A report was released saying that a new potentially fatal variant of Covid-19 has emerged. Leading medical organizations and medical experts have termed this new Covid -19 variant as a variant of concern. It has already been detected in some countries. The new covid-19 variant has been named as Omicron. The data available on this Covid variant is that it rapidly evolves and its genetic profile is raising a lot of concern. The Covid mutation mutations make it spread more quickly which increases its reinfection rate.

What measures are being put in place to control spread of Omicron Covid-19 spread?

Mandatory Covid-19 testing for new arrivals

Governments are Covid testing everyone who comes into their territory. Anyone who exhibits any symptoms associated with Covid-19 is subjected to isolation. This is most especially done to people arriving from countries listed as red listed countries. Those isolated have to stay in isolation for a period of ten days and further take the PCR test.

Targeted Covid-19 testing of population

Some countries have announced that they will carry out targeted testing and sequencing of positive cases in the areas that are affected. This is so as to gather and analyze more information on this new Covid-19 variant. This will enable the concerned researchers understand any possible increase in transmissibility or resistance to vaccines https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/26/new-covid-variant-triggers-global-alarm-as-who-urges-caution.

Mandatory masking against Covid-19

People are encouraged to a pay attention to the time of face covering mask that they are wearing. The new Covid-19 variant is highly transmissible and likely infectious at low concentrations. It’s prudent to select coverings with materials that are most effective at stopping covid-19 droplet spread. Face coverings using multiple layers of material are highly preferable. The facemask covering should be a tight weave and of proper fit. This is because gaps around the nose and mouth might decrease the effectiveness. All people whether vaccinated or not are encouraged to wear masks in public indoor places in countries with a substantial rate of the Covid-19 virus. The spread of the virus is greatly reduced outdoors than in crowded indoor spaces.

Isolation against those suspected to have been in contact with a Covid -19 carrier

People who have been in contact with an omicron Covid case or suspected to have interacted with one will need to self-isolate even if they are fully vaccinated against the covid-19 This applies to healthcare officials and workers who have returned from any travels in other countries. They are encouraged not to get back to work immediately until they have had a negative PCR test https://www.bbc.com/news/health-59448438 .

There have been calls to make it mandatory to wear masks

This is because in some areas there has been an explosion of Covid–19 cases even with vaccination having taken place. The mandatory mask wearing initiative will include people working in the hospitality industry such as cafes, restaurants, and beauty salons. This measure is highly recommended since a majority of the public tend to spend long periods of time in close proximity with others at such settings. Implementing this measure will also go a long way in cushioning the economy. Mandatory masking in these settings will have minimal economic and social impact but rather the evidence proves that it will help to further reduce the spread of the Covid -19 variants https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01b-74ljqWc.

Announcing state of emergency in states with surge of Covid-19 cases

Some countries have taken the extreme path. They have declared a state of emergence in preparation for a possible surge in Covid-19 from the new omicron variant. This measure is intended to help hospitals prepare for a winter wave. There is an expected influx of patients in the hospitals as the World Health Organization says this Covid -19 variant is more transmissible than the others. The hospitals have also put in place measures that allows them to turn away patients seeking non-urgent care. This will free up bed space for any emergencies that may arise from the new Covid-19 variant.