Global Outlook

 World Health Organization (WHO) epidemiologist and technical lead on Covid-19, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, in a recent press briefing, warned that the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over.  Kerkhove warned that the next Covid-19 variant will be more transmissible and deadlier than its predecessors. Kerkhove added that the future variants will be in some way more virulent than Omicron is now. She said that the new variant will be more transmissible because it will have to overtake what is currently circulating in the world. She added, “The big question is whether or not future variants will be more or less severe.”  She further warned that the next variant could more easily affect immunity and the effectiveness of the vaccines. However, she said to get vaccinated as it protects against severe illness and death. She added, “This was evident during the Omicron wave across the world.” Reportedly, the new variant can affect those people who are not protected by the vaccine or tho...