Omicron Variant: Recent Updates

Newer cases of the Omicron variant got detected in India, with numbers crossing 20 overall, many states have tightened their security and stepped up on vaccination drives, surveillance of cases, and even containment measures for the patients affected. Although the active cases of the initial Covid, have decreased, there are more recent updates on the variant, and many have been more alarmed and alerted by the rising numbers of the Omicron variant.

Some of the recent findings and updates on the variant are as follows-
– Recent research held in Africa has stated that the variant can partially evade the protection provided from the two doses of Pfizer Inc. and partner’s Covid19 vaccine. The research was held at the laboratory of the Africa Health Research Institute. The study further showed that people who had received two doses of the vaccine and had been affected before this were mostly able to neutralize the effects of the vaccine, helping the notion that the booster dose may help fend off this viral infection.
– According to a study done in collaboration with Harvard Medical School. It was said that even though it is too early to decide which variant is more harmful, Omicron or delta, they have mentioned that Omicron may likely outcompete delta, as the data has started to pour in.
– There have been debates and discussions on allowing the age of vaccination to be reduced to 15 rather than 18, especially in Maharashtra as the numbers are increasing. The state has also emphasized providing more booster shots and providing vaccination for the younger population. They might be more vulnerable to the infection as the schools reopen.
– The British Prime Minister has stated that they have found the Omicron variant more transmissible as compared to the Delta variant. The new variant is expected to hit a peak in February, and it may lead to a surge in numbers but still be milder than the second wave hit, this was found out while studying the trajectory of COVID-19, leading to strict surveillance of the country.
– Newer restrictions on International travel were imposed worldwide. More RT-PCR tests were requested for stricter checking, and passengers testing positive for Covid got tested for the sequence of Omicron variants to check infection spread.
– More states are asking for intensified covid testing and more kits of RT-PCR for testing. There have also been demands for lowering each cost since some airports have expensive testing kits.

Footnote-
Many travellers are getting screened daily. Many restrictions are imposed as the awareness for the new variant is being increased. Therefore, as individuals, we should restrict ourselves from going to public places or behaving against the norms for COVID.