A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, termed Omicron, was first detected in November in Botswana and some time later in South Africa. Omicron joins Delta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma on the current WHO list of variants of concern. The variant stood out because it contains more than 30 changes to the spike protein - the SARS-CoV-2 protein that recognises host cells and is the main target of the body’s immune responses.Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. Nucleic acids and antigen tests can identify current infection. Wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, is recommended regardless of vaccination status.
5 сен 2024
