Omicron, The New Covid Variant

On November 26, 2021 a new variant of Covid was discovered called Omicron. Researchers in South Africa and many other places are doing studies to better understand Omicron. With Omicron being a new variant, many scientists are studying to see if it causes severe illness or if it’s life threatening, many countries are also putting a pause in travel. Japan bans all foreign travelers and Australia delays their reopening.

Researchers aren’t sure if Omicron has the same diseases and affects compared to other variants such as Delta. Evidence even suggests that people who have had Covid before are more likely to be easily infected with Omicron. Evidence also suggests that there is no evidence that shows that the symptoms with Omicron are different from the other symptoms of the other variants. According to the New York Times, vaccine manufacturers are hurrying to try and find out if current products will work or if they need to make changes. Rochelle Walensk, director of the C.D.C, said “I strongly encourage the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to vaccinate the children and teens in their families as well.” He also urges Americans to be tested, so that we can start practicing prevention strategies meaning less transmission of the variant.