New Delhi: India to see a peak in Omicron-induced Covid cases and high positivity rate, but the infection will hopefully be mild in most people like in South Africa, Dr. Angelique said Coetzee who identified the first variant.
The president of the South African Medical Association said existing vaccines would control contagion, but those that are not vaccinated are at 100% “risk”.
“The existing vaccines will go a long way in reducing the spread of the Omicron variant,”. Coetzee told the PTI news agency in a telephone interview from Pretoria.
In the case of someone who has been vaccinated or has a history of Covid infection, it will spread to fewer people, Coetzee said, adding that unvaccinated people would potentially spread the virus 100%.
“Existing vaccines would go a long way in reducing the spread because we know that you would only spread about 1/3 if you were vaccinated or had a history of Covid infection, while unvaccinated people would potentially spread the virus. 100%, ”she said.
According to the South African expert, who first brought the Omicron variant to the world’s attention, the pandemic is not yet over and will become endemic in the future.
Coetzee disagreed with the opinion of some experts who said Covid is heading towards its end with the advent of Omicron, which is so far a weaker variant of the virus.
“I don’t think so. I think it will be difficult (that the ongoing pandemic ends soon). I suspect it will become endemic,” she said.
“India will see an increase in the cases of Covid-19 caused by Omicron and simultaneously there will be a high positivity rate. But I hope the majority of the cases will be as mild as what we are seeing in South Africa,” she added, as India reported 415 cases of the Omicron variant on Saturday.
Of those, 115 have recovered or migrated, according to data from the Union’s Health Ministry.
According to Coetzee, any virus that grows uncontrollably will potentially be a threat to humans.
Discussing the character of the strain which is spreading across the globe at a rapid pace and has slowed down year-end festivities in many parts of the country, Coetzee said it attacks hot bodies and infects children as well.
“… for now, Omicron is not threatening but it is spreading rapidly with a high rate of infectivity, but less severe cases in hospitals. The sole purpose of the virus is to infect a warm body and to survive. And yes, the children are also infected. However, they recover in five to six days on average, “she said.
When asked if the Omicron variant could mutate again and change character, Coetzee replied that it could mutate in the future to be more lethal, or not.
The 61-year-old doctor added that wearing masks as well as following safety protocols would play a huge role in controlling the transmission of Omicron.
“You can’t just rely on vaccines. Unfortunately, human behavior also plays a huge role and you also have to be responsible and own what you do,” she said.
“Vaccines, boosters, masks, good ventilation, stay away from crowds and common sense. Also know the symptoms and when to test, when to see a doctor and seek treatment,” the South African doctor added.
Meanwhile, in India, Maharashtra recorded the highest number of 108 Omicron cases, followed by Delhi with 79, Gujarat 43, Telangana 38, Kerala 37, Tamil Nadu 34, and Karnataka 31.
In the wake of the new tension, several states and union territories have passed ordinances banning gatherings on Christmas and New Year to restrict the spread.
The Department of Health has advised states and UTs to remain vigilant and monitor case positivity, doubling rate, and a cluster of new cases, and consider placing restrictions locally during the festivities of the end of the year.
According to the South African National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), 74% of all virus genomes he sequenced in November were of the Omicron variant. The first case was found in a sample collected on November 8 in Gauteng.
Data shows that between November 14 and December 4, hospitalizations in South Africa were comparatively lower than when the country faced the delta-induced peak in July. The intensive care occupancy rate in South Africa was only 6.3% during the fortnight.
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