Everything You Need To Know About The Omicron Variant

As more information is released on the new coronavirus strain, you might find your news outlets filled to the brim with mentions of the B.1.1.529 COVID omicron variant for good reason. The latest news on this new Covid variant known as the Omicron variant, suggests it to be an extremely transmissible and concerning threat that is sweeping across countries and needs to be seriously monitored. This article is here to answer all your questions about symptoms of omicron variant, B.1.1.529 variant latest news, the potential Omicron cases and risk in India, and coronavirus precautions to protect yourself.

Staying safe from the Omicron variant is as important as ever, especially because of the lack of concrete information on the symptoms of omicron variant

What is the B.1.1.529 and Omicron Variant in India?

Recently, the WHO flagged a new Covid variant spreading in South Africa as one of concern, urging the rest of the world to take precautionary measures against it. This new covid variant has been coined Omicron and is scientifically under SARS-CoV-2 viruses named B.1.1.529 variant. Though no comprehensive literature or insight has been compiled yet, the Omicron variant is perhaps more transmissible than the Delta variant and might be able to evade the protections of vaccines more easily. These fears make this variant one to constantly look out for and has resulted in the Indian government taking several measures to reduce the threat, including mandatory Covid RT PCR tests for those returning from Omicron countries (South Africa, Hong Kong, Botswana, UK, Netherlands, Portugal, and more) and an extended quarantine period.

What are the Omicron symptoms?

According to research conducted by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases of South Africa, there are no specific omicron symptoms that differ from other mutations of COVID that we are already familiar with. You simply have to stay on top of tracking the usual COVID symptoms for a potential Omicron virus infection.

How do we stay safe from Omicron?

Staying safe from the Omicron variant is as important as ever, especially because of the lack of concrete information on the symptoms of omicron variant. To stay as safe as possible, maintain proper COVID appropriate behavior as before, and make sure to incorporate the following steps into your routine if you haven’t already:

• Get Vaccinated – If you haven’t received both doses of the vaccine yet, make sure you get jabbed as soon as possible to decrease the risk of catching and spreading the Omicron variant.
• Wear A Mask – Just as before, make sure you wear a mask every time you step out of the house or interact with someone beyond your COVID bubble.
• Sanitize or wash your hands frequently.
• Maintain social distance especially in crowded places, queues, or any other such unavoidable gathering.
• Only gather in well-ventilated spaces and not tightly closed rooms.

*Additional data is required to reach conclusive evidence.

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