The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the Omicron variant, originally referred to as B.1.1.529, a "variant of concern."
WHO said on Friday that early evidence suggest the Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa, could pose an increased risk of reinfection and said that some of the mutations detected on the variant were concerning.
The Omicron variant of the coronavirus won't exert any major impact on China currently, said Zhang Wenhong, China's leading infectious disease specialist, adding that the country's swift response and dynami "zero-case" policy endow it with the ability to cope with any coronavirus variant.
Many countries are now re-imposing health restrictions amid the unknown danger of Omicron. Zhang, who is the head of the Shanghai COVID-19 medical team, whisked off the possibility of the new variant's major impact on China at current stage.
The epidemiologist said that it is hard to say that the global effort in fighting against coronavirus has gone up in smoke, and that two weeks of data and lab materials are needed to make a precise judgment of the new variant.
He noted that the vaccination rate in South Africa, where the new variant caused a jump in infection, is very low, with just 24 percent of fully vaccinated individuals. "If the situation [in South Africa] occurred in Israel [where more than 80 percent are vaccinated], then undoubtedly, we would say the world is facing another round of a tough COVID-19 fight," said Zhang.
He also warned that if it is confirmed that the new variant is able to break the current immune system, then scientists have to adjust the current vaccine system, which means new vaccines have to be developed on yearly basis.
Zhang said he and his colleagues are also studying the new variant.
