While the Omicron variant is spreading worldwide, worrying the health authorities, France reports over 130 cases in the country – according to Gabriel Attal – and pharmaceutical laboratories are currently adapting so their vaccines stay effective against the variant. This Tuesday December 14, 2021, the World Health Organization has addressed the matter at a press brief.
According to the WHO, no Covid variant has spread as fast as Omicron. The organization even considers all countries are now hit by the variant. “77 countries have now reported cases of Omicron, and the reality is that Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet. Omicron is spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant”, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
He went on to say: “We’re concerned that people are dismissing Omicron as mild. […] Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems”, reminding the importance of wearing a protective facemask, airing rooms, and complying with health guidelines, in addition to vaccination. “Do it all. Do it consistently. Do it well”, he required.
