Omicron: New COVID-19 Variant Discovered

Gharam Al-Zubi 30 November 2021

Image courtesy of BBC

On 24 November 2021, South Africa reported its first case of B.1.1.529 Covid-19 variant to the World Health Organization who later named it, Omicron.

Scientists have found out that Omicron is heavily mutated and different than the other variants we have witnessed. The mutation is said to be the result of increasing number of cases, since the more the virus spreads, the more it can mutate.

The World Health Organization is uncertain if this new variant is more transmittable than other Covid-19 variants. South Africa recorded an increase in cases but it is undetermined whether this is due to the variant or other factors.

It is also unclear if the Covid-19 vaccines are effective against Omicron. Further studies are underway, and are expected in the coming weeks. However, the PCR tests continue to detect the new variant.

Dozens of countries have recorded cases of Omicron including: the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Australia and Botswana.

Some countries took tough measures to prevent the spread. Japan, Morocco and Israel quickly responded to the variant by closing their borders to all foreign visitors, while Australia delayed opening their borders.

The UK’s response towards Omicron is expanding its booster programme, where the six-month period between the second and third dose will be reduced.

Children between the ages of 12 and 15 will also be offered a second dose. In addition, everyone coming into the UK is obligated to take a PCR test within two days of arrival, and isolate until they receive their negative result.

While more information regarding Omicron and vaccine effectiveness is expected in the coming weeks, abiding to the health guidelines and taking precautionary measures is crucial to limiting the spread.

The University of Kent is encouraging its asymptomatic students and staff to get tested twice a week. Students can have a walk-in asymptomatic test at the on-campus test centres, or collect self-test kits to use at home.

If students exhibit Covid-19 symptoms, they should follow the university guidance which can be found here.