

UN agency urges acceleration of vaccination of high-priority groups to tackle spread of variant
November 29, 2021.- The Omicron coronavirus variant is likely to spread internationally, posing a very high global risk of infection surges that could have severe consequences some areas, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.
The UN agency urged its 194 member states to accelerate vaccination of high-priority groups and, in anticipation of increased case numbers, to “ensure mitigation plans are in place” to maintain essential health services.
“Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic,” the WHO said. “The overall global risk related to the new variant … is assessed as very high.”
To date, no deaths linked to Omicron had been reported, though further research was needed to assess Omicron’s potential to escape protection against immunity induced by vaccines and previous infections, it said.

“Increasing cases, regardless of a change in severity, may pose overwhelming demands on healthcare systems and may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The impact on vulnerable populations would be substantial, particularly in countries with low vaccination coverage,” it said.
The variant was first reported to WHO on 24 November from South Africa, where infections have risen steeply.
It has since spread around the world, with new cases found in the Netherlands, Denmark and Australia even as more countries imposed travel restrictions to try to seal themselves off. Japan said on Monday it would close its borders to foreigners, joining Israel in taking the toughest measures.
The WHO, in its latest guidance, reiterated that countries should use a “risk-based approach to adjust international travel measures in a timely manner”. Further advice would be forthcoming, it said.

“The presence of multiple mutations of the spike protein in the receptor-binding domain suggests that Omicron may have a high likelihood of immune escape from antibody-mediated protection. However, immune escape potential from cell-mediated immunity is more difficult to predict,” it said.
“Overall, there are considerable uncertainties in the magnitude of immune escape potential of Omicron.”
More data was expected in coming weeks.
“Covid-19 cases and infections are expected in vaccinated persons, albeit in a small and predictable proportion,” it added.
Source: The Guardian
more recommended stories
Increasing numbers of children and adolescents from Yucatán are attempting to cross the Río Bravo
According to the Ministry of the.
New Board of Directors of CONACO Merida is inaugurated
MÉRIDA, Yucatan, March 23rd, 2023.- With.
“Fed up citizens” ask to unfreeze the new Yucatan Water Law
The representative of the group “Ciudadanos.
Fire at a Coppel store in Cancun leaves one injured
Firefighters and Civil Protection personnel from.
UADY´s “Reading League” arrives in Baca, Yucatan
Merida, Yucatan, March 23rd, 2023.- The.
The housing sector in Yucatan experiences an increase of 11.33%
At the beginning of this year,.
Things to do in Yucatan on March 24, 25 and 26
Film, music, theater, or dance, there.
Progreso pervert chases a young girl to her home and tries to break in
A pervert who chased his 23.
Hearing aids delivered in Yucatan communities
Improving the living conditions of the.
France joins Tik Tok ban; also censors Netflix
The French government banned the use.
Leave a Comment