WHO confirms Omicron variant of COVID-19 detected in 38 countries, Delta still dominant

detection of cases of new variant, Omicron of COVID-19 has sounded alarm across world. Maria Van Kerkhove, technical he of COVID-19 response at World Health Organization’s Emergency Unit, has informed that Omicron variant has been detected in 38 countries, ANI cited Sputnik report. However, Kerkhove mentioned that Delta variant of coronavirus remains dominant. 

Maria Van Kerkhove said that 38 countries in all six WHO regions have identified cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19. She furr raised concern that cases of new strain continue to increase in South Africa. Kerkhove ded that new variant, Omicron of COVID-19 has high transmissibility. She furr pointed out that Delta variant of coronavirus continues to remain “dominant”. 

"We have reports of Omicron in 38 countries in all 6 WHO regions and we do see increasing trends in Omicron in south Africa. So re is a suggestion that re is increased transmissibility," ANI cited Sputnik report for quoting Maria Van Kerkhove.

Furrmore, Kerkhove highlighted that re is no indication so far as to how different Omicron is from SARS COVID. Moreover, WHO has warned that cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus will witness an increase in next two weeks. Studies are underway to assess transmissibility, reinfection risk, severity of Omicron variant of coronavirus. 

Cases of Omicron variant expected to rise: WHO Chief

On 26 November, Omicron variant of COVID-19 was designated as a 'variant of concern' by World Health Organisation. World Health Organization (WHO) Secretary-General Tedros hanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday, December 1,  informed that at least 23 countries have reported cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 and he furr warned that number is expected to rise.  dressing a press conference,  WHO Chief informed that even though y are getting to know more about Omicron, however, he ded that more time is needed to learn about its effect on transmissibility and severity. 

Inputs from ANI

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