After a few weeks of discovering new evidence, it is clear that Omicron variant poses a threat worldwide after being identified in nearly sixty countries. The variant first emerged in South Africa and now makes up about 3% of U.S COVID cases.

Evidence indicates that Omicron is spreading faster than the other variants, such as Delta. While little is known about how Omicron spreads, it is possible that it can multiply when inside cells or invade cells more easily. The risk of reinfection is almost five times greater than the risk for other variants.

Many people are wondering how much protection the vaccines would provide, and if they provide any protection at all. Studies have concluded that Omicron can get past the vaccines pretty easily, but the Pfizer-BioNTech booster does have a seventy-five percent effectiveness against infection. As of now, the hospitalization rate for Omicron is low.

“Even if the Omicron strain doesn’t turn out to be any worse, United States are losing close to a thousand people every day from the Delta variant, and that in and of itself is a reason for people to get boosted,” says Richard Besser, former acting Director for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Omicron is treatable with certain medications, such as sotrovimab and dexamethasone. It is not confirmed yet, but antiviral pills might work against Omicron too.

People are starting to take action to fight against this variant. Denmark has sent all students home recently, closed some restaurants and done other things to reduce the spread.

There is still much more to find out about Omicron, so make sure to stay alert and updated!