Expert: New strain causing concern because so much about it is unknown
A PROFESSOR of virology at the University of Nottingham has explained why the Omicron variant of Covid is causing concern, saying that a lot about its behaviour is “unknown”.
His comments come after a case of the Omicron variant was found in Nottingham, which the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed.
Targeted testing is taking place at a school in West Bridgford following the case as a “precautionary measure”, according to health officials in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Professor Jonathan Ball explained why the variant was causing concern in the UK.
He said: “It’s a variant that’s been recently detected through a surveillance effort in South Africa, and it’s grabbed attention because it’s occurred when case numbers have been increasing in that country.
“The rates had been low there, but that does not mean anything sinister.
“What is unusual about this variant is that it has a large number of mutations, and some genetic mutations can change the way a virus behaves.
“It could impact on transmissibility and the severity of disease could be impacted, and there is also perhaps more of a concern as to whether these changes will have an impact on the protection generated by vaccines.
“But that is all ifs, buts and maybes at this stage.”
While the variant’s properties have been identified, Professor Ball says nothing is yet known about its behaviour.
He said: “There is currently nothing to support that it’s more severe or not, and there is also no indication that it’s more transmissible than the delta variant, and that will be key to understand if it has an advantage over the delta variant.
“In terms of reports claiming those making vaccines are altering their vaccine, that is to simply reassure that it can be easily modified with the platforms and technologies available.
“If it does, it will outcompete and start to spread – the best thing to do is to get vaccinated, even if you were previously infected as immunity does wane, and we have to be cautious.”
Ahead of mask wearing becoming mandatory again today, public transport users can already be seen to being more cautious.
In a joint statement, Jonathan Gribbin, director of public health for Nottinghamshire and Lucy Hubber, director of public health for Nottingham, said: “We are working closely with UKHSA to ensure that all appropriate actions to identify close contacts and arrange testing are completed.
“As a precautionary measure, we are conducting targeted testing at a Nottinghamshire school as part of our public health investigations.
“Please follow the government instruction to wear a face covering on public transport and in shops and we would strongly advise also in crowded or indoor settings.
“In addition, try to keep your distance from people not in your household.”