The new coronavirus variant Omicron is spreading across the globe at an unprecedented rate. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems. Cases of the heavily mutated variant have been confirmed in 77 countries. A number of countries have introduced travel bans affecting South Africa and its neighbours following the emergence of Omicron, but this has failed to stop it from spreading around the world. In India too, the Omicron cases are rising day by day.
India was badly hit during the second wave of Covid and there is a growing fear that the third wave will cause a major catastrophe. Omicron is emerging as a big threat. Due to the sheer number of India’s population, the health system collapses when the virus hits the country. The government cannot afford to relax and preparation should be started at the earliest to tackle the Omicron. The Omicron case has now been detected in West Bengal too. Once it reaches Assam, it will find its way into Arunachal Pradesh too. The health department needs to immediately swing into action and start preparing for any eventuality.