Covid: Omicron rampant – Measures needed before autumn

Experts are expressing concern about the course of the coronavirus pandemic, as infections are increasing, but there is also an increase in hospital admissions. The cases are expected to increase in the next period, while the end of the pandemic is not yet in sight, said Anastasios Spantideas, pathologist, Doctor of Medical School of Athens University. “We are not yet at the peak of the Omicron wave,” adding that there is a belief that this will happen by the end of the month.

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“Omicron is rampant in the community. It is highly contagious,” underlined Mr. Spantideas, while noting that the increase in cases is also due to the abolition of protective measures, such as wearing a mask, avoiding crowds and washing hands.

Effectiveness of vaccines is an issue

At the same time, he emphasized that the variants create problems in the effectiveness of vaccines, and he also referred to the “Centaur” sub-variant, which he said if it evolves similar to Omicron 5,may create new problems regarding the effectiveness of vaccines.

“Omicron easily bypasses the defenses offered to the body by vaccines,” noted Mr. Spandeas, speaking to ANT1 television, noting that the new variant originated in India and has now been reported in 14 countries.

Regarding the return of restrictive measures, he said that this should be assessed much earlier and not in the fall. “There should be a reevaluation of mask use in closed spaces and in crowded places,” he emphasized.