"Omicron to Dominate the World in 3-6 Months... By the Time New Vaccine Arrives, Everyone Will Already Be Infected"

Infectious Disease Specialist: "Omicron May Dominate the World Within 3-6 Months"
Urges Third Vaccine Dose... "It Could Prevent Severe Cases"

A quarantine center in Mumbai, India. On the 2nd, the Indian Ministry of Health announced that two confirmed cases of the Omicron variant were first identified in the southern state of Karnataka.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] The COVID-19 Omicron variant, known for its high transmissibility and spread, is expected to become the dominant strain worldwide by around next summer, before vaccines are available.

On the 1st (local time), Dr. Leong Hoe Nam of Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore stated in an interview with CNBC that "Omicron will dominate and overwhelm the world within 3 to 6 months."

Dr. Leong said, "Considering the high infectivity and transmissibility of the Omicron variant, by the time vaccines are available, everyone will likely have been infected with Omicron." He explained that it takes some time to confirm whether vaccines provide immunity against the Omicron variant.

He added, "Vaccines may be developed quickly, but it takes 3 to 6 months to determine if they truly provide immunity. Even if a vaccine against the Omicron variant is rapidly developed, it must be tested over 3 to 6 months to prove its effectiveness."

Dr. Leong also emphasized the importance of vaccination. He stated, "I believe that three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent severe illness. However, many countries still have low vaccination rates."

The Omicron variant, first reported in South Africa on the 24th of last month, has been found to carry 32 mutations in the 'spike protein' that binds the virus to human cells. It is also known to be five times more transmissible than the Delta variant.

Meanwhile, a total of six confirmed cases of the Omicron variant have been identified domestically. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Central Disease Control Headquarters explained in a briefing on the afternoon of the 3rd, "According to the patient management team, which can provide guidance on all confirmed cases, all six patients are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms."