Omicron Not The Same Covid Virus Of 2020, Says Optimistic Oxford Scientist
Mutations in Covid-19 are a direct consequence of slow vaccination rates and unequal access to vaccines around the globe. While the developed world is giving out booster shots, many developing countries still don't have access to primary vaccines. As the window for such gaps widens, so does the scope of mutations. The byproduct? First the Delta variant, and now the highly-transmissible Omicron mutant.
Now, an Oxford scientist has referred to Omicron as not "the same disease we were seeing a year ago." The Omicron variant of coronavirus has 37 mutations in its spike protein, which is an extremely high number.
Is the worst part of pandemic over?
As countries race to give their citizens booster shots to improve protection among the most vulnerable. John Bell, an immunologist from the University of Oxford told BBC Radio 4 that the worst might be behind us. Referring to apperceived milder nature of Omicron, Bell said that "the horrific scenes that we saw a year ago" could be history.
Also read:?Scientists Identify Antibodies That Can Kill Omicron Coronavirus Variant
Earlier, a South African study concluded that Omicron variant is more resistant to current batch of vaccines but also causes less severe illness among patients. In addition, hospitalisation rates for the Omicron are being reported as lower than Delta. Those who end up in hospitals also stay for a shorter duration than before.
¡°The horrific scenes that we saw a year ago ¡ª intensive care units being full, lots of people dying prematurely ¡ª that is now history in my view, and I think we should be reassured that that¡¯s likely to continue,¡± Bloomberg quoted Bell as saying.
Also read:?Bill Gates: Omicron Spreads Faster Than Any Virus In History, Stay Home For Christmas
Regardless, we suggest staying home and avoiding any gatherings with a lot of people to avoid getting infected with Omicron. Practicing hand hygiene and wearing masks are also effective weapons against Covid-19.
Are you taking the threat of Omicron seriously? Let us know in the comments below.?For more in the world of?tech and science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.
