The World Health Organization downplayed the danger of the Omicron mutant, expressing optimism about the effectiveness of vaccines, and announced that Europe had become the epicenter of the pandemic, prompting European countries to tighten their restrictions from the increase in cases.

The World Health Organization said that there is no evidence so far of a decline in the effectiveness of vaccines against the mutant Omicron, explaining that some indicators show that most infections are minor.

The World Health Organization added, "There is no need to develop new vaccines, but it is sufficient to make simple modifications to the existing vaccines. We have multiple means and tools to prevent the spread of the Omicron mutant."

The organization also said that there was no reason to believe that the Omicron's incubation period was different from any other coronavirus mutant.

The organization revealed that some of the Corona virus mutant poses an increased risk of spreading infection, explaining that the delta mutant has become the most prevalent mutant of the Corona virus in European countries.

The World Health Organization considered that inequality in the distribution of vaccines is one of the most worrying causes in the face of the pandemic.

In this context, a WHO official said, "We are working with our experts to determine the impact of Omicron on transmission and severity of disease."

Today, the World Health Organization approved the start of negotiations on an international treaty to prevent future epidemics, after unanimous approval in the General Assembly of the organization consisting of 194 countries after three days of meetings.

The organization considered that the ban imposed due to the pandemic would leave a heavy burden on the peoples of the world and could negatively affect global health efforts by discouraging countries from reporting and sharing epidemiological data.

The organization called on travelers to remain alert and vigilant for any signs of the virus, with vaccination, and to adhere to health measures at all times.


Europe is the epicenter of the pandemic

On the other hand, the World Health Organization announced that Europe has become the epicenter of the Corona pandemic.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it is time to think about making a decision to make vaccination mandatory in the European Union, noting that scientists confirm that vaccines and additional doses provide the greatest protection against the epidemic.

"We need two weeks to get accurate information about Omicron," she added.

Der Line indicated that there is a significant increase in the number of people infected with the Corona virus, especially those who did not receive the vaccine.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the French authorities suspect that there are 13 cases of the Omicron mutant on its soil.

The Netherlands also announced that 14 travelers who arrived this weekend from South Africa were infected with Omicron, while one case was detected in Switzerland.

And in the United Kingdom, which is one of the countries most affected by the epidemic, the mandatory wearing of the muzzle was re-imposed yesterday in transport and stores, and all those arriving in Britain must undergo a test and quarantine until the result is issued.

Germany recorded the highest number of daily deaths from the Corona virus since mid-February today, Wednesday, after monitoring 67,186 new infections, and 446 deaths, bringing the total deaths to 101,790, and four Omicron patients were also monitored despite receiving the full dose of vaccination.

Hospitals have warned that the number of patients in intensive care units could reach 6,000 by Christmas, exceeding a peak the country reached last winter.

And the federal and local governments in Germany agreed yesterday to take measures to confront the fourth wave of the epidemic, including intensifying the vaccination campaign and imposing restrictions on communication, especially for the unvaccinated.

Cape Town airport in South Africa is suspended after flights were disrupted (Anatolia)

around the world

And the Saudi Press Agency reported today, Wednesday, that the first case of Omicron was detected for a citizen coming from a North African country, where the infected person and the people in contact with him were isolated.

This is the first case of the new mutation to be announced in the Middle East and North Africa.

Japan asked airlines to suspend new travel reservations for flights to its territory for a month, as more infections continue to be discovered.

Nigeria also announced the registration of the first three cases of the mutant Omicron in people who had traveled to South Africa.

A few hours ago, the government of the state of Sao Paulo in southern Brazil announced the registration of two cases of Omicron among travelers who arrived from South Africa.