According to a press release by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on 26 November 2021, the MOH has been made aware of the latest Covid-19 variant (B.1.1.529). The World Health Organization (WHO) has named the new variant the Omicron variant.
In this article, we share important information regarding the Omicron variant for your awareness.
What is the Omicron variant?
The Omicron variant contains 32 mutations in the spike protein that is twice the number in the Delta variant (B.1.617). WHO has classified the Omicron variant as a Variant of Concern (VOC). Other Covid-19 VOCs are Delta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants.
Further, according to WHO, the Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa. The first confirmed case of the B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021.
Other than in South Africa, the Omicron variant has also been present in Botswana, Belgium, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Czech Republic and Hong Kong, according to a report by CNN today, 29 November 2021.
For your information, there has been no case of the Omicron variant in Malaysia as of today.
Risks of the Omicron variant
According to WHO’s report, the Omicron variant contains a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence has suggested an increased risk of reinfection with this variant in comparison to other VOCs. Besides, the number of cases of the variant seems to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa.
WHO will continue to assess this variant and communicate new findings with the Member States and the public.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said that the medical experts have yet to identify the transmissibility and properties of the Omicron variant. Further, the MOH has stated that to date, there is no further information regarding the incubation period, symptoms and transmissibility of the variant.
National border control to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 variant
Effective 27 November 2021, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has announced four measures to prevent the spread of the variant and control the national borders for travellers entering Malaysia:
- Malaysians are not allowed to travel to South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe;
- Temporary travel restrictions for non-Malaysians who have travelled to South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia or Zimbabwe within 14 days;
- Malaysians and permanent residents returning to Malaysia from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia or Zimbabwe can enter the country but must undergo a compulsory qurantine at a designated quarantine center and not at home regardless of their vaccination status; and
- Sample of the individual returning to Malaysia from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia or Zimbabwe will be collected for the genomic surveillance purpose.
Keep observing the SOPs to prevent the Covid-19
The government of Malaysia will continue to inform the public of the prevention measures and controls as well as the developments of the Omicron variant.
Aside from the government’s continuous surveillance, please keep observing the SOPs. These include wearing a face mask, social distancing for at least one metre and frequent sanitisation and disinfection.
Besides, if you are eligible but have yet to get your vaccines, please immediately get your Covid-19 vaccines. Remember, always comply with the SOPs for the health and safety of yourself and your community.
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