During Thanksgiving week, the World Health Organization dubbed Omicron a “variant of concern” and are very closely examining it now. This new variant could potentially be more contagious than others. But since this variant is still new, we have no way of knowing how dangerous it could be.

Scientists are still not sure where this variant is from. But many cases have been reported all over the world. We still do not know much about the new variant. It could be more transmissible and dangerous, and the vaccine might not fully cover this new variant. The first case of Omicron in America has just been detected. A person from California had recently traveled to South Africa and returned home before the travel restrictions were toughened up. This person is self-quarantining and so far all close contacts have tested negative. This person is fully vaccinated and is only experiencing mild symptoms.

Precautions are being taken all around the world by different governments to help stop the spread of Covid-19. The U.S has just put a travel ban on certain countries like South Africa, Botswana, Malawi and Zimbabwe. President Biden is still encouraging adults and children to get both shots of the vaccine. “This pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations,” he said last week in a statement.

Hannah Nussbaum, a Wayne Hills sophomore, said,  “We should still be taking Covid and all it’s variants seriously. I want to be able to go to school without masks and do other things that I can’t do right now.”

With over 5.2 million deaths worldwide, this virus is not something to joke around about. To prevent being infected with Covid-19, the CDC still encourages everyone to wear a mask while indoors. To further protect you and your family against the virus get vaccinated as well.