Omicron cases in 77 countries, spreading at unprecedented rate: WHO

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros on Tuesday said that more than 77 countries have now reported cases of Omicron, and the reality is that Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet.

Speaking to reporters, Tedros said Omicron variant of coronavirus is spreading at a rate he has not seen with any previous variant.

Tedros warned that countries must not dismiss Omicron as mild and can underestimate the virus at their own peril.

Speaking on booster doses, Tedros said the emergence of Omicron has prompted some countries to roll out booster programmes against Covid-19 for their entire adult populations, even while we lack evidence for the effectiveness of boosters against this variant.

"WHO is concerned that such programmes will repeat the Covid vaccines hoarding we saw this year, and exacerbate inequity. It’s clear that as we move forward, boosters could play an important role, especially for those at highest risk of severe disease death."

Tedros further said the WHO is not against boosters but is against inequity and its main concern is to save lives everywhere and not only in few countries.

Govt wary as WHO confirms Omicron community spread

Earlier, the WHO has said that it expects an increase in the number of hospitalisations and fatalities related to Omicron coronavirus strain.