Omicron variant poses ‘very high’ global risk, ‘unprecedented number of spike mutations’: WHO
Fox News
The COVID-19 omicron variant has an “unprecedented number of spike mutations” and poses a “very high” global risk, the World Health Organization said Monday.
"The overall global risk related to the new variant of concern omicron is assessed as very high," the WHO said, according to Reuters. The health body said countries should make sure that there are "mitigation plans in place" to deal with an increase in new cases. Scientists are working to determine how effective vaccines are in preventing infections with the new variant.
The U.K. on Saturday tightened its rules on mask-wearing and on testing of international arrivals after finding two cases. New cases were confirmed Saturday in Germany and Italy, with Belgium, Israel and Hong Kong also reporting that the variant has been found in travelers.