How concerning is the new Omicron variant?
We all have witnessed the devastation caused by the second wave of coronavirus. Many were infected, some succumbed to it, while the majority of the population outlived the tragedy and recovered from it.
Now, with the new COVID variant, Omicron, which has been designated as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization, has infiltrated the walls of India. Two cases have been detected in Karnataka, which has led to a state of chaos and panic across the country.
Having said that, the question that remains now is whether or not we should become more responsible and vigilant. Is it time that the government and the people start taking this new variant more seriously and not repeat the same mistakes that were made during the second wave?
Read also: What the doctor who sounded off COVID’s Omicron variant wants us to know
Preparing ourselves for the worst
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region says, “The confirmation of Omicron Variant of Concern today by India, the first two cases in WHO South-East Asia Region, was not unexpected in view of the interconnected world that we live in. This emphasizes on the need for all countries to step up surveillance, to be on alert and rapidly detect any importation and take measures to curtail further spread of the virus."
"The response measures for all variants, including Omicron, is the same as that for SARs CoV2. Comprehensive and tailored public health and social measures by governments, and strict adherence to preventive and precautionary measures by individuals, is a must," she further emphasizes.
Will COVID's Omicron variant be more severe than other variants?
The new COVID variant is said to have over 30 mutations in the spike protein, which makes it different from the previous coronavirus strains. Experts have hinted at the variant's ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity and to showcase a higher transmissibility rate.
As per recent reports, 373 cases of Omicron variant have been detected in 29 countries, of which 2 are from India.
The Health Ministry has said that the new variant could be 500% more infectious that the previous variants of concern. However, all reported cases are said to be mild so far.
According to Dr Vishwanath Bellad, pulmonologist from BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, "Viruses are known to mutate for their survival. This applies to all the microbials. There would be minor changes in its manifestations and response to the treatment, due to these mutations."
He believes that the problems associated with COVID-19 infection was caused by the response of the human tissue to contain or to kill the viruses. That being said, the mutations in the viruses should not alter the disease spectrum much, the doctor elaborates.
Read more: Coronavirus: How Indian vaccines will fare against COVID's Omicron variant
How does it compare with the Delta variant?
In a statement, the WHO said, "Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in Covid-19 epidemiology... The WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern (VOC), named Omicron." "If another major surge of Covid-19 takes place driven by Omicron, consequences may be severe," it added.
Compared to the Delta variant that drove India's second COVID wave, the new variant does have more mutations in the spike protein, which makes it slightly more evolved and probably more transmissible. But while there have been no cases of death linked to the new Omicron variant, the discussions around whether the variant is more severe than the Delta strain is ongoing.
Can an RT-PCR test detect it?
Test procedures remain the same for all new variants.
Dr. Bellad says that the currently available tests should still be effective in detecting the virus.
Will existing vaccines develop immunity in our body against the Omicron variant?
Given that the Omicron variant has a large number of mutations, several concerns linked to its ability to escape vaccine immunity have been raised.
While no COVID vaccine provides 100% immunity and instances of breakthrough infections have been seen in the past, Dr Bellad suggests that the existing vaccines would be effective in at least reducing the severity of the infection, even after the very minute changes and mutations in the structure of the virus.
COVID-appropriate behaviour is crucial now more than ever
The second wave of coronavirus impacted our lives greatly. People faced unprecedented challenges. While many outlived the tragic episode, some gave into it. However, the lessons it taught us should not be forgotten.
In light of new emerging variants, especially when the Omicron variant has entered our borders, it is more important than ever to take preventive measures and follow a COVID-appropriate behaviour.
Dr. Poonam Singh suggests people must wear a well-fitting mask which covers their nose and mouth well, keep distance, avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, keep hands clean, cover coughs and sneezes and get vaccinated. Even if people are vaccinated, they must take all precautionary measures. All travelers must adhere to public health and social measures at all times and remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
To what extent will the fresh restrictions imposed by the government help curb spreading the variant?
About 29 countries have confirmed cases of the Omicron variant till date. The rapid surge in the number of cases has led to travel restrictions worldwide.
States have been asked to ramp up COVID-19 testing, international travel guidelines have been revised, which means passengers will have to perform post-arrival RT-PCR, wherein the samples will be taken for genome sequencing.
All of these measures are said to curb the spread of the virus and to isolate it so it does not cause more damage. According to Dr Bellad, "Restrictions in any form are meant to prevent sudden emergence of a large number of cases. The purpose is to prevent the health system from collapsing."