WHO names new COVID variant Omicron, warns against travel measures

GENEVA, 26 NOVEMBER (Reuters) – The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday classified the B.1.1.529 variant detected in South Africa as a SARS-COV-2 “variant of concern,” saying it could spread more quickly than others Forms.

Preliminary evidence suggested there was an increased risk of re-infection and there was a “harmful change in COVID-19 epidemiology,” it said in a statement following a closed-door meeting of independent experts who reviewed the data.

The infections in South Africa have risen sharply in recent weeks, coinciding with detection of the variant now designated as Omicron, WHO said.

“The variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are about. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to others (silk variants), it said.

Omicron is the fifth variant to bear such a designation. Read more

“The variant has been detected at faster rates than the previous surges in infection, suggesting that the variant may have a growth advantage,” the WHO said.

Current PCR tests continue to successfully detect the variant, it said.

Earlier, the WHO warned countries against hastily imposing travel restrictions linked to the COVID-19 variant, saying they should take a “risk-based and scientific approach.”

Global authorities have reacted with alarm on the new variant that has been detected in South Africa, with the EU. L1N2SH089

“At this point, implementing travel measures is caution against,” WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told a UN. Briefing in Geneva. “The WHO recommends that countries continue to apply a risk-based and scientific approach when implementing travel measures.”

It would take several weeks to determine the transmissibility of the variant and the effectiveness of vaccines and therapies against it, he said, noting that 100 sequences of the variant have been reported so far.

People should continue to wear masks whenever possible, avoid large gatherings, ventilate rooms and maintain hand hygiene, Lindmeier added.

Mike Ryan, WHO’s emergency director, praised South African public health institutions for picking the signal of the new variant.

But he warned that although some countries have systems in place to do so, the situation elsewhere is often unclear.

“So it’s really important that there are no knee-jerk responses here. Especially with relation to South Africa,” he said. “Because we’ve seen in the past, the minute that there is no mention of any kind of variation, everyone is closing borders and restricting travel.”

Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva and Alexander Winning in Johannesburg; Edited by Alison Williams, Kim Coghill, Alex Richardson, Giles Elgood and Cynthia Osterman

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