Q&A of the new coronavirus variant Omicron that is classed “of concern” and put the world in a state of high alert

【Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network】Translated by CHI CHIA I

 The new coronavirus variant Omicron classed “of concern” has put the world in a state of high alert. In just two weeks, it replaced variant Delta as the mainstream variant in southern Africa, and countries around the world are racing to impose travel bans. 【Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network】compiled Q&A about the new variant for readers' reference.

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WHO: Omicron variant was detected for the first time on November 9. (Photo / Retrieved from the Pixabay)

1. When did Omicron appear?

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the World Health Organization (WHO) mentions that preliminary evidence shows that the Omicron variant was detected for the first time on November 9. It is learned that the number of confirmed cases in South Africa has increased sharply in the past two weeks, and the new variant is likely to be more transmissible than other existing variants.

After the news was released by South African scientists, the WHO quickly declared a new coronavirus variant to be “of concern” and it will replace the Delta variant that is currently raging in the world. Besides, the WHO also issued a statement warning that the reinfection risk of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 is not low.

2. Is it more transmissible than the Delta variant?

In the past two weeks, the number of cases of Omicron variant has increased rapidly in Gauteng province in northeastern South Africa, replacing the originally raging Delta variant. It is estimated that it may become the next wave of the mainstream variants in South Africa. Cases were found in Hong Kong, Belgium, Israel, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Australia. The WHO said it would take a few weeks to understand how transmissible it was.

3. Countries urgently introduced travel bans

According to the “New York Times”, after the UK has suspended the entry of people who have been to South Africa and its neighboring countries, Israel, Singapore, the United States, Canada and the entire European Union have followed suit. Similar to the previous travel ban, countries only allow their citizens and those with permanent residency to return to the country after testing is negative. Some countries require additional screening and isolation after arrival.

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Although Omicron might weaken the vaccine's efficacy, the protection provided by the vaccine cannot be fully surpassed. (Photo / Retrieved from the Pixabay)

4. Is the current vaccine still effective?

Most vaccines use the "spike protein" of the virus to prevent infection but the Omicron variant will affect the virus's ability to infect cells and spread, making it more difficult for immune cells to attack pathogens, which may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. However, the actual impact remains to be verified. In addition, the German biotech company BioNTech, the British AstraZeneca company, and the American Modena Biotech company have all begun to study relevant data to determine whether the existing vaccines need to be adjusted.

5. How to prevent Omicron variant infection?

According to the Washington Post, experts believe that even if Omicron might weaken the vaccine's efficacy, the protection provided by the vaccine cannot be fully surpassed. Regardless of whether this new variant will spread in the future, it is recommended that the public still do their best to avoid the chance of being infected. Be fully vaccinated, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently to protect yourself and others.