Letter To Editor | The Omicron Threat

THE world’s facing yet another uncertain variant. It seems too similar to the initial days of covid-19 back in 2019. A pal of fear has dawned upon the world again, wondering if Omicron is going to be a bigger challenge.

Till now, there have been conflicting judgments about the behaviour of this variant. Many studies believe that the virus leads to mild symptoms only especially in the case of vaccinated people. The other half is trying hard to raise certain alarms. Some say that the alarms raised are for some sectors to profit out of fear mongering.

In the midst of this are common people who have to rely on the influx of information. However, there still remains an easy way to stay safe. It is what we had started off the pandemic with in the first place — following SOPs.

Wearing a mask, physical distancing and ventilation are key to keeping the virus at bay. Taking extra precautions for older people and people with underlying conditions is a must. Following hand hygiene is pivotal. These seemed very difficult to understand at the beginning of the pandemic but now we’re well versed with them. So, it should be easy for us to follow these and adapt quickly to this uncertain threat.

Additionally, we need to trust science and get vaccinated. The only death by Omicron in US was of an unvaccinated patient. Vaccines work. We can debate the levels of efficacy but they work. They are a blessing in these times and we must avail this blessing.

If you are still not vaccinated, please prefer getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Get tested at the first sign of symptoms. Isolate responsibly. Educate and adapt.

Hopefully, the omicron threat will not prove to be a disaster as big as the delta variant from the second wave. But this will only be possible, if we, at our own end act responsibly.

Hamida Jan

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