Regarding Omicron, the latest answer from the National Health Commission is here!

Recently, multiple cases of Omicron variant infection have been reported in many places, which has aroused widespread concern
.

Regarding the Omicron variant, the National Health and Health Commission organized experts from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention to give the latest answers to relevant questions:

1.
Discovery and prevalence of Omicron variants

On November 9, 2021, South Africa detected a new coronavirus variant for the first time from case samples
.

On November 26, the World Health Organization named it the Omicron variant

The Omicron variant was first imported into Hong Kong, China on November 27, 2021, and was first imported into mainland China on December 9
.

2.
Transmissibility of Ormicron Variants

Epidemiological data from multiple countries suggest that the transmissibility of the Omicron variant is enhanced compared with other variants
.

The World Health Organization's December 23, 2021 briefing on Omicron showed that its household recurrence rate was 15.

3.
The effect of existing vaccines on the prevention of Omicron variant infection

The existing research results show that the Omicron variant does not completely escape immune escape from the existing vaccine; the existing vaccine still has a certain protective effect on the Omicron variant, but its ability to prevent infection is limited.
There is no increase in the severe disease rate and mortality rate caused by the Omicron variant strain.
For the Omicron variant strain, the existing vaccines are still effective in preventing severe illness and death
.

　　4.
The impact of Omicron variant strains on existing nucleic acid detection reagents

　　The genome analysis of the Omicron variant shows that the mutation site is not located in the target region of nucleic acid detection reagent primers and probes published in the eighth edition of China's "New Coronavirus Pneumonia Prevention and Control Plan", and does not affect China's mainstream nucleic acid detection reagents.
sensitivity and specificity
.

　　5.
Measures taken by relevant countries and regions

　　In view of the rapid global epidemic trend of Omicron variants, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and the European Union have recently recommended that the public strengthen daily hygiene protection (washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing), and the health department strengthens disease surveillance and vaccination.
In particular, the booster shot of the new coronavirus vaccine for front-line medical staff
.

　　6.
my country's countermeasures

　　China's general strategy of "foreign defense against import, internal defense against rebound" and the general policy of "dynamic clearing" are still valid for Omicron mutants
.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has established a specific nucleic acid detection method for Omicron variants, and continues to carry out viral genome surveillance for possible imported cases and associated local cases, which is conducive to timely detection of possible imported or local Omicrons.

　　7.
WHO Recommendations for Response to Omicron Variants

　　The World Health Organization recommends that all countries strengthen the monitoring, reporting and research of the new coronary pneumonia virus, and take effective public health measures to block the spread of the virus
.

Individuals are advised to keep a distance of at least 1 meter in public places, wear masks, open windows for ventilation, keep hands clean, cough or sneeze into elbows or tissues, get vaccinated, etc.

　　8.
In the face of the Omicron variant, the public's precautions in their daily work

　　(1) Wearing a mask is still an effective way to block the spread of the virus, and it is also applicable to the Omicron variant
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Even after completing the whole course of vaccination and vaccination booster, it is also necessary to wear masks in indoor public places, public transportation and other places

　　(2) Do a good job in personal health monitoring
.

When there are symptoms of suspected new coronary pneumonia, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms, monitor the body temperature in time and take the initiative to seek medical treatment

　　(3) Reduce non-essential travel
.

Try not to travel to high-risk countries or regions, and if necessary, strengthen personal protection during travel to reduce the risk of contracting the Omicron variant