The spread of the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant, Omicron, has reportedly increased from 14 countries to 24 countries within two days at the whopping 70 per cent rate. It has infected 10 per cent toddlers in South Africa, where the variant was first detected. According to experts, the infections so far have been by and large mild and not very alarming. However, we have to be super cautious about it because our neighbouring country, India, has already reported first two Omicron cases of Covid-19 infection in the southern state of Karnataka.
Since it is winter time in many countries of Europe, the likelihood of higher degree of transmission is expected. Our past experience tells us that winter may prove to be deadlier for Covid infection in Bangladesh. We have no room for complacency seeing that the present infection rate is low. However, it is unfortunate that we are maintaining no basic health protocols anywhere in the country.
We must remember that the spread of Omicron variant is dependent on the measures taken to curb its spread like restrictions on travel, contact tracing, social distancing, wearing of face masks as well as people being discreet about their movement and taking adequate precautions.
Abu Elias Linkon,
Banasree, Dhaka,
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