The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that suggesting the Omicron variant of novel Coronavirus is 'just a mild' disease can prove to be dangerous. Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and WHO's COVID-19 Technical Lead Maria Van Kerkhove said, "Yes, oversimplified narratives can be dangerous. While we see lower risk of hospitalisation compared to Delta, to suggest that Omicron is "just a mild" disease is dangerous. Cases are astounding even with lower risk, we will see hospitals overwhelmed. Please be careful."
In several situations, the global body has warned and alerted governments to take necessary measures amid the new surge in COVID-19 cases due to Omicron variant. Earlier, the WHO had also cautioned everyone about a COVID-19 tsunami asking people to cancel any gatherings and events. It said that recently evidence is being observed about the Omicron variant affecting upper respiratory tract, resulting in milder symptoms as compared to previous strains. This can lead to "decoupling" in some places between soaring case numbers and low death rates. On January 4, WHO Incident Manager Abdi Mahamud told Geneva-based journalists, "We are seeing more and more studies pointing out that Omicron is infecting the upper part of the body. Unlike other ones, the lungs who would be causing severe pneumonia."
The omicron variant was initially detected in November last year. It is a highly transmissible variant according to the WHO data. It has spread rapidly and has emerged in 128 countries, proving to be a huge stress for many nations and people trying to save their economies and lives after around two years of COVID-19-related problems. The current pandemic scenario is challenging all over the world and is making people more scared day by day.
Also read: High Spread Of Omicron Could Increase The Risk Of A Newer, More Dangerous Variant: WHO
US crossed one million fresh Covid-19 cases in a day and India is also reporting a huge daily spike. India started the vaccination programme for 15-18 years age group on January 3. And till now, over 85 lakh children in the bracket have taken the first jab. Everyone should get fully vaccinated to fight Coronavirus and keep following Covid appropriate behaviour too. Wear masks, wash and sanitize hands frequently and maintain social distancing at all times.
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