Ready Or Not! Here I Come!!

As the world recovered from the third wave of the Coronavirus and its Delta variant, a new variant emerged to cause havoc.  

Starting from South Africa, the new Omicron variant has created panic, and it is unavoidable. Recall the song “Ready or Not Here I Come” by The Delfonics? Unfortunately, Omicron is saying the same differently that it is out there, whether you are ready or not.   

What’s the solution? Before I answer, keep in mind the adage, “precaution is better than cure,” and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. 

Why Is It Inevitable?  

Why am I repeating this like a preschooler reciting a nursery rhyme? First, it is inevitable because there is not much information available about Omicron, thus it can be tough to combat it as we dealt with prior variants of COVID-19. The following are some of the most important reasons why Omicron is inescapable. 

Less Information Creates More Panic.  

Is Omicron less dangerous than Delta, or is it more so? Nobody knows the answer because even the World Health Organization (WHO) is lacking in information. We don’t know much, so we can’t tackle it in a better way. Van Kerkhove, a WHO official, stated that Omicron appeared to be a mild variant at first, but that it is too early to say anything about it. 

Travel Ban Can’t Help. 

WHO shocked everyone when it said that even a travel ban wouldn’t be helpful to stop Omicron. Although many countries have imposed restrictions on international travel, Omicron is already active in over 20 countries, so something beyond just a travel ban is required.   

Vaccine-Resistant  

There is no definitive answer as to whether the Omicron variant is vaccine-resistant or not, but researchers are working on it, and it is unlikely until they do. 

Booster Shot  

Countries such as Norway and the United Kingdom are considering giving booster shots to their citizens; however, the Indian government is awaiting scientific approval. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Sequencing Consortium (INSACOG), on the other hand, has already recommended a booster shot. 

What Helps Preventing Omicron?  

What can we do to avoid Omicron if we believe it is unavoidable? General safety precautions are to be taken at two different levels, the first is at the governmental level, and the second is at the individual level. 

Do you recall what I said at the start? “Precaution better than cure,” now, let’s focus on it because there are no other solutions than the standard precautions in healthcare.   

Government’s Take on It  

Following are some efforts that the government is making to prevent Omicron, and citizens must abide by the same.   

Travel Guidelines   

South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe are marked as high-risk countries. Therefore, passengers from these high-risk marked countries are being tested at airports.   

Vaccine  

The government of India is focusing on vaccination, ensuring that everyone has been vaccinated with both doses.   

List Of FAQs from GOI  

The government of India has issued a list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for international passengers to help them know about the guidelines, social distancing precautions, and safety precautions.  

Individual Level  

Individually, one must take care of a variety of issues, ranging from understanding the importance of health and hygiene to practicing the required measures. Following are some of the basic rules that we have been following since the first outbreak of covid, and now it has become a part of our routine.  

⇥Take Care of Personal Hygiene  

⇥Wear A Mask  

⇥Avoid Crowded Places  

⇥Sanitize Hands Frequently  

⇥Use A Disinfectant in Your Home 

⇥Diagnose Your Health 

Researchers don’t know much about Omicron yet, which raises so many concerns, but precautions can help you deal with this new variant. Of course, follow the government guidelines and take care of yourself! 

Pankaj Rai