Omicron proves we ’re not in control of Covid – only global action can stop this pandemic

If we keep allowing this virus to spread through unvaccinated populations, the next variant could be even more deadlyCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageIt ’s almost two years since we first heard of Covid-19, and a year since the first Covid vaccines were rolled out. Yet this staggering progress is being squandered. We have drifted for months now, with richer countries, taking a very blinkered domestic focus, lulled into thinking that the worst of t he pandemic was behind us. This variant reminds us all that we remain closer to the start of the pandemic than the end.There is a lot we need to learn about theOmicron variant. Whether or not this is a pandemic-changing variant – one that really evades our vaccines and treatments – remains to be seen. Research will tell us more in the coming days and weeks, and we must watch and follow the data closely while giving the brilliant scientific teams time to get the answers. Although I am very worried about countries with l imited access to vaccines, I am cautiously hopeful that our current vaccines will continue to protect us against severe sickness and death, if we are fully vaccinated.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Coronavirus Infectious diseases Vaccines and immunisation Health Epidemics Science Society World Health Organization Source Type: news