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Omicron poses ’’very high’’ global risk, world must prepare: WHO

29 November 2021 02:54 pm - 5     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Omicron coronavirus variant is likely to spread internationally, posing a "very high" global risk of infection surges that could have "severe consequences" some areas, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday.

The U.N. agency urged its 194 member states to accelerate vaccination of high-priority groups and, in anticipation of increased case numbers, to "ensure mitigation plans are in place" to maintain essential health services.

"Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic," the WHO said.

"The overall global risk related to the new variant ...is assessed as very high."

To date, no deaths linked to Omicron had been reported, though further research was needed to assess Omicron's potential to escape protection against immunity induced by vaccines and previous infections, it said.

"Increasing cases, regardless of a change in severity, may pose overwhelming demands on health care systems and may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The impact on vulnerable populations would be substantial, particularly in countries with low vaccination coverage," it said.

The variant was first reported to WHO on Nov. 24 from South Africa, where infections have risen steeply.

It has since spread around the world, with new cases found in the Netherlands, Denmark and Australia even as more countries imposed travel restrictions to try to seal themselves off. Japan said on Monday it would close its borders to foreigners, joining Israel in taking the toughest measures.

The WHO, in its latest guidance, reiterated that countries should use a "risk-based approach to adjust international travel measures in a timely manner". Further advice would be forthcoming, it said.

"The presence of multiple mutations of the spike protein in the receptor-binding domain suggests that Omicron may have a high likelihood of immune escape from antibody-mediated protection. However, immune escape potential from cell-mediated immunity is more difficult to predict," it said.

"Overall, there are considerable uncertainties in the magnitude of immune escape potential of Omicron."

More data was expected in coming weeks.

"COVID-19 cases and infections are expected in vaccinated persons, albeit in a small and predictable proportion", it added. (Reuters)


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  • Spartacus Monday, 29 November 2021 03:10 PM

    Let's stop this bullshit, whoever will die will die. Let's open up

    A Monday, 29 November 2021 03:36 PM

    WHO does not have credibility. Does it have evediance still. They the disorganised organisation

    Coorey Placid UK Monday, 29 November 2021 04:13 PM

    Despite all these warnings the tourism minister keeps on adding more countries to the list of countries promoting them to visit Sri Lanka. Could the people hold him and the Prez responsible for any future outbreak

    Kikazaru Monday, 29 November 2021 04:15 PM

    Had the WHO done the same when Corona was detected in China, there would not have been a COVID-19 pandemic. The did not declare Corona a pandemic due to pressure exerted by China and Chinese money.

    joshua Tuesday, 30 November 2021 10:47 AM

    Our tourism minister has said that our country is at low risk of contracting this variant and therefore fully vaccinated tourists can walk in without quarantine. He should be taken to task if this variant blows in the face of SL. Medical experts needs to check from where the minister got the doctorate.


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