Officials at the U.N. Health Agency cautioned that two years have passed since the first coronavirus was discovered. Initial data suggests that the latest variant of omicron may cause milder diseases. It was first reported in southern Africa last month. It is now the predominant variant in the United States, and in parts of Europe.
After 92 of 194 WHO member countries failed to meet the target of vaccinating 40% of their population by the end this year, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO, urged everyone to make “new year’s resolutions” to support a campaign to vaccinate 70% by July’s beginning.
WHO figures show that the number of COVID-19-related cases worldwide rose by 11% last week. Nearly 4.99 million new cases were reported between Dec. 20 and 26. The number of new cases in Europe, which accounts for more than half the total, increased by 3%. Meanwhile, the numbers in the Americas rose 39% while the Africa case count increased by 7%. Global gains followed a steady increase in October.
Tedros stated at an online news conference that “I’m very concerned that omicron (being more transmissible) and circulating at the time of delta is leading to a tsunami number of cases.” He said that this would put immense pressure on exhausted health workers, and bring down health systems.
WHO stated in its weekly epidemiological reports that the “overall” risk of omicron is “very high.” They cited “consistent proof” that it has a growth advantage compared to the delta variant.
It acknowledged that South Africa has seen a decrease in the incidence of cases, and that early data from Denmark, the U.K, and South Africa suggest that there is a lower risk of being hospitalized with omicron. However, it stated that more data is required.
Dr. Michael Ryan (who is WHO’s emergency chief) emphasized the need to be cautious. He stated that it is important to “suppress transmissions of both variants as much as possible” in the coming weeks.
Ryan stated that omicron infection began in young people. But, what we haven’t seen is an omicron wave fully established within the larger population. It’s hard to predict the future, but I am hesitant to make any positive predictions until we know how effective vaccine protection works in older and more vulnerable population.
WHO officials did not offer any specific comments about the U.S.’s decision to shorten self-isolation times. Ryan stated that these are judgment calls countries make — taking into consideration scientific, economic, and other factors. Ryan noted that the average time for incubation has been between five and six days.
Ryan stated that it was important to avoid changing strategies and tactics based on what Ryan saw about omicron.
Tedros reiterated long-standing warnings that “ending inequity in health remains the key to ending this pandemic.” He stated that it was a “moral shame” to miss the goal of getting 40% of the population vaccinated. It also cost lives and gave the virus the opportunity to spread unchecked and multiply.
He said that countries were largely unable to meet the target due to a limited supply of vaccines to low-income countries for the majority of the year, and then the arrival of vaccines close to expiry, without syringes.
Tedros stated that he remains optimistic that we can end the pandemic’s acute phase and chart a way to greater health security.