Top UK scientist says new COVID-19 variant Omicron 'not a disaster', vaccination likely to protect
The Hindu
Professor Calum Semple, a microbiologist from the UK government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), struck a note of caution on the worldwide headlines around the new B.1.1.529 variant detected in South Africa
The new potentially highly-transmissible variant of COVID-19, , is not a disaster as vaccines are still likely to protect against the serious disease from it, a UK scientist, who advises the government, said on Saturday.
Professor Calum Semple, a microbiologist from the UK government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), struck a note of caution on the worldwide headlines around the new B.1.1.529 variant detected in South Africa.
The UK imposed travel restrictions on six southern African countries – South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia – as health authorities said that they are investigating the “most significant variant” which could be potentially more infectious and vaccine-resistant.