As concern grows over the omicron variant, the World Well being Group (WHO) stated on Monday the panicked reactions by world leaders confirmed the pressing want for a worldwide accord on pandemics. He stated scientists around the globe are “urgently” working to find out whether or not the omicron variant, first recognized in South Africa, is extra infectious or whether or not vaccines are efficient in opposition to it. The UN well being company chief, nonetheless, emphasised that the 194-member World Well being Meeting wants to make sure that the groundwork is laid for an accord that may forestall future pandemics.
US President Joe Biden on Monday stated that the brand new COVID-19 omicron variant is “a trigger for concern, not a trigger for panic” in a speech on the White Home. Biden stated that the US would “face the brand new menace simply as we’ve got confronted those who have come earlier than it.” He urged everybody over the age of 5 to get their vaccines and purchase boosters six months after their second dose. The president additionally inspired folks to put on masks indoors in order that the nation may proceed on its path to normality.
The brand new variant B.1.1.529, which the World Well being Group formally named omicron, was first found on November 11, 2021, in Botswana. That is simply north of South Africa. Since then, B.1.1.529 has additionally been present in South Africa. It is primarily been identified within the province of Gauteng, which incorporates Johannesburg and Pretoria. Scientists estimate that as much as 90% of all new coronavirus circumstances in Gauteng could also be linked to B.1.1.529. They counsel that the brand new variant could have unfold to eight different provinces in South Africa as nicely. As worldwide vacationers began to check optimistic for the brand new variant, international locations started to close the borders on sure routes or take different measures to limit journey.
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