WHO briefs on new coronavirus variant Omicron
Says overall global risk "assessed as very high"
Urges member states to vaccinate, shore up health systems
"Uncertainties" on degree of vaccine immunity
GENEVA, Nov 29 (Reuters) - 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 Organisation (WHO) said on Monday.
The U.N. agency urged its 194 member states to accelerate vaccination of high-riority 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."
£££ WHO เตือนแย้ว ....Omicron poses "very high" global risk, world must prepare -เจ้ามือไทยรุ้ก่อนฝาหรั่ง อิอิ
Says overall global risk "assessed as very high"
Urges member states to vaccinate, shore up health systems
"Uncertainties" on degree of vaccine immunity
GENEVA, Nov 29 (Reuters) - 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 Organisation (WHO) said on Monday.
The U.N. agency urged its 194 member states to accelerate vaccination of high-riority 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."