It seems that the battle against the coronavirus, which has claimed the lives of 5 million people worldwide since its emergence in early 2019, is ongoing. One of the contributors to the invention of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine has confirmed that COVID-19 is not over, adding that the next pandemic could be more deadly. With increasing concerns over the threat posed by the highly mutated Omicron variant, which has been detected in around 40 countries, Professor Sarah Gilbert warned that "this pandemic is not over yet," but added that the next pandemic might be worse and "more deadly."
In a lecture broadcast on Monday on BBC, as reported by The Guardian, she stated, "Despite the devastating nature of the two-year pandemic that affected over 265 million people, the next pandemic could be more infectious and may claim more lives!" She also remarked, “This will not be the last time a virus threatens our lives and livelihoods… the next pandemic could indeed be worse, with the virus being more contagious, deadlier, or possibly both.”
However, the vaccine scientist at the University of Oxford, whose team developed the COVID-19 vaccine currently in use in more than 170 countries, emphasized the need not to waste the scientific progress and knowledge gained through research conducted in the fight against the coronavirus over the past two years. She stressed the importance of investing in science and medical research, saying, "Just as we invest in funding armed forces, intelligence, and diplomacy, we should invest in individuals and research efforts in the field of pandemic response."
### Omicron: The Most Prevalent Variant
Regarding the new variant of COVID-19, she explained that Omicron contains mutations that increase the virus's transmissibility, adding that the antibodies produced by vaccination or previous infections may be less effective at preventing infection. She highlighted the "need for caution and steps to slow the spread of this new type until more information about the latest strain of COVID-19 is revealed."
It is noted that "Omicron" emerged about two weeks ago in several countries in Africa before spreading to around 40 other countries. The World Health Organization has called for caution and a return to preventive measures, primarily vaccination, wearing masks, avoiding crowds, and ensuring proper ventilation in enclosed spaces. However, it also urged against panic or closing borders and stopping flights between countries where the new variant has appeared, considering such actions ineffective.
