An expert stated that the Omicron variant will become the most prevalent strain of the coronavirus in Europe within the next month, surpassing other strains such as Delta. Richard Neher, head of the Research Group on Virus and Bacteria Evolution at the University of Basel, mentioned in an article published on the university's website on Monday, "Currently, Omicron strains are still rare in Europe." He continued, "However, if this trend continues, the Omicron variant will become the most widespread in Europe within a period of two to four weeks."
Data from Denmark and the UK indicate that the number of Omicron infections is doubling every three to four days. The transmission rate of the Omicron variant is three times that of the Delta variant, attributed to its ability to infect both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. However, vaccinated individuals, especially those who have received booster shots, have protection against severe illness that may be caused by the Omicron variant, according to the expert. Neher added that the issue of inequality in the global distribution of vaccines must be addressed as soon as possible.
