|
 No Omicron-linked deaths had yet been reported, though further
research was needed to assess its potential to escape protection
against immunity induced by vaccines and previous infections, it
added.
In anticipation of increased case numbers as the variant, first
reported last week, spreads, the U.N. agency urged its 194 member
states to accelerate vaccination of high-priority groups and ensure
plans were in place to maintain 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."
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, sounded the alarm
at the start of an assembly of health ministers that is expected to
launch negotiations on an international agreement on preventing
future pandemics.
"The emergence of the highly mutated Omicron variant underlines just
how perilous and precarious our situation is," Tedros said. "Omicron
demonstrates just why the world needs a new accord on pandemics: our
current system disincentivizes countries from alerting others to
threats that will inevitably land on their shores."
The new global deal, expected by May 2024, would cover issues such
as sharing of data and genome sequences of emerging viruses, and of
any potential vaccines derived from research.
[to top of second column] |
 'OVERWHELMING DEMANDS'
Omicron was first reported on Nov. 24 from South
Africa, where infections have risen steeply.
It has since spread to more than a dozen
countries, many of which have imposed travel
restrictions to try to seal themselves off.
Japan on Monday joined Israel in saying it would
close its borders to foreigners.
The WHO reiterated that, pending further advice,
countries should use a "risk-based approach to
adjust international travel measures in a timely
manner", while acknowledging that a rise in
coronavirus cases might lead to higher morbidity
and mortality rates.
"The impact on vulnerable populations would be
substantial, particularly in countries with low
vaccination coverage," it added.
In vaccinated persons, meanwhile, "COVID-19
cases and infections are expected ... albeit in
a small and predictable proportion".
Overall, there were "considerable uncertainties
in the magnitude of immune escape potential of
Omicron", and more data was expected in coming
weeks.
(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by John
Stonestreet)
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