WHO Update on Omicron + Several Articles on the Subject.

Update on Omicron – World Health Organization

Classification of Omicron (B.1.1.529): SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern – World Health Organization

See also:

Omicron COVID-19 variant: Africa CDC statement

Expert reaction to B.1.1.529 variant situation in South Africa; and UK travel restrictions in response – Science Media Centre

Threat Assessment Brief: Implications of the emergence and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1. 529 variant of concern (Omicron) for the EU/EEA – European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

‘Patience is crucial’: Why we won’t know for weeks how dangerous Omicron is – Science

Scientists rapidly identified the Omicron variant. But firm answers about its impact could take weeks – STAT

New Covid variant: Will new measures against Omicron work? – BBC

Vaccine inequity and hesitancy made the Omicron variant more likely, scientists say – CNN

Travel bans aren’t the answer to stopping new COVID variant Omicron – The Conversation

Scientists sharing Omicron data were heroic. Let’s ensure they don’t regret it – The Guardian

The Omicron variant reveals the true global danger of ‘vaccine apartheid’ – The Guardian

We Know Almost Nothing About the Omicron Variant – The Atlantic

Covid: New Omicron variant not a disaster, says Sage scientist – BBC

New Covid variant: Will new measures against Omicron work? – BBC

World is put on high alert over the Omicron coronavirus variant – CNN

Moderna Announces Strategy to Address Omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 Variant – Moderna

Omicron is the new COVID kid on the block: five steps to avoid, ten to take immediately – The Conversation

What’s known and unknown about Omicron, the coronavirus variant identified in South Africa – STAT

The new variant is worrying – but it doesn’t change how we tackle Covid – The Guardian

Omicron: everything you need to know about new Covid variant – The Guardian

Omicron variant unlikely to reboot Covid in UK, expert says – The Guardian

UK detects Omicron cases, as more countries eye new COVID-19 variant – CIDRAP

New COVID variant alarms researchers, triggers travel bans – CIDRAP

The omicron variant spreads across Europe as new travel bans take effect – NPR

What to know about omicron, the new COVID variant – NPR

What we know about the Omicron variant – CNN

The new Omicron variant is a pandemic gut check – CNN

Newly discovered Covid-19 variant B.1.1.529 is ‘red flag’ but US needs to learn more, Fauci says – CNN

Omicron, a new Covid-19 variant with high number of mutations, sparks travel bans and worries scientists – CNN

What to know about the omicron variant of the coronavirus – The Washington Post

Commentary on Twitter (thread – click for more)

The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution met today to review what is known about the #COVID19 variant B.1.1.529.
They advised WHO that it should be designated a Variant of Concern.
WHO has named it Omicron, in line with naming protocols https://t.co/bSbVas9yds pic.twitter.com/Gev1zIt1Ek

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 26, 2021