WHO says Omicron patients should double at least once every 3 days

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading significantly faster than the Delta strain in countries with documented community transmission, with the number of cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

 

In an update on Saturday, the United Nations’ health agency said Omicron has been reported in 89 countries.

 

Scientists remain uncertain how dangerous it is, but early data suggests it can be more resistant to vaccines and more transmissible than the Delta variant.

 

“There are still limited data on the clinical severity of Omicron,” the WHO said in its update. It added, “There are still limited available data, and no peer-reviewed evidence, on vaccine efficacy or effectiveness to date for Omicron.”

 

“Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems.”