Currently, this new variant is causing significant blow to global businesses just like it is hampering the global travel industry.
Already, the variant has been detected in 57 countries around the globe including our neighbours Senegal, Sierra Leone in west Africa.
Although the variant is not yet identified in The Gambia, the ministry has shared some important information with the public
According to the World Health Organization, it is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease compared to infections with other variants, including Delta.
However, preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalisation in South Africa, but this may be due to increasing overall numbers of people becoming infected, rather than a result of specific infection with Omicron.
In addition, there is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants.
Initial reported infections were among university students - younger individuals who tend to have more mild disease – but understanding the level of severity of the Omicron variant will take days to several weeks.
All variants of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, in particular for the most vulnerable people, and thus prevention is always key.
We want to reiterate that Covid-19 is still alive and kicking in The Gambia. People should desist from denying that fact.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has announced it has updated entry health requirements into The Gambia amid this new variant.
We want to remind the public that the most effective steps to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is adhering to the safety precautionary measure like; physical distancing; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and to get vaccinated.
Adhering to these measures would help a great deal in eradicating this deadly virus.
Let’s always have in mind that each one can contribute towards making our society a safer place.
So each one, teach one!
“We’re back in familiar territory - growing concern about a new variant of coronavirus. .”
BBC