ASAS 2024 brought together over 1,000 young talents from 50 nationalities under the theme 'Art and Innovation'
kt network4 hours ago
More evidence is emerging that the Omicron coronavirus variant is affecting the upper respiratory tract, causing milder symptoms than previous variants and resulting in a "decoupling" in some places between soaring case numbers and low death rates, while jabs like Sinopharm and Sinovac can protection against severe hospitalisation, a World Health Organisation official said on Tuesday.
"We are seeing more and more studies pointing out that Omicron is infecting the upper part of the body. Unlike other ones, the lungs who would be causing severe pneumonia," WHO Incident Manager Abdi Mahamud told Geneva-based journalists.
"It can be a good news, but we really require more studies to prove that."
While Omicron seemed to be slipping past antibodies, evidence was emerging that Covid-19 vaccines still provided some protection, by eliciting a second pillar of the immune response from T-cells, Mahamud said.
"Our prediction is protection against severe hospitalisation and death (from Omicron) will be maintained," he said, adding that this also applied to vaccines developed by Sinopharm and Sinovac that are used in China, where Omicron cases remain very low.
"The challenge has not been the vaccine but the vaccination and reaching those vulnerable populations."
Asked about whether an Omicron-specific vaccine was needed, Mahamud said it was too early to say but voiced doubts and stressed that the decision required global coordination and should not be left to manufacturers to decide alone.
"You may go ahead with Omicron and put all your eggs in that basket and a new variant that is more transmissible or more immune-evasive may appear," he said, adding that a WHO technical group had held recent meetings on vaccine composition.
The best way to reduce the impact of the variant would be to meet the WHO's goal of vaccinating 70% of the population in each country by July, rather than offer third and fourth doses in some countries, he said.
As case numbers due to Omicron have soared, some countries, including the United States have cut down isolation or quarantine periods in a bid to allow asymptomatic people to return to work or school.
ALSO READ:
Mahamud said that leaders should decide based on the strength of the local epidemic, saying Western countries with very high case numbers might consider trimming isolation periods to keep basic services functioning.
However, places that have largely shut it out would do better to maintain the full 14-day quarantine period.
"If your numbers are very small, you better be invested in keeping that number very, very low."
ASAS 2024 brought together over 1,000 young talents from 50 nationalities under the theme 'Art and Innovation'
kt network4 hours ago
While President-elect Trump's administration originally filed the search case against Google during his first term, he indicated he might not break up the company
tech4 hours ago
The gathering explored the cutting edge of cinema, new media, PR and marketing, IT technologies, eSports, and game development
kt network4 hours ago
Passengers were currently being prevented from entering the building
world4 hours ago
Users will be able to select transcript language, too; here's how the new smart tool works
tech4 hours ago
With the new tariff, Yango Ride users can expect comfortable, modern limo vehicles starting from a minimum fare of Dh15.6
kt network5 hours ago
Authorities reiterated that they have 'little tolerance' for those who obstruct or hinder their investigations
business6 hours ago
Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah expertly exploited the seam-friendly conditions to register 4-17 in the final session
cricket6 hours ago