New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the new variant found in South Africa as a “variant of concern” on Friday after a meeting of an expert panel. The new variant was first reported by South Africa on Thursday, and soon the countries had started imposing travel bans and taking cautionary actions. However, on Friday, some more countries reported the strain, including Hong Kong, Botswana, Belgium, and Israel.
The new variant which is scientifically called B.1.1.529 is also given the greek letter omicron by the panel. Omicron has become a major concern for the countries as it is highly mutated which might make it highly transmissible. There is no data yet to prove if it affects vaccine efficacy or not.
The WHO said on Friday, in South Africa “this variant has been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage.”
Soon after the discovery of the new strain, countries started reinstating travel restrictions, and mandatory quarantine rules. These countries included the UK, the US, Italy, and Israel among others.
The information about the new strain comes in the backdrop of India’s decision to restart international travel from December 15. It is also to note that the previously found Delta variant, which was declared as a “variant of concern” had caused the second wave of covid-19 cases in India which shook the already struggling country.
Omicron is the fifth “variant of concern” labeled by the WHO. A “variant of concern” is considered to be of high risk to public health and hence is of concern. On the other hand, “variant of interest” is the one that needs close monitoring.
The WHO is expecting more data on omicron to identify if it affects vaccine efficacy.