The Emergence of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant (B.1.1.529): The Latest Episode in the COVID-19 Pandemic with a Global Riposte

Abstract

Abstract: Over two years after the start of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, which has demised over 5 million people, the world is still on high COVID-19 alert in February 2022, and new variants are emerging. Since January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been closely monitoring and analyzing the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in partnership with national authorities, public health organizations, and scientists. To prioritize global monitoring and research and to guide the continuing global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants were labelled as Variant of Interest (VOI) and Variant of Concern (VOC). The World Health Organization and its international sequencing networks are constantly monitoring SARS-CoV-2 mutations and informing countries about any adjustments that may be required to respond to the variant and, where possible, prevent its spread. Since January 2021, multiple viral variations have evolved and grown dominant in numerous countries, with the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta varieties being the most prevalent too far. On November 20, 2021, Omicron was born into a COVID-19-weary world, replete with rage and resentment at the pandemic's broad detrimental effects on social, emotional, and economic well-being. Although earlier VOCs originated in a world where natural immunity to COVID-19 infections was widespread, the fifth VOC, Omicron, has emerged in an environment where vaccine immunity is rising.