The World Health Organization has announced on Sunday (December 12th) the latest findings on the Omicron variant the following: that this latest COVID-19 variant has been found to spread faster than Delta and weakens COVID-19 vaccine jabs. 

First identified in South Africa, the Omicron variant consists of a large number of mutations— and has led other countries to impose travel restrictions on several South African countries when it was first discovered. 

As of December 9th, WHO has confirmed that the Omicron variant has unfortunately spread to more than 60 countries. Initial evidence suggests that the Omicron variant causes "a reduction in vaccine efficacy against infection and transmission", the WHO representative said in a brief. "Given the current available data, it is likely that Omicron will outpace the Delta variant where community transmission occurs," they added.

Although the Omicron variant infections have so far only exhibited "mild" illness or asymptomatic cases, the WHO said the current data is still insufficient to establish the variant's clinical severity. That being said, Pfizer, BioNTech has released a statement saying a three-shot course of their COVID-19 vaccine could neutralize the Omicron variant. 

For now, let's all practice SOPs and show up for the COVID-19 booster jab appointment once it's our turn. 

Source: Chanel News Asia