• Too early to be definitive  
• Not defenceless against Omicron, Delta 

By Kelum Bandara  

Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there was some evidence that Omicron causes milder disease than Delta but it was too early to be definitive.   

According to a video clip on his Twitter account, he said Omicron had been reported in 57 countries and the number was expected to grow.  

“Certain features of omicron including its global spread, and the large number of mutations suggest it could have a major impact on the course of the pandemic,” he said.  

 The WHO chief asked the countries to increase surveillance, testing and sequencing.   

Referring to emerging data from South Africa where it was first detected, he said increased risk of reinfection with Omicron was suggested.   

“Though we still need answers to some crucial questions, we are not defenceless against Omicron or Delta,” he said.  

He added that the steps which the countries take today, in the coming days and weeks would show how Omicron would unfold. He asked the countries not to wait till the hospitals fill up to act.