The fluctuated Omicron Coronavirus virus is spreading its legs internationally. Government has introduced some travel advisory to check the spread of Omicron variant of Coronavirus. The emergence of the new Omicron strain of the coronavirus has made the government cautious about resuming international flights. New variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are detected every week.
What is Omicron Variant?
Omicron Variant is a Variant of SARS-CoV-2 . This specific Variant is first spotted in South Africa by WHO on 24th November 2021. The variant has an unusually large number of mutations, several of which are novel and several of which affect the spike protein used for most vaccine targeting at the time of its discovery.
What are the symptoms of Omicron Variant?
Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair of the South African Medical Association, told that she started to see patients around Nov.18 presenting with “unusual symptoms” that differed slightly from those associated with the delta variant, which is the most virulent strain of the virus to date and globally dominant. She treated around 30 patients and said the most common feature appeared to be tiredness.
It affects different people in a different way. Here are the common symptoms are cough, fever, tiredness. But you don’t have to be panic unnecessary.
No deaths had yet been reported due to Omicron virus, though further research was needed to assess its potential to escape protection against immunity induced by vaccines and previous infections. Current PCR tests can detect the variant easily.
Which countries are at risk ?
At least nine countries have confirmed detecting the super mutated strain . This Variant was first detected in South Africa and later spread to various countries. Countries like Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel are in danger as of now.
The heavily mutated Omicron coronavirus variant is likely to spread internationally and poses a very high risk of infection surges that could have “severe consequences” in some places, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported.
Situation of Omicron in India:
It is not stepped in India yet but a guy who travelled from South Africa has tested Covid positive. It is not confirmed whether the patient was carrying the Omicron variant of coronavirus, which was identified as the variant of concern by the WHO.
Prevention from Virus:
WHO recommended that people should continue yo keep enclosed spaces well ventilated, avoid crowding and close contact, wear well-fitting masks, clean hands frequently, and get vaccinated. We should take as much precautions as we can, maintain a safe distance from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick, wear a mask in public, especially indoors or when physical distancing is not possible and take steam if you have cold or cough.
The alarming virus has made central government release a revised travel guidelines. Under new guidelines a list of of ‘at risk’ countries has been released and it is stated that passengers travelling from ‘at-risk’ countries will have to undergo RT-PCR test on arrival in India and will be required to wait for the results before leaving the airport or taking a connecting flight.
