November 27, 2021
2 mins read

OMICRON VARIANT: Countries advised to step up surveillance

The Technical Advisory Group has advised WHO that Omicron variant should be designated as a Variant of Concern, reports Asian Lite News

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the new Covid variant detected in southern Africa this week as the ‘Variant of Concern’ following the Technical Advisory Group meeting on Friday.

“Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in Covid-19 epidemiology, the TAG-VE has advised WHO that this variant should be designated as a Variant of Concern and the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a VOC, named Omicron”, said the global health body in a statement.

Omicron

The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on November 24, 2021. The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on November 9, 2021.

The WHO has asked the countries to enhance surveillance and sequencing efforts to better understand circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants and submit complete genome sequences and associated metadata to a publicly available database. The WHO has reminded to take measures to reduce their risk of Covid-19, including proven public health and social measures such as wearing well-fitting masks, hand hygiene, physical distancing, improving ventilation of indoor spaces, avoiding crowded spaces, and getting vaccinated.

The WHO said that this variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are of concern.

Global Covid caseload tops 259.9 mn

Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of re-infection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs. The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa. Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics continue to detect this variant. Several labs have indicated that for one widely used PCR test, one of the three target genes is not detected and this test can therefore be used as marker for this variant, pending sequencing confirmation. Using this approach, this variant has been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage, said the WHO.

The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) is an independent group of experts that periodically monitors and evaluates the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and assesses if specific mutations and combinations of mutations alter the behaviour of the virus. The TAG-VE was convened on 26 November 2021 to assess the SARS-CoV-2 variant: B.1.1.529.

ALSO READ – Omicron variant: UAE suspends travellers from 7 countries

Previous Story

Turkey’s role in terror finance needs close watch

Next Story

Kashmir Ready to Join Indian Railways Canvas

Latest from -Top News

India Shows Sport Can Defeat Terror

India’s response to militancy blends military strength with a “softer” statecraft: sport….reports Asian Lite News The 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva (8 September–8 October 2025) cast

Terror and Repression: Bangladesh Exposed in Geneva

Diplomats warn Bangladesh under Yunus risks instability, extremism, and civil conflict….reports Asian Lite News The Geneva-based rights group International Forum for Secular Bangladesh (IFSB) held a powerful poster exhibition in Geneva, drawing

Jaishankar: UN in Crisis, Reform Blocked by Cynicism

When the Council is reformed, Jaishankar said, “India stands ready to assume greater responsibilities”….reports Asian Lite News “The UN is in a state of crisis”, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar declared, emphasising

Karur Rally Stampede Kills 39

The death toll may rise further as some remain critical…reports Asian Lite News Officials on Sunday said the death toll from the tragic stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) rally in Karur,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

WHO warns of health risks amid flood in Pakistan

As of August 25, more than 33 million people have

Omicron, Delta forming tsunami of cases: WHO

Tedros reiterated his concern over a recent narrative that Omicron