Omicron: GP explains ‘overwhelming’ science behind vaccines
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Top scientists in the UK have warned that the next variant of the coronavirus could be much worse than Omicron, which is the dominant strain around the world right now. The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is considered to have a much milder impact on those who contract COVID-19 compared to previous strains, such as Delta.
This has led to a gradual relaxation of the rules as the healthcare system finds itself facing much less pressure than it was over the past two years.
However, top virologists have warned about the dangers of the virus, saying that it isn’t guaranteed that the next variant is going to be milder than Omicron.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist from Warwick University, told The Observer emerging variants are not necessarily a linear evolution from the previous major variant.
He said: “the idea that virus variants will continue to get milder is wrong.
“A new one could turn out to be even more pathogenic than the Delta variant, for example.”
David Nabarro, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) special envoy for coronavirus echoed these sentiments.
He commented: “There will be more variants after Omicron and if they are more transmissible they will dominate.
“In addition, they may cause different patterns of illness, in other words, they may turn out to be more lethal or have more long-term consequences.
“The pandemic has a long way to go and – as is the case since it started – people and their leaders will influence its long-term impact through actions they take now.”
These warnings come as the latest figures suggest that blood cancer patients are now dying at a higher proportion from Covid than at any point in the pandemic.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 458 people who were diagnosed with blood cancer in England and Wales died of Covid between October and December 2021.
This figure accounts for five percent of all Covid deaths at the time.
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Figures like these have led to charities calling on the government to provide a scientific explanation for lifting all Covid restrictions.
Beginning from Thursday, February 25, the Government has lifted all Covid regulations, including for people to have to self-isolate after testing positive.
Gemma Peters, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK said: “The lack of any joined-up plan to support the immunocompromised suggests that they have not featured prominently in the government’s decision to lift the remaining Covid restrictions.”
“We understand we cannot keep restrictions forever, but given the potential negative impact for immunocompromised people, it is important that the government’s advisers set out the scientific basis.”
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