The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021. The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of B.1.1.529 variant. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021.
Preliminary information shows that the virus is affecting younger individuals but resulting in milder disease. The symptoms are very similar to those produced by other variants. A much clearer picture will emerge in the next few months. We still need to be extremely cautious since all COVID-19 variants can result in serious disease and fatality in susceptible persons, especially those with co-morbidities.
GCC Concerns:
Middle Eastern countries reacted in one way or the other to the new omicron coronavirus variant
So far only Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have recorded omicron infections. But amid omicron-related concerns, Lebanese health authorities have just announced a night curfew for people who have not been vaccinated or are without a recent negative PCR test, starting on December 17.
For three weeks, people in these categories will not be allowed to leave their homes between 7 p.m and 6 a.m. It is yet to be announced what kind of penalties are planned if the rules are violated
Travel restrictions
Following the announcement of the new omicron variant in South Africa, the countries of Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia have suspended air travel from up to two dozen African nations. Among them are South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini.
Morocco and Israel have even suspended all incoming international commercial flights for the next two weeks.
International vaccine diplomacy
This comes as international actors have been increasingly focusing on vaccine diplomacy in the Middle East, using vaccine supplies as a tool to project soft power. Poorer countries are still heavily affected by the fact that, so far, only 13% of doses contracted by COVAX — the program meant to deliver vaccines to the world's most vulnerable people — have been delivered
Having seen significant declines in COVID-19 incidences in recent month, Arab Gulf countries have doubled down on their efforts to protect public health amid a global scare over the new highly transmissible Omicron variant. These countries have updated their travel policies to curtail the COVID-19 spread and urged people to receive the booster shots to enhance their immunity
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