The Intelligence from The Economist Priority letter: the Omicron variant
Nov 29, 2021
Slovea Cankova, The Economist's healthcare correspondent, offers sharp insights into the Omicron variant's global impact and the critical need for ongoing research. Mike Bird, the Asia business and finance editor, reveals Vietnam's burgeoning class of billionaires and how government support is fostering competitive firms. Fascinatingly, they draw parallels between bees' natural social distancing and human responses to pathogens, showcasing lessons from the natural world amid ongoing health crises.
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Swift Omicron Response
- Governments reacted quickly to Omicron, unlike the delayed response to the initial COVID-19 outbreak.
- Early action, like travel bans, aims to slow the spread and buy time for preparation, despite potential economic consequences.
Omicron's Emergence
- Omicron's emergence was detected through rapid case increases in South Africa, particularly around Johannesburg.
- Genomic sequencing revealed numerous mutations, raising concerns about transmissibility and immune evasion.
Early Action Is Key
- Acting early to slow Omicron's spread is crucial, even before full knowledge of its characteristics.
- Border closures, while potentially economically damaging, offer valuable time to prepare for wider outbreaks.