France Detects First Omicron Variant... Nigerian Arrivals

On the 30th of last month (local time), a woman wearing a mask is walking down the streets of Paris. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] The Omicron COVID-19 variant, which is sweeping across the globe, has been confirmed in France as well. While the Omicron variant had been detected in France's overseas territories before, this is the first time it has been confirmed on the mainland.

The ?le-de-France health authority announced on the 2nd (local time) in a statement that the Omicron variant was detected in a COVID-19 positive patient who returned from Nigeria.

Jean-Fran?ois Delfraissy, a scientific advisory committee member advising the French government on COVID-19 policy, warned of the risk in an interview with local media, stating, "By the end of next month, the Omicron variant will replace the Delta variant." However, he noted that the "real enemy" is still the Delta variant, and emphasized the importance of social distancing and additional vaccinations (booster shots), saying that if Delta is suppressed, people can have a joyful Christmas.