In the recent weeks, there have been several developments in the containment of the Covid-19 epidemic. Most worryingly, a new variant has been discovered, named the Omicron variant.
First reported to the World Health Organization on Nov. 24, the variant was found to be even more transmissible than the other forms of the virus. Originally thought to have developed in South Africa where the first cases of Omicron were officially reported, an article by Reuters calls that claim into question. The piece involves the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health, or RVIM, announcing they found samples of the Omicron variant in the country before Nov. 24.
“We have found the Omicron coronavirus variant in two test samples that were taken on Nov. 19 and Nov. 23,” the RIVM said. “It is not clear yet whether these people have visited Southern Africa” wrote Reuters. The article then goes on to discuss a Nov. 26 flight in which 61 people who came to the Netherlands from South Africa tested positive for the new variant, out of a flight of 600. Since then, cases have been reported all over the world, and the United States announced their first case of the Omicron variant on Dec. 1.
Due to the recent discovery of this new form of Covid-19, doctors are unsure of how capable the current Covid-19 vaccinations are against the new variant. Manufacturers are already testing their vaccines against Omicron, and an article by the Guardian quoted BioNTech saying that they could alter their joint BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine “within 100 days” to fully protect against the variant. President Biden advised in a speech made towards the nation that the best way to stay safe against the Omicron and all variants of Covid-19 was to get vaccinated and receive the booster shot.
For those interested in scheduling a vaccine or booster shot, call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489) or visit vaccines.gov for more information.
Alex Cutler
Reporter