'Nowhere Near Over': Omicron Will Not Be The Final Covid Variant, WHO Says

As various health experts believe that the rampant spread of omicron could be shorter compared to the variants that came before it, the World Health Organization emphasized Tuesday that it will not be the last variant, stressing that the pandemic is “nowhere near over.”

The WHO also stated that recorded cases have gone up by 20% around the world last week at almost 19 million, CNBC reports. WHO Covid-19 technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove clarified, however, that new infections are probably much greater than what is being officially reported.

“We’re hearing a lot of people suggest that omicron is the last variant, that it’s over after this,” Van Kerkhove said. “That is not the case because this virus is circulating at a very intense level around the world.”

Van Kerkhove also urged governments to not alleviate Covid-19 protocols, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

“If we don’t do this now, we will move on to the next crisis…don’t abandon the science. Don’t abandon the strategies that are working, that are keeping us and our loved ones safe.”

Increasing evidence has shown that omicron does not cause severe symptoms. Executive director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Program Dr. Mike Ryan clarified last week, however, that the variant can be deadly for those who are unvaccinated, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.

“It is not just a mild disease,” Van Kerkhove said. “This is really important because people are still being hospitalized for Omicron.”