Don't Underestimate Omicron Even Though You Don't Have Mild Symptoms, The Speed Of Transmission Can Create High Pressure To The Hospital

JAKARTA - Many experts agree that the Omicron variant is not as dangerous as the Delta variant. But underestimating this variant is the beginning of all disaster.

The WHO has warned that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading at an unimaginable rate. In fact, it may already exist in most countries.

The discovery of Omicron was first announced in November by scientists in South Africa, the first to experience a COVID-19 spike driven by the new variant.

"Seventy-seven countries have now reported cases of Omicron, and in fact, Omicron is probably present in most countries, although it has not been detected yet," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters during a news conference in Geneva, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

"Omicron is spreading at a speed we've never seen with a variant before," Tedros continued.

He is sad that many people are so inconsiderate and consider Omicron to be a mild variant.

"Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm an unprepared health system," he said worriedly.

One person has died in Britain after contracting the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday, the first publicly confirmed death globally from the highly-spreading variant.

Since the first case of the Omicron variant was detected on November 27 in the UK, PM Johnson has imposed stricter restrictions. On Sunday he warned the variant could overcome the immune defenses of those inoculated with two injections of the vaccine.

The UK did not provide details on the deaths other than those who had been diagnosed in hospital. It is not clear whether the patient has been vaccinated or has any underlying health problems.

Deaths from Omicron may have occurred in other countries but nothing has been publicly confirmed outside of the UK.