Head of WHO Gebreyesus: omicron-strain detected in at least 23 countries … Tedros Adan Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced the identification of the omicron strain COVID-19, reports TASS.
“At least 23 countries have reported the presence of the omicron strain, and this number will undoubtedly be grow “, – said the head of WHO on Wednesday, December 1, at a briefing in Geneva.
The newest strain COVID-19 B.1.1.529 was identified in South Africa, it was assigned the Greek letter” omicron “(O ). WHO experts have recognized this mutation as a matter of concern. It can affect a large number of people in the world, including those who have recovered from other strains of coronavirus, and existing vaccines may be ineffective.
Against the backdrop of a worsening epidemiological situation, WHO called on people from risk groups, including people over 60 years old as well as persons with concomitant diseases, refrain from traveling. At the same time, the organization noted that a complete ban on international flights will not be able to stop the spread of COVID-19.
On December 1, WHO spoke about a new vaccine against the background of the situation with the omicron strain. The organization does not see the need to create another drug for coronavirus due to the emergence of a new mutation of the virus.