As more information is awaited, Genome Sequencing gathers importance
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Wellington, December 23, 2021
Omicron, also known as the B.1.1.529 strain, was first identified in mid-November 2021.
The World Health Organisation (who) rapidly classified Omicron as a variant of concern due to a large number of mutations it contains, with at least 30 located in the spike protein.
The Omicron variant has spread worldwide rapidly and is now present in more than 70 countries. Early evidence suggests that it is likely to be more transmissible than previous variants of the Covid-19 Virus, including Delta.
Health Ministry officials said that however, research is still in progress and more data is needed to understand the extent of Omicron’s increased transmissibility. We expect more international data in the coming weeks.
Genome sequencing important
The ongoing emergence of new variants such as Omicron underline why it is so important that we continue to perform whole-genome sequencing on every case that crosses our border.
“Unlike many other countries, we still require travellers to undertake a series of Covid-19 tests and a period of isolation. These precautions provide additional protections to reduce the likelihood of Omicron entering the New Zealand community,” officials said.
They are currently assessing the latest international information.
“Omicron is a new strain and as with any emerging developments to do with Covid-19, we are closely watching and monitoring evidence and countries’ responses. We will advise on any potential impacts for New Zealand, noting that we remain in a good position to minimise the impact of any new variants with isolation and routine testing of international arrivals,” the Health Ministry official said.
Advice to New Zealanders
For New Zealanders preparing to go on summer break now: (1) If you are eligible to have your Covid-19 vaccine booster shot, please make a booking here (2) If travelling around the country over summer, have a plan in place if you become unwell or test positive. See advice here (3) Prepare a kit for your home and make a plan if you or someone in your household becomes a positive Covid-19 case. Prepare and stay safe (4) Continue to follow good hygiene practices and wherever you go: Mask, Scan and Pass
Some Omicron Facts
We are still learning about this new variant of the virus and will update this page as information becomes available. Early reports suggest that compared to Delta (a) Omicron is more transmissible (b) Omicron may cause similar symptoms, however, more data are required to confirm this (c) Omicron has similar hospitalisation rates, however, more information is required to determine disease severity.
For the latest information, please visit Variants Update on COVID-19: Science news page.
Globally, and here in New Zealand, it is so important to stamp out any community outbreaks as quickly as possible and to ensure very high rates of vaccination.
Early analysis from the UK indicates that the Pfizer vaccine provides some protection against symptomatic disease caused by Omicron, but this protection declines over time. A booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine enhances protection.
The Pfizer Vaccine
A report from South Africa states that the Pfizer vaccine offers high protection against hospitalisation or severe disease due to Omicron infection. However, these data are very preliminary and more robust data are required to confirm these observations and to determine the level of protection against these outcomes.
Vaccination does help to reduce the transmission of the virus. Taking other precautions also remains important to continue to protect our communities against Omicron. As well as vaccination, early detection of cases and swift contact tracing, and isolation of cases and contacts, is critical.
It is important to continue to protect ourselves and our families and stop the transmission of the disease by following health habits such as (1) Keep indoor rooms well ventilated (e.g., by opening windows and doors) where possible (2) Wearing masks and face coverings is one way of keeping yourself safe and protecting others from Covid-19, especially when physical distancing is not possible. Wear masks in confined or crowded environments (3) Physical distancing of 2m where possible (4) If you feel unwell or show any symptoms, stay home. Call Healthline and get a Covid-19 test (5) Use your My Vaccine Pass to scan into venues and events. MVP is a record of your Covid vaccination status
Keep a record of where you have been or scan in wherever you go using the Covid Tracer app and turn Bluetooth on your phone so you can be contacted if you have been near a case.
Source: Ministry of Health, Government of New Zealand
