Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is once threatened by a new coronavirus variant threatening to reverse all progress. This comes as many countries have already eased travel restrictions and normal life was returning despite the concerns.
The new variant named Omicron is considered ‘highly transmissible’ with many mutations. It is behind increasing cases in Europe and United States. Its actual risks are not understood yet but it is considered immune against current vaccines. The variant was first detected in southern Africa and could spur a rapid rise in new cases across the world. It has already spread in many countries that are once again reconsidering opening borders and could impose lockdown again.
In Europe, the rising COVID cases have witnessed violent protest demonstrations against reimposed lockdown rules. Last week, tens of thousands protested in many European cities against coronavirus restrictions. Many countries have returned to lockdown measures in winter but a weary and sceptic public is unwilling to return where it all started.
How worried should the world be about the new coronavirus virus? The biggest question is whether the eight billion doses of vaccines will hold up against the variant. The global inequality in administering vaccines could be held responsible for the current situation. Africa has fully vaccinated 77 million people, just 6% of its population. In comparison, over 70% of high-income countries have already vaccinated more than 40% of their people. UNICEF has also reported an imminent shortfall in syringes for COVID-19 vaccination and routine immunization next year.
We have still not learned our lessons amid the pandemic. Countries should realise that the situation will improve only with equitable distributions of vaccines. The virus evolves rapidly and countries should not scramble for solutions when it threatens them most but only improve their readiness for vaccine rollout.
Pakistan needs to take utmost precautions against the new variant. Only a quarter of the population is fully vaccinated and the situation could worsen. Many countries have just eased travel restrictions for Pakistan after years. Saudi Arabia has allowed direct entry for Pakistani travelers including Umrah pilgrims. Now there are concerns that the situation could change once again very soon.
