Rabat – While countries around the world are racing to contain the spread of the new COVID-19 variant by imposing travel restrictions, the science still needs time to determine how much we should really worry about this new variant.
So here is everything we know so far about the Omicron variant.
1- South Africa reported the first case to the WHO on November 24
The World Health Organization (WHO) said last Wednesday that the first case was reported in South Africa.
Shortly after, on the same day, Hong Kong health authorities reported a case of the Omicron variant among arriving travelers.
The Belgian government also reported on the same day that an unvaccinated traveler coming from Egypt was infected by the new strain of the virus.
2- Omicron is potentially more transmissible than the Delta variant
The European Centre for Disease Prevention said on November 26 that given Omicron’s “immune escape potential,” the variant is likely to be more contagious, prompting experts to project a rapid spread and an imminent Omicron crisis across Europe.
3- Omicron is more concerning to experts than previous variants
Scientists report that Omicron has an unusually high number of mutations – the external structure of the virus that allows it to penetrate the immune system – reaching up to 30 key protein spikes.
While the number of mutations can offer scientists perspective on the virus transmutability rate, only lab research can offer exact data on whether the new variant can cause immune invasion.
4- Omicron may compromise vaccine efficiency but won’t make them useless
Public health experts said that the chances of this new strain resisting vaccines are very slim.
With the variant just emerging, much research is underway to provide definitive answers, but it’s very unlikely that the vaccines “will be rendered useless,” according to Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, Dr. Ashish Jha.
According to experts, the effect of Omicron on vaccine efficiency will be revealed in a few weeks to come.
5- Booster shots are likely more effective than two-dose vaccines
Moderna, the American Pharmaceutical giant, has said that its current vaccine and booster shot are ineffective against the variant. However, Moderna is testing the possibility of delivering a large booster dose.
Moderna is also considering an Omicron-specific booster shot given that the new variant will most likely accelerate the waning of natural and vaccine immunity.
Read Also: Moroccan Expert: Omicron Variant Could Weaken Vaccines Effectiveness
