Malaysians must continue adhering to COVID-19 SOPs, as researchers assess the dangers of the new Omicron variant.
The Health Minister says the new variant is probably more transmissible than Delta but they are yet to find out its virulence.
Photo via The Straits Times
“What we can do in the meantime is step up public health interventions (masks, distancing, hygiene), and improve indoor air flow”, says Khairy Jamaluddin.
Omicron, which was first detected in South Africa, has alarmed global health authorities with its high number of mutations.
The variant has been reported in a number of countries including the Netherlands, UK and Belgium.
So far, there are no Omicron cases here in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the South African doctor who first detected the Omicron COVID-19 variant last week says she has so far only noticed mild symptoms from the variant.
However, she adds that more time is needed to make a better assessment.
By: Roshini Ravindran
