President in vaccination appeal as spectre of Omicron looms

President Irfaan Ali yesterday reiterated that vaccination is the only way to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana and the emerging variants around the world.

The President made that statement during a brief pre-recorded address where he spoke on the new Omicron variant and the need to enhance the country’s COVID-19 vaccination programme. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Omicron variant was designated a variant of concern late last week.

Ali stated that while questions have been asked as to what can be done and how to approach the new danger, the authorities are awaiting further details from the WHO. “What I can say to you is that our only tool to be ahead of all these variants, our only tool to be ahead of all the changes and mutations is vaccination,” the President said.

He added that if it is that the new variant is more infectious, vaccines may be the only way to slow the spread and prevent hospitalisation. The Head of State further underlined that vaccines are available here. He further urged that persons who are eligible to receive booster doses should do so.

The B. 1. 1. 529 variant which was later named Omicron was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on November 24. According to the organization the variant has a number of mutations and as such preliminary information suggests that there is an increased risk of infection as compared to other COVID-19 variants.