Commuters in Canary Wharf underground tube station wear face masks to curb the spread of COVID-19, now mandatory on public transport in Britain after the emergence of new Omicron variant, in London.
Highlights
- Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa
- Amid Omicron scare, the Centre has issued fresh guidelines for international passengers
- Countries are following act-first-ask-questions later approach to keep new variant at bay
Omicron Variant Latest Updates: South African Dr. Angelique Coetzee, who first raised the alarm over the Omicron variant, has recently said that world is over-reacting in relation to the new mutation of the coronavirus.
Speaking to talkRADIO, Coetzee said, "Patients I've seen had mild symptoms and recovered. None were admitted and no oxygen was needed. The hype makes no sense to at all."
Omicron variant cases have surfaced in several nations including many in Europe. Countries are following act-first-ask-questions later approach to keep the new mutation of the virus at bay.
Though so far India has not reported any Covid case with Omicron variant, Centre and State government are ramping up efforts to deal with the virus in case Covid cases surge in the coming days.
The government has also issued fresh guidelines for international passengers and called additional measures for passengers from 'at risk' countries.
As concern over the new mutation remains, the emergence of the omicron variant and the world's desperate and likely futile attempts to keep it at bay are reminders of what scientists have warned for months: The coronavirus will thrive as long as vast parts of the world lack vaccines.
The hoarding of limited COVID-19 shots by rich countries — creating virtual vaccine deserts in many poorer ones — doesn’t just mean risk for the parts of the world seeing shortages; it threatens the entire globe.
That's because the more the disease spreads among unvaccinated populations, the more possibilities it has to mutate and potentially become more dangerous, prolonging the pandemic for everyone.
ALSO READ | No Omicron case detected yet, taking all precautions: Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Parliament
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