On November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the new Omicron coronavirus variant a “variant of concern.” First identified in the Netherlands, Omicron has raised global alarm.
In a technical document released on November 28, WHO stated that “the likelihood of potential further spread of Omicron at the global level is high. Depending on these characteristics, there could be future surges of COVID-19, which could have severe consequences, depending on a number of factors.”
This vague wording is indicative of our currently limited understanding of Omicron. For example, it is not clear right now whether Omicron is more transmissible than other variants. But, Omicron’s remarkably high number of mutations may make it more transmissible. However, with the strain detected in more than 30 countries, including South Africa, the United States, and Britain, it is obvious that Omicron will continue circulating.
The severity of Omicron is also undetermined and will likely take days to several weeks to confirm. While hospital rates in South Africa, one of the first countries to detect Omicron, are rising, this may just be due to the increasing numbers of infected people as a whole. Reports have currently shown that the symptoms of Omicron are no different from those of other variants. It is still too early, however, to make definitive statements about the variant’s severity, especially considering other variants, like the Delta variant, have made COVID-19 more deadly.
What we do know is that there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron, but the commonly used PCR test for COVID-19 can still detect infection. Additionally, while current vaccines are effective against severe disease and death, even those who have received a booster shot can still contract Omicron.
This was proved by the first two cases of Omicron in the US. Both individuals were fully vaccinated, and one had received a booster shot in early November. They tested positive after traveling and being in crowded areas but thankfully had mild symptoms and did not spread it to those in close contact.
The mildness of their cases likely corresponds with their vaccination status. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to fight COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged five and older get a COVID-19 vaccine and that everyone 18 and older get a booster shot.
A primary reason why Omicron is spreading so rapidly in South Africa is because only 7% of South African citizens are vaccinated. There is limited access to vaccines and also fear and distrust of western medicine among the public.
The booster shot is also crucial to preventing another wave as the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have a strong overall efficacy only for up to six months. This is even more concerning because the number of vaccine recipients peaked in mid-April, meaning that many people’s protection against the virus has considerably weakened. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Adviser on COVID-19, advised to “Get boosted now. We may not need a variant-specific boost.”
Nurse Ashley Zinkus, Director of Health Services at Barstow, adds that “Information on how well the booster does with the new variant is still preliminary, but with the holidays coming, fewer mask mandates and social events coming, I would encourage everyone to seriously consider it.”
Countries including the US, those of the European Union, Canada, Japan, Russia, Australia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka have announced travel restrictions on southern Africa, where it was thought to have originated. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized these restrictions, stating on November 30 that “You do not try and contain a virus through imposing bans unscientifically and indiscriminately.”
There are some studies that support Ramaphosa’s position as specific travel bans can hurt global solidarity and are perhaps not as effective as we think. A study from spring 2020 showed that travel restrictions within China slowed the progression of the novel coronavirus epidemic by only three to five days. Requiring travelers to be vaccinated and tested before entering countries are what Ramaphosa and CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathon Reiner encourage.
However, with a large rebound in travel expected for this holiday season and the Omicron variant, these restrictions may become necessary. There appears to be an uptick in new daily COVID-19 cases, likely due to recent travels over Thanksgiving. Although a return to normalcy with the lifting of some restrictions is exciting, it is important that we continue to actively protect ourselves and others by getting vaccinated and continuing to take preventative measures like wearing masks.
Zinkus says, “For those who have lost loved ones from this virus, I am sorry. For those struggling with symptoms either currently or long term, my heart goes out to you and I pray for your health and recovery.”
