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World Health Organization: The omicron strain can have serious consequences

The organization has warned that the new variant is likely to spread rapidly, especially in areas where vaccination rates are low.

However, a South African expert said the vaccines appear to be effective in preventing serious diseases.

First cases in Canada and other European countries.

Biden reassures: "It must not cause chaos"

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• World Health Organization

• Corona virus

• Japan

• Omicron variant

News agencies

Monday, 29 November 2021, 11:38 Updated: 20:57

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In the video: Johnson announces steps to prevent the spread of the omicron variant in the country (Photo: Reuters)

The World Health Organization warned today (Monday) that the coronavirus' omicron strain is expected to spread worldwide, posing a "very high" global risk of a jump in the number of infections that could lead to "serious consequences" in some areas. The UN health agency has urged member states in 1944 to speed up the vaccinations of high-risk groups, in preparation for a spike in morbidity rates, and to take

restraint

measures that will allow the continued provision of essential health services.

"The overall global risk associated with the new variant is very high." Evade the immunity acquired by previous vaccinations and infections.

"A surge in the number of cases, regardless of the change in its severity, could overload health systems and increase morbidity and mortality. The consequences for vulnerable populations could be significant, especially in countries with low vaccination rates," the World Health Organization said.

Passengers defend with suit at Sydney airport, today (Photo: Reuters)

South Africa, which saw a jump in the number of new infections, first reported the new strain last Wednesday, however, a senior expert in the country said today that existing vaccines are likely to be effective in preventing serious diseases from the new strain. The expert, Professor Salim Abdul Krim, added at a press conference that it is too early to know whether omicron leads to more severe symptoms compared to previous variants.

Since it was first discovered in South Africa, the new strain has been identified in Israel, across Europe, in Australia, while more and more countries are imposing restrictions on flights from southern continents.

U.S. President Joe Biden, whose country has yet to detect a case of the new strain, said tonight that the best protection against it is a full vaccination of the population - and getting a booster dose for those who need it. Biden held a press conference on the subject and added that the omicron is a source of concern but not panic. "We learn new things about him every day and it must not create chaos."

Family arrives for corona examination at Beijing Hospital, today (Photo: AP)

Compared to the United States, Portugal have identified 13 cases of the new variant at the Lisbon Football Club.

In Scotland and Austria first cases have been reported as well and so in Canada.

At the same time, Japan announced today that it is closing its borders to foreigners, thereby joining Israel.

However, the World Health Organization stressed that travel restrictions should be fact-based and timely.

The Philippines has embarked on an ambitious campaign to vaccinate nine million people in three days.

For the benefit of the operation, many security forces and thousands of volunteers were deployed in the country.

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