It is a matter of concern that a new variant of coronavirus 'Omicron' has been reported in India. The prevalent medical opinion is that it is easily transmissible and capable of going under many mutations. India has detected over 20 new cases of Omicron on 8th December 2021.
In what comes as a relief, WHO officials have told news agency AFP that Omicron is not more dangerous than the previous variants of coronavirus. Michael Ryan, World Health Organisation's emergencies director, told AFP that currently there is no indication to say that Omicron can cause more severe disease than earlier Covid-19 variants like Delta.
In another piece of good news, about the efficacy of vaccines, WHO said that the existing vaccines would be effective against the new variant. "The existing vaccines should protect people who come in contact with Omicron", said Ryan.
A report from South Africa's laboratory has shown that Omicron can lower the power of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, but the researchers are also suggesting that people who have received a booster shot might be better protected.