WHO Says, Omicron Less Severe Than Delta, Vaccines To Stay Effective

On Tuesday, a top WHO official told AFP, Omicron does not appear to be more severe than the other Covid variants and is "highly unlikely" to fully dodge vaccine protections. As the omicron variant is spreading quickly all over the world, many countries have started putting travel restrictions and stricter rules for the unvaccinated population. Many experts have stated that this new variant is more transmissible and severe, with a possibility of third wave. However, WHO's recent statement might prove to be a sigh of relief for everyone. However, it is still a top priority to take all necessary precautions and follow Covid appropriate behaviour.

In an interview, WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said, "The preliminary data doesn't indicate that this is more severe. In fact, if anything, the direction is towards less severity." He also added that more thorough research was required in this situation. In fact, he mentioned that, at the same time, there has been no indication that Omicron variant could fully fight the protections provided by existing Covid-19 vaccines. The WHO's second-in-command official focused that there were no signs that the existing Covid-19 vaccines will fail against Omicron variant.

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In the battle against Coronavirus, "the best weapon we have right now is to get vaccinated," he said. Just two weeks after first being identified and reported, the Omicron was found in many more countries all over the world. The initial data from South Africa states that the new Omicron variant is highly likely to be more transmissible than the existing variants. "When any new variant emerges, it will tend to be more transmissible, because it's got to compete with previous variants," Ryan further added.

He also mentioned that we have highly effective Covid vaccines and they have worked against all the variants till now, if we talk about severe symptoms and hospitalisation. Ryan said, "If anything, the direction is towards less severity." So far, Omicron variant has been found in 38 countries and no deaths have been reported. It is important to take preventive measure and follow Covid appropriate behaviour such as washing hands frequently, avoid crowds and wearing masks.

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