The speed of advance of the Ômicron variant raises the apprehension of new crises in health systems in Europe. British health authorities have recorded daily records of coronavirus infection.
Studies that show a lower lethality and hospitalization rate caused by the new strain do not reduce the concern of European doctors with the possibility of hospital collapses amidst New Year’s Eve parties.
In an interview with CNN RadioAna Luiza Cruz, a researcher from the Department of Population Health at Oxford University, stated that the speed of dissemination of Ômicron causes perplexity.
“The hospitals were taken not by a wave, but by a tsunami”, warns the infectious disease specialist. “Even if the severity of infections with this variant is not that severe, a small proportion of people who need hospitalization will represent a high number of patients admitted to hospitals.”
Ana Luiza also explained that the number of mutations in the Ômicron variant reduces the effectiveness of antibodies produced by vaccines or by those who have already taken Covid-19.
The researcher noted that “this variant has 15 mutations in the surface protein, specifically where the most potent antibodies bind.”
The infectious disease specialist believes that new circulation restrictions will be needed in Europe.
Cruz said he thinks it possible that regional leaders wait for the holiday season to announce new measures of social isolation
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Reference: CNN Brasil
