Omicron variant more easily transmissible, but too early to tell if new restrictions necessary: Experts

SINGAPORE: It is “too early” to tell if further measures are required to cope with the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Singapore, but if wanted, restrictions on journey and social gatherings could be handiest, specialists stated.Associate Professor Natasha Howard from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health on the National University of Singapore famous that Omicron seems to be “much more easily transmissible” than the dominant Delta variant.While this might imply a “important enhance" in instances, there isn't a indication that the Omicron variant raises the danger of extreme sickness or loss of life, she stated.“We don’t yet have enough information about the Omicron COVID-19 variant to know how great a risk it poses and whether additional precautions will be necessary,” she stated.“We are in the early days and learning more daily about this new variant of concern, so (we) must maintain existing measures until new evidence indicates whether increased restrictions are warranted.”Singapore's COVID-19 multi-ministry process power stated on Tuesday (Nov 30) that it's a “matter of time” earlier than Omicron instances emerge right here. As a part of tightened measures, the nation has enhanced its testing protocols for all travellers. No new vaccinated journey lanes can be opened, apart from these introduced earlier.Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong earlier stated that Singapore might be compelled to take "a few steps back" earlier than taking more steps ahead, as he spoke in regards to the new variant.Associate Professor Luo Dahai​, from Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine ​at Nanyang Technological University, stated many questions on the new variant haven't been answered.“It is difficult to determine what levels of restriction would be appropriate and effective in protecting Singapore and Singaporeans,” he stated.

RESTRICTIONS THAT COULD HELP

The specialists stated Omicron is probably going to emerge in Singapore in days. Given that it's unclear how efficient current vaccines are in opposition to the variant, restrictions that assist minimise transmission could be handiest, Assoc Prof Howard stated.“These include working from home as default, minimising the size and frequency of social gatherings – especially indoors, continuing mask-wearing and reinforcing infection prevention protocols at border entry points,” she stated.Other measures embody on-arrival polymerase chain response (PCR) assessments and stay-home notices till receipt of a unfavourable outcome for inbound travellers.