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The Expert Council of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday identified a new variant of the Covid-19 virus, now called "B.1.1.1.529", also named as 'Omicron'. It is designated as a highly transmissible virus by the WHO, and is given the Greek character omicron. 

As per the UN health agency, "the Covid-19 strain first discovered in South Africa was a highly divergent variant with a high number of mutations...some of which are concerning and may be associated with immune escape potential and higher transmissibility." 

According to the WHO, several laboratories have reported that one of the three target genes is not identified by the commonly used PCR test, indicating that this test is not being used as a marker for this variation. 

Transmissibility 

It is not clear if Omicron is more permeable (easier to pass from person to person) than other forms such as Delta (another type of Covid-19 virus). In areas of South Africa suffering from this variation, there has been an increase in the number of individuals testing positive, although epidemiological studies are planned to determine whether this is due to omicron or other causes.

Advice by WHO 

The WHO also states that the most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus are: 

- Following social distancing and maintaining physical distance of at least 1 meter from others

- Wear a well-fitting mask;

- open windows to improve ventilation;

- Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded places;

- keep hands clean; Coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue.

- Get vaccinated when it's their turn.