Omicron: All we know about new coronavirus variant- In pics

Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman-MD, Medanta, The Medicity, said that the R0 factor may be 12-18 times or even higher. This means the new variant spread at a devastating level. However, there are no exact details for its spread. (Image credit: IANS)

The WHO says that is too early to assess whether Omicron causes more severe infection or less compared to other variants, including Delta. Top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on Wednesday (December 1) said it could take two weeks or more to gain insight into how easily the variant spreads, the severity of the illness that it causes, and whether it can evade currently available vaccines. (Image credit: ANI)

 

Omicron shares some mutations with the delta variant but also possesses others that are quite different. The omicron variant has 50 mutations overall, with 32 mutations on the spike protein alone. The spike protein which forms protruding knobs on the outside of the SARS-CoV-2 virus helps it to adhere to cells so that it can gain entry. (Image credit: IANS)

 

Experts say that it is too early to draw conclusions about the lethality of infection and how the new variant will behave in our country. However, preliminary data from South Africa suggest the number of cases can double in a single day. (Image credit: IANS)

 

Since only preliminary data is available and there is a lot of insight to be gained about the transmissibility, severity, and the variant's effect on the vaccines, WHO and the Centre suggest adhering to the basic COVID-19 protocols i.e. proper sanitisation, wearing of a mask and avoiding the gatherings. (Image credit: ANI)