IN March, it will be two years since the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the disease COVID-19 became a pandemic. It has been a relentless period that shows few signs of easing up, especially now that there is the new Omicron variant ripping through countries.

Towards the end of last year, the deadly Delta variant emerged as the dominant strain of the virus. This led to a significant increase in the number of people infected, massive amounts of people hospitalised after experiencing the more severe symptoms of COVID-19, and, unfortunately, too many deaths.

Last year, in just four months (August to November) when it was believed that Guyana was in the height of the Delta surge, 453 deaths were recorded. During that time, 15,277 infections were recorded.

Comparatively, from March 11, 2020, to January 11, 2022, Guyana recorded a total of 1,073 deaths and 46,005 infections. What this means is that more deaths and infections were recorded during that ‘Delta surge’ than any other period.

The Delta strain appeared to be the worst of the pandemic (at least so far) but now, the Omicron variant presents some concerns. While it has not yet proven to lead to more deaths, because the symptoms (again, at least so far) appear less severe), it is more transmissible. Early evidence suggests that this variant has a reduced effect on the lungs (as the Delta variant did) and instead, is more likely to infect the respiratory tract (the nose, mouth and throat).

This simply means that the virus is more easily spread from person to person, meaning that many more people can become infected. Guyana, for example, has not seen a significant increase in hospitalisations and deaths with the suspected presence of the Omicron variant.

Yet, there has been a significant number of people infected in less than one month. From December 28, 2021, to January 10, 2022, a total of 6,212 people were infected. The numbers moved from 32 new infections (December 28) to a peak of 1,016 new infections (January 8).

As mentioned before, there has not been a corresponding increase in hospitalisations and deaths as seen with the Delta variant. Still, some concerns have been raised globally that can be taken into consideration here. With the Omicron coronavirus variant affecting more people, scientists stated that individuals with underlying pre-existing conditions might be more vulnerable to becoming more seriously ill.

And it is for this reason, global authorities have refrained from categorising this variant as “mild.” In fact, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has specifically asked that health authorities do not underestimate this Omicron variant.

To add a bit of nuance, it is important to note that the Omicron is spreading across the globe at a time when there is a greater level of vaccination, though widespread inequalities remain. Perhaps the vaccination’s impact has contributed to the less severe symptoms being experienced.

Whether or not this is the case, it is important to note that vaccination and adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines — such as wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings and constant sanitisation — remain key tools in fighting the harmful effects of the disease and the spread of the virus.

This is all the more important, I believe, now that Guyana is moving towards returning to a greater sense of normalcy- particularly with the reopening of schools for face-to-face classes.

There have been significant learning losses (including dropouts) associated with the closure of schools for the past 22 months and as such, the reopening of schools has been touted as much-needed. But still, there are challenges with this, especially now that the Omicron variant is surging.

I don’t believe that this Omicron variant is something that should be taken lightly and I certainly do not believe that now is the time for any of us to relax our focus on keeping safe. I think that the pandemic is still a far way from being over, but more and more, we have to find ways of adapting and adjusting.

If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com