WHO: Omicron is spreading at a speed we haven’t seen in another variant – SME.sk

by

GENEVA. Coronavirus omicron variant is spreading unprecedentedly fast and is likely to be found in most countries of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. The AFP agency informed about it.

“Omikron cases have already been reported by 77 countries and the reality is that it is likely to be in most countries, although it has not yet been detected there,” WHO chief executive Adhan Ghebreyesus told reporters.

“Omicron is spreading at a speed we have never seen before,” he added.

Underestimation would be a mistake

The WHO said on Sunday that the coronavirus variant omicron is more infectious than the variant delta and reduces the effectiveness of vaccines in protecting against infection and the spread of the virus. On the other hand, according to preliminary data, it causes a less severe course of the disease.

However, Tedros warned on Tuesday that the world community should not underestimate the new variant.

“Even if omicron causes a less serious illness, a huge number of cases could again overwhelm unprepared health systems,” Tedros said.

Strengthening benefits at the expense of poor countries

The WHO chief has again expressed concern about the administration of booster doses of anti-cancer vaccines, which are increasingly being approached by rich countries in particular. The WHO is particularly concerned about the collection of vaccines at the expense of countries that do not have enough.

As he recalled, there is insufficient evidence that a booster dose is needed to effectively protect healthy adults from omicron.

“The WHO is not against booster benefits. We are against injustice. Our main concern is to save lives everywhere,” Tedros said.

“Administering booster doses to groups at low risk of serious illness or death endangers the lives of high-risk people (severe) who are still waiting for their primary doses,” Tedros said.

The new variant of omikron was first reported on November 24 Of the Republic of South Africa (JAR).

All about coronavirus and COVID-19