North China’s Tianjin city reported 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases of Omicron variant over the past two days. In the meantime, 26 cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant were reported in Anyang city of central China’s Henan Province. Our staff reporter had an exclusive interview with Bao Changjun, an expert from the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Expert Group of the Jiangsu Provincial Health Commission.
Data show that compared with the Delta variant, the Omicron variant is more contagious and is prone to causing multiple sporadic or concentrated outbreaks.
It is said that the symptoms of infection with the Omicron variant are relatively mild, so the new coronary pneumonia caused by the variant can be regarded as "a big flu". Experts warn that this statement is inaccurate.
"People of some special conditions,such as the immune-compromised,the elderly, those with underlying diseases,and pregnant women,are at high risk of severe illness or even death after being infected with Omicron variant."said Bao Changjun, Director of the Institute of Acute Infectious Disease Control, Chief Physician, Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Experts said that to prevent Omicron variant, it is necessary to ensure scientific wearing of masks, frequent hand sanitizing, frequent ventilation, and fewer gatherings.
Timely and full vaccination is still the most effective way to prevent COVID-19, especially in reducing severe illness and death.
During the Spring Festival holiday, the public should not go abroad unless it is necessary. They should also refrain from going to medium and high-risk areas, especially areas where the epidemic has occurred. If you do need to travel, be sure to strengthen personal protection.
