The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Tuesday that the Omicron variant of coronavirus is spreading at a rate unprecedented in the history of the virus.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO, stated during a press conference, “Omicron has now been reported in 77 countries, and the reality is that Omicron is most likely present in most countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet. Omicron is spreading at a rate not seen with any other variant.”
WHO urged countries to take effective measures to prevent the spread of Omicron. Vaccines alone will not save any country from this crisis.
The WHO chief further said, “We’re concerned that people are dismissing Omicron as mild. Surely, we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril. Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems.”
“It’s not vaccines instead of masks,” he clarified. Instead of vaccines, it’s distancing. Vaccines aren’t the issue; it’s a lack of ventilation or hand hygiene. Do it all. Do it on a regular basis. Do it well”
The WHO said it is not against booster shots but against the inequity. “The emergence of Omicron has prompted some countries to roll out Covid-19 booster programmes for their entire adult populations, even while we lack evidence for the effectiveness of boosters against this variant.”