The message that “this is not the time to relax” as the number of coronavirus deaths will continue to be high until February, was sent by Giannis Prassa, PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Toronto, speaking on SKAI TV and the show “Today”.
Regarding the new sub-variant of the Omicron mutation that concerns scientists, the professor advised not to create panic and fear and that there is still no evidence to show how important it is and what role it will play.
He explained that with Omicron “we looked a bit lucky” as in the infinite combinations the specific strain spread. He added that experts are expecting mutations and no one can rule out more infectious versions.
“It is a scenario that we are very likely to see in the variants that will emerge, – because other variants will certainly emerge. “And as we get vaccinated, we build this population immunity, the virus will constantly look for ways to slip out of the antibodies,” said Mr. Prassas.
The professor added that although nothing is over yet, it seems a window of normalcy after the Omicron wave because now the reservoirs of the immune “virgin” population in the community will be too small.
“Even with Omicron, it is the unvaccinated who are basically flocking to the ICU,” said Mr. Prassas.
He described Omicron as a “historical phenomenon” from an epidemiological point of view, as unlike other endemic viruses that in one classic wave infect about 10% of the population in about 16 weeks, Omicron in half a year, about 8 weeks, can infect 40 % of the population.
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