Thread by @WHO

🆕 Technical Brief & Priority Actions for Member States on enhancing readiness for Omicron bit.ly/3pSd0JY #COVID19

Based on current limited evidence Omicron appears to have a growth advantage over Delta. It is spreading faster than Delta in South Africa where Delta circulation was low, but also appears to spread more quickly than Delta in other countries where the incidence of Delta is high.

https://twitter.com/who/status/1470135913833500686

Given the current available data, it is likely that Omicron will outpace the Delta variant where community transmission occurs bit.ly/3pSd0JY #COVID19

https://twitter.com/who/status/1470135913833500686

While preliminary findings from South Africa suggest it may be less severe than Delta & all cases reported in the EU/EEA to date have been mild or asymptomatic, it remains unclear to what extent Omicron may be inherently less virulent. More data are needed.

https://twitter.com/who/status/1470135913833500686

There are limited available data, and no peer-reviewed evidence, on vaccine efficacy or effectiveness to date for Omicron. Preliminary evidence suggests a reduction in vaccine efficacy against infection & transmission associated with Omicron bit.ly/3pSd0JY #COVID19

https://twitter.com/who/status/1470135913833500686

The diagnostic accuracy of routinely used PCR and antigen-based rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) assays does not appear to be influenced by Omicron bit.ly/3pSd0JY #COVID19

https://twitter.com/who/status/1470135913833500686