Important to put stories like this in context: given the apparent prevalence of Omicron in South Africa & relatively high travel connections with Europe, it's not very surprising that introductions may have happened a few weeks ago.
npr.org/2021/11/30/106…
npr.org/2021/11/30/106…
It does *not* mean that Omicron originated in Europe or is widespread here (as I've read in a few tweets) - our genetic surveillance suggests strongly that's not the case.
We *don't know* where Omicron originated right now, though it was first detected in Botswana/S Africa.
We *don't know* where Omicron originated right now, though it was first detected in Botswana/S Africa.
This may be because their own great surveillance efforts picked it up after it arrived there from elsewhere, with less ability to do this surveillance. But that place isn't Europe.
What this does illustrate is that travel bans come after some introductions have already happened.
What this does illustrate is that travel bans come after some introductions have already happened.
Introductions can still matter in how fast something spreads - reducing them (particularly through travel-related testing) may buy time. But the variant is very likely in many places - 'keeping it out' isn't a realistic goal for most places around the world.
Important: We don't have to try & say that Omicron is widespread in US/Europe to highlight that travel bans are harmful, discourage sharing, & likely not as effective as people assume.
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