Integrity Score 2097
No Records Found
No Records Found
No Records Found
The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Italy are the countries that have confirmed detecting the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Most of the cases have been related to people travelling from South Africa. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2021/nov/28/covid-live-news-uk-germany-and-italy-detect-omicron-cases-israel-bans-all-visitors)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Omicron, as "variant of concern". The WHO has said that the virus is potentially more contagious than previous variants. Scientists in South Africa first detected the virus.
Most of the countries have announced measures that are reminiscent of the initial days of Covid-19 in early 2020. For instance, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's measures to tackle the spread of the new variant include:
#Stricter testing rules for people arriving in the country.
#Isolation of people tested positive.
#Certain curbs on people like mask mandate and others.
Other countries that have detected the virus are following similar measures.
But if the virus cases increase, will Europe see long lockdowns and strict restrictions on the movement of people. Almost on similar lines like 2020 and almost till the middle of this year?
England's chief medical officer, Chris Witty, has said that more need research needs to be done on Omicron, and until then, there will be uncertainty. He also said that "there is a reasonable chance that at least there will be some degree of vaccine escape with this variant." That is the most concerning thing for the countries that are detecting the virus. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0Ltqe8M5yY)
The Netherlands could hasten the process of stricter lockdowns as it was already planning one with an increase in the number of covid-19 cases. Omicron could add an additional dimension to the Dutch plan. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/11/27/amsterdam-omicron-covid-variant-lockdown/) The Dutch government had announced a partial lockdown two weeks back when it imposed restrictions on shops and restaurants to stop the spread of the disease.
Austria has been on partial lockdown as it battles the fourth wave of the vaccination, and Omicron could complicate things even there.
Read more:
Covid News: Omicron Variant Puts Nations on Alert
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/11/27/world/covid-omicron-variant-news
South Africa' punished' for detecting new Omicron variant?:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-59442129