Hardly a year has passed from the date the scientists developed the effective vaccines against the deadly Coronavirus, its cousin has once again unnerved the world with its new avtar that experts say is spreading at lightning speed across the globe. Omicron- a Covid variant was first identified in South Africa less than two weeks ago but it has brought nearly 29 countries under its tentacles far and wide including the US, Hong Kong and, alarmingly, India, with Bengaluru reporting two cases. As of Thursday, 373 cases of Omicron infection in 29 countries have been reported, signifying the speed at which the virus is transmitted.
Though India suffered two deadly waves of the pandemic, the spikes flattened equally sharply. With increased vaccination as well as widespread exposure to Covid among the population helping the nation achieve near herd immunity, the authorities may have justifiably thought that the worst was over.
But, the emergence of the Omicron variant was quickly followed by the World Health Organisation declaring that it posed ‘very high’ risk. The opinions that existing vaccines may not be very effective against the new variant which has as many as 45-62 mutations, have added to the panic. Several countries, including the UK, US, the EU and Japan, have responded by re-imposing strict curbs on cross-border movements and banning flights from countries considered ‘at risk’.
While the information about the Omicron is still in the process of being collated, evidence from South Africa and elsewhere suggests that the new variant, while being highly transmissible is far less lethal. It is still unclear if the highly mutated variant is more transmissible or better able to evade vaccines. Most of those who have been infected have reported very mild symptoms. In fact, even the Bengaluru patients have been discharged, with one turning out completely asymptomatic. Until such time as more conclusive evidence is available, it may not be advisable to revert to the extremely strict restrictions on movement and activity imposed during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020.
The emergence of the new variant comes as European countries are already grappling with a surge in infections.
The world should not panic about the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 but it should prepare, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
India too should be on high alert. We need to be prepared and cautious, not panicked, because we’re in a different situation what we were a year ago,
We need to be prepared and cautious, not panicked, because we’re in a different situation what we were a year ago.
It must also be remembered that the world in general and India in particular, is better prepared to meet the threat of a new variant than it was in 2020. Health infrastructure has been built up, and missing gaps – such as a spotty oxygen supply chain that was cruelly exposed by the second wave – have now been plugged to a large extent. Individuals, civic administrations and businesses all now have Covid protocols in place, to ensure safe continuation of business activity. The authorities must approach the handling of the Omicron threat with caution and pragmatism.
