EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE OMICRON VARIANT

On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized a new variant of the coronavirus, strain B 1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant. Governments around the world are scrambling to collect data and prepare for lockdowns; and although the variant is in its early stages, there is some information about Omicron so far. Here are some important facts you need to know about the Omicron variant.

WHERE IS the OMICRON variant?

The Omicron variant was first discovered in South Africa, although its exact origins are unknown. Shortly after South African doctors confirmed the existence of Omicron, a group of 13 airline passengers arriving in Amsterdam from South Africa tested positive for the variant. From there, the virus continued to spread, largely undetected. 

So far, here are the countries that have confirmed cases of Omicron:

• Australia
• Denmark
• South Africa
• Canada
• Botswana
• Belgium
• Germany
• Israel
• Italy|| |75
• Hong Kong
• Czech Republic
• Great Britain

With how quickly Omicron has already spread, it is likely that the variant is already present in most countries even if it has not yet been detected.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS of the variant?

Data is still being collected regarding the symptoms of Omicron, but there are some initial guidelines worth mentioning.

Although Omicron shares some symptoms with other variants, South African doctors are already reporting that its symptoms are different from the symptoms of the Delta variant. The main symptoms of Omicron are:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Aches
• Occasional sore throat
• Toux

The telltale symptoms of Delta, on the other hand, are a high pulse, low oxygen levels, and loss of taste/smell. Data is still being collected on the severity of Omicron, but so far it appears symptoms tend to be mild.

IS THE OMICRON Variant MORE CONTAGIOUS?|| |89

On ne sait pas encore si Omicron est plus transmissible que la souche de coronavirus d’origine ou même le variant Delta. Les experts estiment qu’il faudra encore deux semaines ou plus de collecte de données pour déterminer à quel point Omicron est contagieux.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE OMICRON VARIANT?

Omicron appears to be a special case, according to preliminary results – the WHO states that "preliminary evidence indicates an increased risk of reinfection with this variant", compared to other variants.

This means that even if you have contracted COVID-19 in the past, you may still be infected with the Omicron variant. To combat this as effectively as possible, medical experts around the world have stressed the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, if you are eligible. Data will continue to be collected and advice will be provided accordingly, but in the meantime you should take normal precautions:

• Wear a face mask when occupying indoor public spaces
• Surveiller la qualité de l’air intérieur
• Social distancing where possible
• Regularly disinfect and clean frequently touched surfaces
• Wash your hands frequently

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