The Omicron Variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed as present in Fiji’s community: Is this milder variant a blessing in disguise?

When Omicron was first identified in South Africa, scientists raised the alarm on its many mutations. But weeks on from the discovery, COVID deaths in South Africa are low despite a rise in cases, prompting a new discussion on how societies should cope with this less-deadly variant.

Why this matters: If the Omicron variant results in fewer deaths, it should not warrant stringent measures, like lockdowns. Even if cases rise, Fiji’s hospital system should not be overwhelmed.

• Increasing evidence indicates that the Omicron Covid variant is more likely to infect the throat than the lungs, which scientists believe may explain why it appears to be more infectious but less deadly than other versions of the virus.

What this means for Fiji: The time for lockdowns is over.

• Omicron’s milder disease means that Fiji’s Ministry of Health should not recommend major changes to COVID protocols. Extreme measures –– like border closures and lockdowns –– will cause more harm than good.
• Countries like Israel have also expressed that high levels of Omicron infections create a plausible path to widespread herd immunity against COVID-19.