What is Omicron?
Omicron is a new coronavirus variant
B 1.1. 529. It was identified in Southern Africa in November 2021.
The number of new cases in South Africa has increased rapidly with the introduction of this variant. It has been categorized as a SARS-CoV-2 “variant of concern” by WHO.
Variants of concern listed by WHO:
Omicron (B 1.1. 529):It was identified in Southern Africa in November 2021
Delta (B.1.617.2): emerged in India in November 2020.
Gamma (P.1): emerged in Brazil in October 2020.
Beta (B.1.351): emerged in South Africa in May 2020.
Alpha (B.1.1.7): emerged in Britain in September 2020.
Extra Points:-
1)The scale of infections in the UK and France hints that India could see tens of thousands of cases a day soon, the government's COVID task force chief said on Dec. 18.
2)When can the pandemic end, post Omicron?
Pfizer Inc said on Dec. 17 that the COVID-19 pandemic could extend through next year and announced plans to develop a three-dose vaccine regimen for children ages 2 to 16, a move that could delay its authorisation.
3)Omicron coronavirus variant was five times more likely to reinfect people than its predecessor, Delta.
4)Pfizer executives said the company believed that by 2024, the disease should be endemic around the globe, meaning it would no longer be a pandemic.