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Features of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, including the extent to which it will spread, and the sheer number of mutations, suggest that it could have a major impact on the course of the pandemic, but it’s still too early to say for sure.

Cambodia has thus far been spared from the  Omicron variant though it has now been reported in 57 countries, and WHO expects the number to continue growing.

Dr Or Vandine, Secretary of State, Ministry of Health said Cambodians must get vaccinated and vaccinated in full at that to ensure they are adequately protected not only against Omicron but any other new variants that may emerge.

“There are still people out there who have not got vaccinated for whatever reason and accessibility cannot be one of them or awareness. Both are wide spread in Cambodia and the fear is that Omicron may slip through the borders, like the Delta Variant which is now the dominant variant in the country.

“Most of the deaths, still two thirds of all deaths are because f being unvaccinated coupled with underlying medical conditions and advanced age. Fully vaccinated people have better resistance to Omicron,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, Tedros highlighted “a consistent picture of rapid increase in transmission” but said that the exact rate of increase relative to other variants remains difficult to quantify.

Despite some data from South Africa suggesting increased risk of re-infection with Omicron, more data is needed. The variant might also cause milder disease than Delta, but there is no definitive answer yet.

“New data are emerging every day, but scientists need time to complete studies and interpret the results. We must be careful about drawing firm conclusions until we have a more complete picture”, Tedros explained.

In this context, the WHO chief called on all countries to increase surveillance, testing and sequencing.

“Any complacency now will cost lives”, he warned.

‘Act now’

Even though the world still needs answers to some crucial questions, Tedros said people everywhere are not defenceless against Omicron, or Delta.

“The steps countries take today, and in the coming days and weeks will determine how Omicron unfolds. If countries wait until their hospitals start to fill up, it’s too late. Don’t wait. Act now”, he said.

Tedros also asked countries to avoid “ineffective and discriminatory” travel bans.

This week, France and Switzerland have lifted their travel bans on southern African countries, and Tedros urge other countries to follow their lead.  News.un.org/Khmer Times