The Ômicron variant poses a challenge for scientists and health authorities in Brazil and worldwide. While researchers focus on studies on transmissibility, ability to cause serious illness and impacts on the effectiveness of vaccines, the World Health Organization (WHO) reinforces the need to share information on variant data.
At a press conference held this Wednesday (8), the director-general of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reaffirmed the institution’s warning that countries should strengthen virus surveillance strategies, expanding testing and genomic sequencing of samples.
According to Ghebreyesus, crucial questions about the new variant remain unanswered. However, governments can already act to reduce the potential impacts of the lineage.
“All governments should reassess and revise their national plans, based on the current situation and their national capabilities; accelerating immunization coverage in the most at-risk populations, in all countries,” said Ghebreyesus.
WHO advised that governments should intensify efforts to reduce transmission and keep it at low levels, through a combination of public health measures.
In a statement to the press, the director general of WHO stated that the characteristics of the Ômicron variant will only be known with the advancement of studies and that the sharing of scientific data is essential at this time.
“New data emerges every day, but scientists need time to complete the studies and interpret the results. We must be careful to draw conclusions until we have a more complete picture. Every day, WHO is bringing together thousands of experts around the world to share and analyze data and drive research forward,” he said.
WHO recommended that countries avoid “ineffective and discriminatory” travel bans. To reduce the risk of transmission, people must maintain social distance, avoid crowding, wear masks, frequently clean their hands and prioritize meetings in open, ventilated environments.
Reference: CNN Brasil
