Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director of the WHO stated that the omicron variant is leading to hospitalizations and deaths just like the other variants. Here’s more on the WHO’s warning.
Omicron maybe less intense but, not mild
This variant of coronavirus is assumed to be a less severe counterpart of the delta strain. However, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general said that omicron is not to be classified as “mild”. During Thursday’s press briefing, Ghebreyesus stated that currently, 109 nations will miss out on fully vaccinating 70 percent of the population before July 2022. He revealed that the variant is hospitalizing and killing people.
“Last week, the highest number of COVID-19 cases were reported so far in the pandemic. While Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those vaccinated. It does not mean it should be categorized as ‘mild’ “, said the director-general. “The tsunami of cases is so huge and quick, that it is overwhelming health systems around the world. Hospitals are becoming overcrowded and understaffed, which further results in preventable deaths. From not only COVID-19 but other diseases and injuries where patients cannot receive timely care,” he added.
Vaccines and new variants
The WHO director expressed his concern over vaccine and health inequity. He stated that it was the “biggest failure of last year”. “While some countries have had enough personal protective equipment, tests, and vaccines to stockpile throughout this pandemic. Many countries do not have enough to meet basic baseline needs or modest targets, which no rich country would have been satisfied with. Vaccine inequity is a killer of people and jobs and it undermines a global economic recovery,” said Tedros. The news is scary as omicron speeds, causing more infections.
Amidst a new wave triggered by the omicron variant, another new variant B.1.640.2 or IHU is being detected. According to the hospital IHU Mediterranee in Marseille, France, a traveler returning from Cameroon infected 12 others.