Detection Of Omicron Variant Means Pandemic Not Over Yet - Ex-UK Scientific Advisor
Umer Jamshaid Published December 05, 2021 | 06:00 PM
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2021) The emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant brought the world back to square one in dealing with the pandemic, the former UK government scientific advisor and director of Wellcome Trust, Jeremy Farrar, said.
"This variant reminds us all that we remain closer to the start of the pandemic than the end," Farrar said in his article for the Observer on Saturday.
The scientist expressed his concern for countries that have limited access to vaccines. He also added that while he is "cautiously hopeful" that the currently developed COVID-19 vaccines will protect all those fully inoculated from catching and falling severely ill with the new variant, this could not be entirely true for the next variant.
"The longer this virus continues to spread in largely unvaccinated populations globally, the more likely it is that a variant that can overcome our vaccines and treatments will emerge.
If that happens, we could be close to square one," Farrar stressed.
According to Farrar, if a global vaccine supply can be ensured, we could prevent the emergence of an even newer variant. He, therefore, called on rich countries to share their extra vaccine supplies with poorer nations over the coming months.
Farrar also reminded all of the importance to continue wearing masks in indoor spaces and follow social distancing measures.
The scientist resigned from his position as government scientific advisor last month amid claims that the UK government's response to the COVID-19 situation in the country was "concerning."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Chaudhary Parvez Elahi shifted from Rawalpindi to Lahore
Pakistan, China agree to promote cooperation in areas of information, culture
USCIRF’s report as faulty, non-reflective of ground realities in Pakistan: FO
TECNO answers to his Fans!! Price Drop to 55K?
Edotco Delegation Visits PTA
Qatar’s MoS for Foreign Affairs arrives in Islamabad
Seven labourers from Punjab shot dead in Gwadar
Nation will never forget criminals of 9th May who attacked state for politics: P ..
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 9 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 09 May 2024
IHC adjourns PTI founder, Qureshi's appeal till Thursday
CDWP recommends 3 projects to ECNEC for approval
More Stories From World
-
Football: French Ligue 1 table
13 minutes ago -
Spanish court shelves Shakira tax fraud case
34 minutes ago -
North Africa football fans use stadium freedoms to back Palestinians
44 minutes ago -
Rafah struck after Biden warning on arms transfers
1 hour ago -
In Catalonia, a high stakes vote for Spain PM, Puigdemont
2 hours ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 table
2 hours ago
-
Five things to know about Spain's Catalonia
2 hours ago -
China's Xi in Hungary to celebrate 'new era' with Orban
2 hours ago -
Mbappe gets ready to say goodbye as PSG digest Champions League exit
2 hours ago -
Inevitable Madrid continue Champions League love affair
2 hours ago -
Nissan net profit nearly doubles despite China challenges
3 hours ago -
Putin says nuclear forces 'always' on alert in Victory Day speech
3 hours ago