The Omicron variant of coronavirus is claiming lives globally, and should not be dismissed as mild, cautioned the World Health Organization (WHO).

The chief of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the record numbers of people contracting the new variant, which is fast outpacing the Delta variant in several countries, meant that hospitals were being overwhelmed. He said that though Omicron appears to be less severe than the Delta variant, particularly in the vaccinated individuals, it does not mean it should be considered as mild. He added that just like the previous variants, Omicron is also leading to hospitalizations and deaths. The tsunami of cases is very big and rapid and is straining the health systems globally… (NDTV – AFP, January 7, 2022)