The cases of Coronavirus latest variants Omicron and the Delta variant have been surging at an unprecedented rate and the world is rightfully worried. Omicron has officially taken over as the most dominant variant of the SARS-CoV-2 in the United Kingdom and the United States overtaking the Delta variant. This rapid growth of the virus has proved that Omicron is the fastest transmissible out of all the variants so far as well. The virus which started at the end of 2019 has brought the world on its knees and is once again threatening to break it down in 2022.
The world has seen an 11 percent increase in the number of cases this week. The US has reported the largest number of increased cases ( 39 percent ). The South-Asian region has not reported much increase in cases overall.
The threats of the new variant have been categorized as ‘very high’ by the World Health Organisation. Omicron was first detected in South Africa and has now spread across the world in no time at all. The WHO has also reported that Omicron has the growth advantage as it doubles within 2-3 days. There seems to be a reduced rate of hospitalization in the Omicron variant as compared to the Delta variant.
Although there hasn’t been much information available about the Omicron, primary data has suggested that the monoclonal antibodies are capable of neutralizing the deadly variant. The Omicron wave or the third wave of Coronavirus which is right now engulfing the world is capable of causing widespread wreckage to the health system and emergency services across the world.
WHO has issued warnings to all the countries against the threats and risks posed by the virus so far. Major cities have put strict restrictions in place for the New Year’s celebrations including New York and other cities in the US. The virus has created havoc in Europe so the countries have placed tighter rules for the safety of the vaccinated and the vulnerable population. There have been more than 50 percent of infections caused by the Omicron in the Netherlands in the last week.
Airlines are continuing to cut down flights due to the virus and bad weather as well. Some cities in China have also put their people under lockdown to try and stop the spread the worsening of the outbreak. It has imposed stay-at-home orders and has not relaxed the “zero-covid” strategies. Chinese people were seen distressed in their rants on various social media.
Although the world seems to be better prepared for the possible waves of infections, it can never be too prepared for what’s coming. These variants of the deadly virus have already taken millions of lives and it continues to destroy humanity one life at a time. The more strict the restrictions will be now, the more peaceful the new year will turn out to be.
