As France recently reported a new record with almost 180,000 cases reported in only 24 hours, Omicron is thoroughly monitored. “The overall risk related to the new variant of concern Omicron remains very high”, the World Health Organization intended to warn this Wednesday December 29, 2021.
“Consistent evidence shows that the Omicron variant has a growth advantage over the Delta variant with a doubling time of two to three days and rapid increases in the incidence of cases is seen in a number of countries”, the WHO added.
On Monday December 27, 2021, during a press brief, Health Minister Olivier Véran confirmed Omicron was much more contagious than Delta, “at least three times more”, he said. Therefore, the minister fears “250,000 Covid-19 cases per day in early January” in France.
But the World Health Organization also shared a few reassuring news about this new strain. For instance, in South Africa – where the Omicron variant has been found – the incidence rate dropped by 29%. Furthermore, the hospitalization risk for people infected with Omicron has been also dramatically reduced compared to the Delta, according to data reported in Great Britain, Denmark, and South Africa; three countries where Omicron is actively spreading.
Coronavirus – Omicron variant, what you need to know: the latest news
As the coronavirus epidemic goes on across the world, the Omicron variant makes the headlines. Here is everything you need to know about this Covid-19 mutant. [Read more]
Coronavirus – Omicron variant, what you need to know: the latest news
