Health Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka announced today that Sri Lanka detected its first infection of the newly detected Covid variant, ‘Omicron’, from a Sri Lankan National who had returned from South Africa.
In recent days, one of the words that we find everywhere, “OMICRON”. Here’s what you need to know about the worst COVID variant yet, which has just been named OMICRON.
Why is it the worst variant yet? Where was it found? What countries is it already in? Is the virus immune to the vaccine?
We are literally sick of hearing about COVID, but this is the worst variant yet.
Omicron, also known as B.1.1.529 variant has some traits that in all the last 2 years have never seen before.
Based on its profile, it has over 30 mutations, which could help it avoid our body’s defenses. This is twice the mutations of the currently worst variant, Delta. Based on the pattern of transmission, it might be even more transmissible as well as having a higher risk of reinfection for people who were already infected by COVID.
This is exactly why many governments are restricting travel-affected nations.
So where was it first found?
Many countries are banning travel from South Africa, where OMICRON was discovered. Right there, the variant seems to be posing a major risk to public health. In case you are wondering if the variant has reached elsewhere yet, unfortunately, yes it has been detected in almost 30 countries as of now.
Have a look at the tracker to see more.
Frankly, if this variant is highly transmissible, it’s just a matter of time before it spreads around the world.
Is Omicron immune to the vaccine?
Well, Yes and No. It is highly unlikely that they won’t have any effect but due to such a high level of mutations, the virus could make the vaccines less effective. Many companies are studying it right now.
We need more time to see, how our lives would look if we truly have a COVID variant that is twice as bad as Delta.
Stay safe everyone!
