Positive Omicron Findings

As we approach close to a month since Omicron was first detected, new studies are out.

• The Omicron variant of the Coronavirus put the world back in lockdown mode in most parts, thanks to rising Covid cases, including breakthrough cases.
• In the UK, there were over 106,000 Covid cases on 22 December, a record number since the pandemic began.
• The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the South African health ministry have studied real-world cases and come to the conclusion that the Omicron variant is milder than the Delta variant.
• However, Omicron has a much higher transmissibility rate than Delta. UKHSA notes that a higher rate of Omicron spread could eventually overwhelm hospitals if not contained.
• According to UKHSA, having a booster shot after double vaccinations significantly reduces the chances of symptomatic transmission as well as hospitalisation.
• A University of Hong Kong study found that the Omicron variant was better at infecting airways but not as effective as affecting deep tissues of the lungs where more damage can be done.
• While this may sound like positive news, medical experts are warning against taking things lightly as the higher transmissibility of Omicron could lead to enough hospitalisations.
• Most scientists around the world are also convinced that Covid is going to become an endemic, where we will have seasonal but controlled spikes of Covid variants in the future.