WHO: Omicron variant likely to spread worldwide

The World Health Organization estimated on Monday that there is a high chance the newly registered Omicron coronavirus variant will spread across the globe, with the possibility of causing “severe consequences” in some regions.

“Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic. The overall global risk related to the new variant of concern Omicron is assessed as very high,” the WHO noted in a statement.