What strategy should governments apply to face the threat from the Omicron variant? Although some countries have decided to close their borders to all foreign travelers, others have decided to close their borders to southern Africa. But according to WHO, these “blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread” of the Omicron variant. Moreover, the World Health Organization also advising “persons who are unwell should be advised to postpone travel”.
In a technical document issued this November 30, 2021, the WHO explains on the contrary these restrictions “can adversely impact global health efforts during a pandemic by disincentivizing countries to report and share epidemiological and sequencing data”.
Earlier in the day, the World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he understands: “the concern of all countries to protect their citizens”. “But I am equally concerned that several Member States are introducing blunt, blanket measures that are not evidence-based or effective on their own, and which will only worsen inequities”.
The question is if the WHO’s recommendations will be followed or not.
Coronavirus – hospitals under pressure: can France avoid a lockdown?
As a fifth coronavirus epidemic wave is hitting France, the spread of the Omicron variant has the world worried. Is another lockdown still avoidable? [Read more]
Coronavirus – hospitals under pressure: can France avoid a lockdown?
