There is increasing global concern regarding the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, with authorities in all countries mobilizing to confront it, especially after cases were recorded in some European countries involving individuals arriving from South Africa. Several countries announced the suspension of flights with South Africa and neighboring African nations. According to World Health Organization (WHO) experts, preliminary data regarding this variant indicates that it poses "increased risks of reinfection" compared to other variants, including the highly contagious Delta variant, which is widely spread, while scientists are investigating whether existing vaccines can withstand it.
In this context, the WHO published several explanatory videos on its official Twitter account regarding the reasons for the emergence of variants of the coronavirus.
#### Omicron: A Variant of Concern
On Friday, the World Health Organization classified the new COVID-19 variant first detected in South Africa as "of concern" and named it Omicron. The WHO stated in a tweet that the unequal distribution of vaccines leads to increased infections and spread of COVID-19, thus resulting in more deaths, which provides substantial opportunities for the coronavirus to mutate, subsequently leading to economic and social disruptions. The UN organization stressed the necessity of addressing vaccine distribution inequality to eliminate the virus troubling the world.
In another tweet, the WHO indicated that the emergence of the new variant "Omicron" reflects the importance of accelerating fair vaccine distribution, highlighting the urgent need to vaccinate all healthcare workers, the elderly, and others at risk of infection who have not yet received both vaccine doses. In a third tweet, the organization noted that the vaccine could protect individuals from severe symptoms of COVID-19, thereby safeguarding them from the risk of death from the virus.
#### Commitment to Preventive Measures
However, it emphasized that even after vaccination, adherence to preventive measures must always be maintained, including:
- Wearing face masks
- Maintaining a safe distance between individuals
- Ensuring good ventilation
- Covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
- Keeping hands clean at all times
A group of experts tasked with monitoring the pandemic's progression stated that the WHO was first informed about the B.1.1.529 variant by South Africa on November 24, 2021. This variant contains a significant number of mutations, some of which are concerning. The discovery of the new variant comes as Europe faces a surge in COVID-19 cases for weeks and tightens health restrictions.
#### Vaccine Efficacy Against the New Variant
Scientists are currently studying the effectiveness of available vaccines against Omicron. Researchers in South Africa appear uncertain about the effectiveness of existing vaccines against the new form of the virus. Health authorities in South Africa reported that the symptoms associated with this variant are not different from those of other infections and include "loss of taste and smell, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, joint and muscle pain, and headache."
Virologist Tulio de Oliveira stated at a press conference at the South African Ministry of Health that the new variant involves "a very large number" of mutations "and we can observe its potential to spread rapidly." Scientists indicate that the variant "B.1.1.529" carries at least ten different versions, compared to two for the Delta variant. Professor Richard Lessells expressed concern that not only could this variant have increased transmissibility, but it may also breach parts of our immune system.
Approximately 54% of the global population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, but only 5.6% in low-income countries have been vaccinated, according to the "Our World in Data" website. In South Africa, the most affected country on the continent, 23.8% of the population is fully vaccinated. The virus has claimed over 5.16 million lives worldwide since the end of 2019; however, the World Health Organization believes that the actual toll of the pandemic could be two to three times higher.
