Deena Beesley

(Reuters.) – A new Omicron Coronavirus variant was first discovered in South Africa. It has since been detected worldwide.

The news of this variant caused countries around the world to issue travel restrictions Friday. Drugmakers were scrambling for COVID-19 protection.

HOW ARE SCIENTISTS WORN?

Friday’s classification of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) by the World Health Organization as a SARS CoV-2 variant of concern, or Variant Omicron, indicated that it could spread faster than other coronaviruses.

Globally, the Delta variant is still dominant, representing 99.9% of U.S. patients. It’s not clear if Omicron can replace Delta. Dr. Graham (NYSE) Snyder is medical director for infection prevention at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The new variant contains over 30 mutations to the same virus part that the current vaccines are designed for. This variant is suspected to be responsible for a surge in South African infections.

Omicron’s mutations will likely render COVID-19 treatments, including manufactured antibodies, ineffective according to Dr. David Ho at Columbia University.

Antiviral experimental pills, such as Pfizer Inc (NYSE:)’s Paxlovid and Merck & Co Inc’s molnupiravir – target parts of the virus that are not changed in Omicron, and these drugs could become even more important if vaccine-induced and natural immunity are threatened.

THE UNKNOWNS

Scientists believe it will take several weeks to identify the exact type of disease, how contagious and how widely it spreads.

Some have noted that Beta, another variant of concern first identified in South Africa, was eventually replaced by Delta.

The biggest question is whether COVID-19 vaccines, which have been given in nearly 8 billion worldwide doses, will continue to protect. Will people who have been infected by the coronavirus become immune to Omicron infection?

Experts are still unsure if Omicron is more severe than other coronavirus strains.

BEST (NYSE:) RESPONSE?

Omicron was not identified yet in the United States. However, scientists believe it may be present there.

Even with the addition of this variant, U.S.COVID-19 rates are on the rise in recent weeks, mostly in northern states as more people seek to stay warm in winter.

Certain countries have made it a point to ban travel from south Africa. Snyder of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center stated that people should not only consider their risk tolerance and vulnerability when considering travel for the winter holidays.

Others agreed with him that vaccination must be a top priority, despite any doubts about Omicron’s effectiveness. It is possible that vaccines still protect to some extent. It is important that everyone continues to use masks and ventilate their rooms.

Eric Topol (director of Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla), California, stated that “we have all the tools that will fight against any variant.”