Introduction
We’ve been fighting COVID 19 for nearly two years now, and we’ve learned that the virus changes with time, resulting in new varieties. Furthermore, mutations in COVID 19 are more likely to occur in favorable circumstances to the spread of the disease. So, The World Health Organization and other professional groups have often reminded us that “no one is safe until everyone is safe” as a result of the inequality in access
Since vaccines for low-income countries were delayed, Africa’s population remains at risk due to the continent’s overall poor immunization coverage. As a result, “Omicron” (B.1.1.529), the most recent variation discovered in South Africa, is added to the list of “variants of concern” among COVID 19 alpha, beta, gamma, and Delta variants, which were responsible for the frightening COVID 19 waves that occurred on periodically around the globe.’
The number of COVID 19 infected patients has been increasing significantly in all regions of South Africa following the release of this new variety. The Omicron form of COVID 19 was first spotted on November 24, 2021, and has now been verified to have infected persons in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, Israel, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Germany and the Czech Republic seem to be doing additional testing on a group of individuals suspected of having the Omicron variation.
The first patient suspected of contracting the Omicron variation was a patient who was not vaccinated and did not receive the essential therapy for a long-term immunodeficiency disease.
Impact of Omicron
A huge number of mutations are present in this variation, some of which are potentially harmful. According to preliminary research, this variation is associated with a greater risk of reinfection than other VOCs. All provinces of South Africa appear to be experiencing an increase of this variety. Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR assays are still able to detect this variant. For a widely used PCR test, one of the three target genes is missing (referred to as S gene dropout or S gene target failure), and this marker can be utilized, pending sequencing confirmation, for this variant. The fact that this variety has been found at higher rates than earlier outbreaks of infection suggests that it may have an advantage in terms of growth.
The WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution decided to label Omicron as a dangerous virus strain. Because of these alterations, the new COVID-19 vaccination may not be as effective as previous COVID-19 vaccinations.
The WHO stated that it’s unclear if the Omicron type is more easily spread than other variants, including Delta. COVID-19 testing has increased in the South African region where Omicron was initially discovered, and still investigating whether this is due to Omicron or something else.
Early South African data suggest an increase in COVID-19 hospitalization. However, Omicron infection does not seem to increase hospitalization. Globally, infection rates are rising, according to the WHO. Early Omicron cases in South Africa mainly were among students. Other COVID-19 variations have shown lesser effects in younger persons. However, it will likely take weeks to discover if Omicron causes more severe sickness in the general population.
According to the WHO, people who have already had COVID-19 may be more susceptible to reinfection with the new form. Existing PCR techniques are capable of detecting the Omicron form of infection.
Travel Bans
Omicron was found in South Africa and has now spread to Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Israel, according to the WHO. But most of the new limitations target southern African countries and opted to impose travel restrictions. Countries have enacted travel bans as follows:
- Travelers from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini will be denied entry to the UK unless they are citizens of the UK or Ireland or permanent residents of the UK.
- The US has halted all flights from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi.
- A 14-day suspension of flights to and from Australia’s neighboring countries, including South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini, Malawi, and Mozambique, is in effect.
- For the first time, Japan is closing its doors to non-citizens, including international students and those visiting relatives, effective November 30.
- Passengers traveling from South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong are now subjected to India’s more stringent screening and testing requirements.
- Due to worries about the novel Omicron variant, New Zealand has now banned travel from nine Southern African countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Seychelles, Malawi, and Mozambique. From these countries, only New Zealand citizens are permitted to travel.
- Iran will impose travel restrictions on six southern African nations, including SA.
- Brazil stated it was barring travel to the region from six African countries.
Economic Impact
The economic impact will be determined by how deadly the variation is and how well-existing immunizations protect against it. Even with the best-case scenario in mind, economists have had to lower their 2022 predictions. The coronavirus and its variants remain the biggest threat, according to the International Monetary Fund, which predicts growth of 4.9% in the following year.
The omicron variety is giving a blow to optimistic hopes that the world economy would enter 2022 on a healthier foundation, potentially undercutting policymakers’ efforts to focus on inflation rather than sluggish demand. Omicron variant coronavirus infections are expected to have little effect on the global economy, even though the most recent virus has distorted economic growth expectations. Further, experts said a new viral outbreak was unlikely to slow inflation, though it might cause central bankers to reconsider early monetary policy tightening.
Conclusion
According to reports, this omicron variant can spread fast and challenges the natural immunity developed by infection in previously infected persons. In the meantime, scientists are conducting further studies to see if the vaccines presently in use will be affected. When compared to other versions, the genome has a higher number of mutations. This is concerning to experts in the field.
The WHO reminds people that the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to maintain a minimum social distance of one meter, wear a well-fitting mask, open windows to improve ventilation, and avoid crowded or poorly ventilated areas. Other methods include washing hands frequently, coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue, and getting vaccinated when the time is right.
