The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021. Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology, the Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution has advised WHO that this variant should be designated as a Variant Of Concern, and the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a VOC, named Omicron.

The variant has a “very unusual constellation of mutations”, says Sharon Peacock at the University of Cambridge. There are more than 30 mutations in the spike protein, the part of the virus that interacts with human cells. Other mutations may help the virus bypass our immune systems, make it more transmissible and less susceptible to treatments, according to the HSA. But the body notes that “this has not been proven”.

What the mutations mean is currently theoretical and based on experience of past mutations of SARS-CoV-2 rather than lab tests. Wendy Barclay at Imperial College London says “we don’t really know” if it will reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. Nonetheless, she adds that, in theory, the number of changes across the antigenic sites on the variant’s spike means the effectiveness of antibodies produced by covid-19 vaccines would be compromised.

Mutations on a part of the virus known as the furin cleavage site are similar to those seen in the alpha and delta variants, which could help the variant spread more easily. Barclay says “it’s very biologically plausible” that B.1.1.529 has greater transmissibility than delta.

The mutations also mean that the new variant is likely to be more resistant to antibody treatments such as those developed by Regeneron, which have been shown to save lives. “That is really a cause for concern,” says Barclay. One small bright spot is that, to date, there are no signs that the variant causes more severe diseases.

When a virus is circulating widely and causing numerous infections, the likelihood of the virus mutating increases. The more opportunities a virus has to spread, the more opportunities it has to undergo changes.

Early findings suggest that Omicron might be less severe than the Delta variant, but more data is needed and WHO warns that it should not be dismissed as “mild”. Studies are ongoing and this information will be updated as it becomes available.

It is important to remember that all variants of COVID-19 can cause severe disease or death, including the Delta variant that is still dominant worldwide, which is why preventing the spread of the virus and reducing your risk of exposure to the virus is so important.

Omicron is spreading more quickly than other variants. Based on the information available, WHO believes it is likely that Omicron will outpace the Delta variant where there is COVID-19 transmission in the community.

However, being vaccinated and taking precautions such as avoiding crowded spaces, keeping your distance from others and wearing a mask are critical in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we know these actions have been effective against other variants.

Classification of Omicron (B.1.1.529): SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern

Update on Omicron

What we know about the Omicron variant

Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know

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Rappler Talk: How bad is the COVID-19 Omicron variant?

• Do serve food in a place with proper distancing measures. Open lawns and bigger spaces are always safer for gatherings.
• Do keep some extra masks on hand while hosting/attending a gathering. If you’re the host, ensure that there are proper handwashing stations and an adequate supply of sanitizers placed at the entrance/exit or other prominent places.
• Do not plan gatherings in small, constricted, or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Try keeping the number of guests to a minimum and in-sync with the government’s guidelines on COVID-19. Digital/virtual celebrations are ideal and preferable.
• Do not attend gatherings if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Self-isolate for 14 days before meeting friends and family and inform people you might have come in contact with.
• Do not pressurize friends or relatives into participating in gatherings or celebrations. If they are not comfortable in attending the gathering, respect their decision.

• Do let go of your habit of greeting people the way you used to before the pandemic. A handshake, a hug, a kiss, they all come with a considerable amount of risk and unless you live together and are in constant touch, this might be unsafe.
• Do show your respect and appreciation to people by greeting them with a wave, traditional Namaste or Adaab, or an elbow bump. The lesser the physical contact, the safer it is.

• Do get yourself fully vaccinated and be honest about your vaccination status.
• Do not get involved in conversations about the efficacy and safety of various COVID-19 vaccines if you do not have verified information. Stay away from conversations that encourage misinformation and myths. It is also advisable to politely communicate to people the dangers of misinformation.
• Do not boast about a particular vaccine that you have taken by claiming that it is of better quality than the rest. Understand that all vaccines provide safety against severe infections of COVID-19.

• Do wear your mask properly throughout the travel. Also, you can politely tell a co-passenger to wear a mask if they are not wearing one already.
• Do not remove your mask in public places to click photographs.
• Do not indulge in attempting to get unauthorized certificates of "fully vaccinated" in order to travel to places where it is mandatory.

• Do observe spacing demarcations and maintain a minimum of 6-feet physical distancing.
• Do wash your hands upon arrival at work and avoid touching your face or mask as much as possible.
• Do try to limit movement outside assigned work areas to the extent possible.
• Do keep an object (like a pen) to press buttons, control panels, etc.
• Do consider communication restraints due to masks, particularly for the hearing impaired or those who rely on lip reading. Use hand gestures if needed.
• Do avoid using lifts whenever possible. If you must, then do not step in an already packed space. Wait for the number of people to get fewer to ensure proper physical distancing. Do clean personal workspaces before and after work. Clean shared spaces after each use.
• Do not go to office if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Also, inform your manager.
• Do not share food items. Avoid having team/group lunch.
• Do not share personal belongings like phone chargers, stationery, make-up accessories, etc. In case you really have to share, ensure to sanitize the items before and after use.