The World Health Organization (WHO) on November 26 classified the COVID-19 Omicron variant as a variant of concern (VOC).
The Omicron variant was first identified in South Africa. It contains multiple mutations that could increase transmissibility and risk of reinfection, according to the WHO. The organization classified the variant as a VOC two days later. While the variant has yet to be detected in the United States, it has spread to at least 14 countries.
Some countries, including the U.S., have issued travel bans on South Africa and several other countries in the region. But travel bans may not be able to stop cases if the variant is already present in the U.S. but simply undetected.
White House Chief Medical Director Anthony Fauci told ABC News that the Omicron variant will “inevitably” be here. “If and when—and it’s going to be when—it comes here, hopefully we’ll be ready for it by enhancing our capabilities,” he said.
Is Omicron More Dangerous Than Other Variants?
Researchers are unsure if Omicron is more transmissible than other COVID-19 variants, including Delta. Preliminary data on Omicron suggests that it may pose a higher risk of reinfection than other circulating variants, but there’s not enough information to confirm or dispute this claim, according to the WHO.
So far, symptoms associated with Omicron do not appear to be different than those associated with other variants. But fully understanding Omicron’s range of symptoms, risk, and transmission levels will take several weeks.
Pekosz advised not to jump to conclusions or bet on winter shutdowns just yet. He pointed to vaccinations as a reason to feel more confident in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re in a very different place now than we were at the beginning of the pandemic,” Pekosz said. “I think we have a lot more immunity in the population. Even if it’s not a perfect match to the virus circulating, that immunity will lessen disease severity and reduce mortality. “
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