The European Union has suggested that the new strain of Omicron coronavirus may be more resistant to the vaccines and has a higher spreading rate. This is reported by Apostrophe with reference to the press service of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

Specialists of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control have prepared recommendations in connection with the detection of a new strain of coronavirus in Europe.

Although there is limited information available on Omicron Center recommends the following range of risk control measures , which should be immediately considered or strengthened in all EU/EEA countries:

1. Vaccination

Whilst the presence of multiple RBD mutations in the spike protein of Omicron indicates a high likelihood of immune escape from antibody-mediated protection, immune escape potential from memory T cells directed at non-surface proteins following infection or vaccination are more difficult to determine. Therefore, the Center claims that increasing COVID-19 vaccination coverage in all eligible age groups, but particularly in the elderly, in the vulnerable, and in healthcare workers should remain the priority for public health authorities.

2. Non-pharmaceutical interventions

The Center recommends implementing immediately appropriate use of face masks, teleworking and operational modifications that reduce crowding on public transport, along with ensuring adequate ventilation in closed spaces and maintenance of hygiene measures. Setting limits for the number of participants in social and public events during end-of-year celebrations will support physical distancing efforts.

3. Testing and sequencing

According to the Center, genomic surveillance is of crucial importance for early detection of the presence and monitoring of epidemiological trends of specific VOCs, VOIs and variants under monitoring, and will provide important information to guide response for this new variant. This includes regular testing of representative samples but also strengthening targeted sampling from persons coming from high-risk areas.

4. Measures for travelers

The Center strongly advises avoiding travel to and from the known affected areas, as well as increased testing (with the sequencing of confirmed cases), and contact tracing of COVID-19 cases with an epidemiological link to the affected areas.

As for incoming travelers from the known affected areas may include:

increasing awareness about the new variant by providing necessary information to incoming travelers and healthcare workers and prompting early testing and identification of cases with a possible epidemiological link with the known affected countries;

requirement of proof of negative test pre-departure or upon arrival, and quarantine for a minimum of five to

seven days with a negative test before release;

quarantine for 14 days without a test, if testing capacity is not sufficient.