New Delhi, Nov 27, : Following the Friday Technical Advisory Group meeting, the World Health Organisation (WHO), has classified the new Covid variant found in southern Africa this week as a ‘Variant Of Concern’. “Based on evidence that suggests a harmful change in Covid-19 epidemiology,” the TAG-VE advised WHO that this variant should become a Variant Of Concern.The WHO has now designated B.1.1.529 a VOC, called Omicron”, stated the global health organization in a statement.
On November 24, 2021, the first report to WHO of the B.1.1.529 variant from South Africa was made.Three distinct peaks have been observed in South Africa’s epidemiological situation.The most recent was the Delta variant.A specimen from November 9, 2021 was the first to have been confirmed to have B.1.1.529.
The WHO asked the countries to increase surveillance and sequencing efforts to better understand the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variations and submit complete genome sequences along with associated metadata to a publicly accessible database.The WHO reminded them to take precautions to reduce their risk of Covid-19.
These include proven public health and social measures like wearing well-fitting masks, hand hygiene, physical distance, improving ventilation in indoor spaces, avoiding crowded places, and getting vaccinated.
According to the WHO, this variant is susceptible to a variety of mutations that could pose a threat to health.
Preliminary evidence suggests that this variant is more likely to cause re-infection than other VOCs.This variant seems to be increasing in South Africa’s provinces.
This variant is still being detected by current SARS-CoV-2 DNA PCR diagnostics.Multiple labs have confirmed that one of the target genes was not detected by a widely-used PCR test.
This test can be used as a marker for this variant until sequencing confirmation.This approach has allowed for faster detection of this variant than any previous spikes in infection.
This suggests that this variant may have a growth advantage.
The Technical Advisory Group for SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution is an independent group that monitors and evaluates the evolution and determines if certain mutations or combinations of mutations have any effect on the virus’ behaviour.TAG-VE was established on 26 November 2021 to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 variant, B.1.1.529.
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