Omicron poses ‘very high’ global health risk, countries must prepare: WHO

The Omicron variant is likely to spread internationally, posing a “very high” global risk where COVID-19 surges could have “severe consequences” in some areas, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday.

The UN agency, in technical advice to its 194 member states, urged them to accelerate vaccination of high-priority groups and to “ensure mitigation plans are in place” to maintain essential health services.

Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.

“Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic,” the WHO said. “The overall global risk related to the new variant of concern Omicron is assessed as very high.”

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Further research is needed to better understand Omicron’s potential to escape protection against immunity induced by vaccines and previous infections, it said, adding that more data was expected in coming weeks.

“COVID -19 cases and infections are expected in vaccinated persons, albeit in a small and predictable proportion,” it added.

Read more:

First image of Omicron shows many more mutations than Delta variant

WHO says PCR tests detect Omicron, new COVID-19 variant has higher reinfection risk

South Africa’s President calls for urgent reversal of travel bans over Omicron