Research has shown that the African Omicron variant of covid-19 is not as deadly as the earlier variant of the virus.
This was made known by a Nigerian Research Scientist, Dr Jonathan Obaje. Dr Obaje who is in Singapore revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria through a phone interview.
He said there are enough scientific capabilities to confirm whether or not the Omicron variant is less lethal than the Delta variant. He said that the best action to take as the Omicron is confirmed less lethal is for countries to open up so that the variant can spread and become globally dominant as Omicron may become the harmless covid-19 virus.
He said that is also how humanity can avert further covid-19 calamity as current negative media hype, panic and political measures are unscientific. He also stressed that with Omicron, the world can have a merry Christmas.
Still, on the Omicron variant, United States health officials have stated that although the Omicron variant is gradually spreading across the world, early investigations are revealing that it may be less dangerous than Delta, the Covid-19 variant which is still driving a surge of hospitalizations.
Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Chief Medical Adviser to President Joe Biden, Dr Anthony Fauci said that scientists need more information before concluding about the severity of omicron.
Equally, reports from South African where it was first detected have shown that there has not been an alarming increase in hospitalization of patients.
However, Dr Fauci said that there is a need for careful consideration by scientists that the omicron variant is indeed less deadly compared to the delta variant.
He also said that the Joe Biden administration is considering lifting travel restrictions against non-citizens entering the United States from several African countries.
The ban which other countries have affected against most African countries has been criticized by the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres as travel apartheid.
