Could the Omicron Variant Be a Danger Signal for Something Bigger?

Amid global concerns over the Omicron strain of coronavirus, the COVID situation in the country is being carefully monitored, and the mantra "awareness is absolutely essential" has been emphasized.

India has recently recovered from the long fight against the Covid-19 Delta variant with an aggressive vaccination drive. Even before the delta pandemic could completely diminish, we now have a new variant of Omicron brewing.

The covid-19 omicron variant detected in South Africa has been declared a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there is no substantial evidence that it is more deadly than the Delta variant. Variants like Gamma and Beta had no catastrophic outcomes worldwide. However, the Alpha variant in the UK was destructive as it had largely unvaccinated people. If India continues to aggressively vaccinate its people, a repeat with Omicron is very unlikely.

Not only is vaccination mandatory, but it may require introducing booster doses in susceptible populations like the elderly, frontline health workers, those with uncontrolled diabetes, etc.

The very reason why this new variant emerged was the presence of unvaccinated hosts. As is widely known, only about 24% of the people of South Africa have been vaccinated. 

Therefore PGC is working towards profoundly educating people of India who are reluctant to get vaccinated about the consequences of not getting vaccinated. Vaccination serves as a guard against covid and against death in some of the most severe infections.

At present, we can restrict the movements from South Africa to other countries. WHO stresses that Covid-appropriate behaviour of using face masks, avoiding crowded places, practising social distancing, and frequently sanitizing hands will remain efficient in guarding against any infection by variants, including Omicron.

The Omicron strain is believed to have 50+ mutations, including over 32 on the spike protein, making it significantly more infectious than the Delta variant that is currently dominant worldwide.

As far as vaccines are concerned, many pharmaceutical companies are working on the new version of their own drugs that hopefully effectively function against the upcoming variants. 

To control the spread of Omicron, sending more Covid positive samples for sequencing is necessary. This will reveal if Omicron competes with other variants in the longer term. 

The new testing norms with more rapid PCR tests with lesser turnaround times, unlike regular RT-PCR tests, should be made available to travellers. This will help India make timely, informed decisions. 

States must restrict allowing extraordinary movement curbs in such emergency situations. 

India can't afford more economic shocks. 

Being smart is better than being hasty.

For more information, refer to WHO and/or CDC guidelines.