The variant has been designated as a Variant of Concern (VoC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and has been named Omicron. Why is the Omicron variant interesting? In INSACOG’s latest Bulletin, none of the sequenced samples in India have the Omicron variant until date. Enhanced surveillance and genome sequencing efforts are essential to detect and track the prevalence of the Omicron variant. Equitable access to vaccines would be key to controlling the Omicron variant, and slowing down the emergence of any future variants.

Source: The Hindu November 29, 2021 13:00 UTC