Could the Omicron variant be more dangerous than the Delta variant?

The Delta variant is currently the world's dominant CoVID-19 variant. First discovered in India, it spread all over the world and proved to be more contagious than the first major mutations of the virus.

It spreads so easily because its spike protein is more adept at entering human cells than previous types.

It took almost two months for the WHO to label Delta a 'concern'. Omicron, on the other hand, achieved this rating within 72 hours of detection.

The concern with the new Omicron variant is that it has a higher number of mutations, which may help it avoid defending the body.

Currently, scientists do not have enough data to know how dangerous this form can be.

BioNTech, which has partnered with Pfizer to develop the world's most widely used vaccine, said in a statement that more data should be available from the "latest" test in two weeks. This data will provide further information on whether this could be an "escape variant that may require our vaccine to be adjusted if this variant spreads globally."

The company added that it had taken precautionary measures to "enable it to adapt its vaccine within 6 weeks and send an initial batch within 100 days in case of escape".

Professor Christina Pagel, director of the Clinical Operational Research Unit at UCL, said on Twitter that Omicron could have significant advantages over Delta and C.1.2., C.1.2. Another type associated with high transmissibility.

...that we can track it across all PCR positive cases that used a specific type of test (TaqPath). This means much better real time data.

BUT that's where the good news stops - because S-gene drop out data suggests it's rapidly increasing across S Africa. 7/16 pic.twitter.com/kJOegTE56m

— Prof. Christina Pagel (@chrischirp) November 25, 2021

"We know that B.1.529 has more mutations than other variants and has also seen variations in other variables that are associated with more migration and immune escape," he added. ۔

"It's the number and type of mutations that are bothering virologists and immunologists."

Dr. Michelle Groom, an official at NICD, said that in order to limit the spread of the new species, people need to "vaccinate, wear masks, practice healthy hand hygiene, and maintain social distance." And should be collected in ventilated places. "

How is the world reacting to Omicron?

The United Kingdom on Friday, November 26, imposed new restrictions on travelers to South Africa and neighboring countries Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Iswatini and Zimbabwe. They will have to isolate themselves for 10 days.

EU countries have also decided to quickly suspend air travel from South Africa.

"Flights should be suspended until we have a clear understanding of the dangers posed by this new form and the strict quarantine rules for passengers returning from the region," said EU Commission President Arsula van der Leyen. Should be respected

He warned that "mutations could lead to the emergence and spread of more different types of viruses that could spread around the world in just a few months."

Dr Michael Ryan, the WHO's head of emergency, warned of a "knee-jerk reaction": Closing and banning travel. It's really important that we stay open and focused. "