two days later.
According to research, the variant is dominant in South Africa. There is a sudden rise of coronavirus cases mostly among people that have being infected and vaccinated. Researchers in South Africa reported that the variant appears to be spreading more than twice as quickly as Delta, which is considered the most contagious variant.
As at now, much can not be said about the variant. More data and time will be required to determine the risk of the variant. Report from W.H.O says it's too early to draw any conclusions about the global impact of Omicron. People are warned not to panic and to stick to the precautions against Covid 19. Everyone is advised to get the three dose of vaccination including boosters, keep to social distancing, unnecessary travels, the use of face mask and sanitizers.
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