«Omikron» become dominant till next month, says Eftyxia Vardas at Open Tv

All the data about the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, were analyzed  by Eftyxia Vardas from Greece, head of  virology at laboratory in Johannesburg, whose team detected the first case in South Africa and inform national authorities,  speaking exclusively to the greek OPEN TV and Adamantia Lioliou. The scientist explained whether this particular mutation can cause severe disease and whether vaccines protect from it.

“We see about 2.000 to 3.000 cases per day. We suddenly had the new variant which spreads very quickly. It’s much easier to transmit. We do believe that “Omikron” is going to become the dominant variant. It will be  the dominant next month, within a short period of time  and unfortunately just the time for Christmas," said Dr Vardas.

As the scientist remarked to Open TV and Adamantia Lioliou, this variant appears to be more transmissible, but at this point of time it does not cause the risk of  severe disease. The vast  patients’ portion  have had  mild symptoms and remained home, but only a small portion  have been hospitalized, but without sever symptoms.

"We have seen the WHO's statement of reinfection  and it is very  worrying. But it is very important for us at this point to have evidence" she explained.

Will the vaccines stop “ Omikron” ?

Asked by  the journalist whether the vaccine is effective against this new variant, Dr Vardas pointed out that studies need to be done on this. "No vaccine can protect 100%”, she noticed. Her key – message is: in any case vaccine  will be helpful.

She said also  that PCR  tests definitely detect “Omikron”, while it needs to be researched whether the same happens with rapid tests. Dr Eftyxia Vardas estimates that “Omikron”  can’t evade the tests.  

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