United Nations Health body, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against describing the Omicron variant of Coronavirus as mild, saying it is killing people across the world.
Scientists have said recent studies suggest that Omicron is less likely to make people seriously ill than previous Covid variants like Delta.
But WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, says the record number of people down with the variant has left health systems under severe pressure.
The WHO said the number of global cases has increased by 71% in the last week, and in the Americas by 100%. It said that among severe cases worldwide, 90% were unvaccinated.
“While Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorised as mild,” Dr Tedros told a press conference on Thursday, January 6.
“Just like previous variants, Omicron is hospitalising people and it is killing people.
“In fact, the tsunami of cases is so huge and quick, that it is overwhelming health systems around the world.”
In his latest comments, Dr Tedros repeated his calls for greater vaccine distribution to help poorer countries jab their populations.
He said that based on the current vaccine rollout, 109 countries will miss the WHO’s target for 70% of the world to be fully vaccinated by July.
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