델타 보다 강한 변이 '오미크론'... 일상 회복 가능할까?

Continuing from our previous report, questions remain over whether current vaccines will be effective against the Omicron variant... and... cause a delay to the transition back to normalcy in South Korea.
To find the answers... our Choi Won-jong spoke to experts.


Top health officials across the world are keeping a close eye on the new COVID-19 variant... "Omicron."
As this new strain... slowly but surely spreads... the World Health Organization warned a couple of genetic mutations may enable it to spread more quickly... potentially among the unvaccinated.
The Omicron variant has more than twice the number of mutations on its spike protein than seen in the Delta variant.
BUT in terms of immune escape... would current COVID-19 vaccines such as those offered by Pfizer or Moderna still work against this new variant?

"The vaccines will still offer some degree of protection against hospitalizations and deaths even against Omicron variant. I think this is a warning call for all countries to try to get vulnerable groups to get vaccinated as quickly as possible... boosters as quickly as possible."

Furthermore... U.S. pharmaceutical companies are already monitoring the new variant... hoping to develop updated version of their vaccines.
Both Pfizer and Moderna said new versions of their drugs will be available within two to three months.
Meanwhile... South Korea's health authorities imposed travel restrictions on travelers from countries in Southern Africa, where the first case of Omicron was identified.
BUT the expert said travel bans DO NOT prevent the spread of variants... but rather... just delay it... adding that strengthened social distancing could be the solution.

"We really need to go back to the basics... social restrictions and our distancings that we had relaxed since November 1st."

She said the best defense against the new variant is to step up our game in giving out booster shots... mostly to those in vulnerable groups.
Choi Won-jong, Arirang News.

#COVID19 #Omicron #New_Variant

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2021-11-29, 12:00 (KST)

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