INTERNATIONAL: Omicron variant has more mutations than the previous variants and some of these mutations are known mutations, some of these mutations haven't seen before in any other variant. So, no one cannot say for sure if it is more transmissible or if it can evade immunity, there is a risk that can be possible. But even with Delta variant, scientist knew that the vaccinations are a bit less effective, saying 'a bit less effective' doesn't mean that the vaccinations don't work. They do. And they can still save people from severe disease or death from COVID-19.

Current vaccines and medications are helpful to fight against the new Omicron COVID-19 variant in terms of reducing severe cases and mortality, as claimed by an evolutionary virologist, Emilia Skirmuntt of University of Oxford.

Global concerns have been growing as infections related to the new variant continue to spread throughout the world, with a number of countries enforcing new control measures and entry bans. Ms. Skirmuntt has reported that the new mutation has likely been circulating for weeks but reassured that current tools against the coronavirus can still be used in new variants.