The heavily mutated variant of the coronavirus – the Omicron variant that is supposed to have emerged in South Africa has been spreading rapidly across the world and has been making its headwind in different states of the USA. Researchers are trying to learn more about this fast transmitting variant of the Covid-19 virus and some studies showed its major roots in Hong Kong.
As Omicron Spreads Across The Country, Experts Warn Against Panic
However, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden’s Chief Medical Adviser, the early indications suggest that the Omicron variant of the virus is less severe when compared to the other variants like Delta which is considered as the deadliest variant.
He stated, as per the studies conducted till now it does not look like there’s a great degree of severity caused by this variant, although the transmissibility rate is very high due to the number of mutations omicron carries. However, he urged citizens to tread caution and be careful before scientists are out with confirmatory reports about the variant’s severity.
So far, Omicron has been detected in at least a third of the states in the USA. However, at present, the Delta variant remains the dominant variation in the majority of the US population. Around 99% people of the country’s confirmed cases are of the delta variant and the health officials are focussing more on vaccinating people.
In New York, at an anime convention where thousands of people attended the event, one of the people has tested positive for the Omicron virus and around 15 of his friends are also Covid-19 positive. It is feared that this could be a super-spreader event.
Based on preliminary information received so far all the Omicron cases to have emerged in the USA are relatively mild or asymptomatic. So far there is no cause for any alarm according to New York City Gov. Kathy Hochul.
According to World Health Organization epidemiologist Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, even if the cases are mild, some people shall still need hospitalizations and get admitted to the ICU. According to her, the current situation due to the already circulating delta variant is quite difficult and the spread of the Omicron virus could add to further difficulties during the winter season and Christmas Holidays.
Healthcare experts are urging people to follow the proven measures to combat the virus-like wearing masks, washing hands regularly and not visiting crowded places and above all get vaccinated at the earliest. The central government has asked citizens not to travel frequently unless it’s very urgent.
Political leaders all over the country are urging citizens to get the vaccination and booster shots to reduce the spread of the virus.
Currently, the USA is getting more than 100,000 new coronavirus infection cases daily, but still quite high considering that the holiday season is just around the corner and will increase at a high rate.
Due to the spread of the new variant, there shall be New Covid testing rules for international air travel from Monday. Now all international travelers need to take a pre-departure coronavirus test one day before travel. US airlines have been asked to collect contact tracing information for travelers into the country as well.
