Omicron will become the dominant coronavirus variant in Europe by the beginning of 2022 and it will take three to four weeks to determine the severity of COVID-19 it causes, said the head of the World Health Organization for Europe.
Hans Kluge has warned countries to prepare for a “significant increase” in infections.
He told Reuters in an interview today that Omicron, already dominant in Britain, Denmark and Portugal, was likely to be the main coronavirus in Europe “in a few weeks”.
“There is no doubt that Europe is once again becoming the focus of the global pandemic,” said Klouge, WHO Regional Director. for Europe, who added that infections are up 40% from a year ago and that Omicron is now taking the reins.
“Yes, I’m very worried, but there is no reason to panic,” he said. “The good news is … we know what to do.”
“People need to adopt a ‘vaccine +’ approach, with vaccinations and booster doses supplemented with mask use, while excluding ‘unnecessary’ contact during the Christmas and New Year holidays,” he said.
Countries should also be prepared to implement tougher measures, but lockdowns will only be used as a last resort, given the economic and social costs.
Klouge said it was unclear how long the immunity would last after the third dose. Israel is preparing to become the first country to offer a fourth dose of the vaccine to the most vulnerable.
“But then let us remember that Israel was the first to start. So I would say that a fourth tranche in Israel is like a third tranche in other countries,” he said.
Some studies seem to show that Omicron causes less severe disease than the Delta variant that is prevalent in most countries, but scientists are still debating this point.
Kluge said it would probably take three to four weeks before the question was answered.
While the coronavirus cannot be eradicated, it could be stabilized, allowing hospitals to manage more cancers and cardiovascular disease.
Control of the virus will be achieved through vaccines, booster doses, doubling the number of people wearing masks indoors, (good) ventilation and the use of new COVID-19 drugs.
Klouge said the good news from history is that all pandemics are over.
“This virus has surprised us more than once so I would say I do not know when it will end, but I think we are on track to have our lives restored next year especially if – we do not know – if Omicron is less serious “, he said.
“The crucial question is how we will survive the winter, how we will not leave anyone behind,” said Hans Kluge.
SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
.
Source From: Capital

Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.