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LAST UPDATE | 26 Nov 2021
THE WORLD HEALTH Organisation (WHO) has this evening officially designated the latest strain of Covid-19 as a “variant of concern” (VOC).
It will be known as the Omicron variant.
The first known confirmed Omicron infection was from a specimen collected on November 9. In recent weeks, infections in South Africa have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection.
This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning, according to the WHO.
The health body said that evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other variants of concern.
But it added that said it could take several weeks to complete studies of Omicron to see if there are any changes in transmissibility, severity or implications for Covid vaccines, tests and treatments.
The WHO has urged countries to “enhance surveillance and sequencing efforts to better understand circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants”.
There are a number of studies underway and an expert WHO team will continue to evaluate this variant. The WHO said it will communicate new findings with its member states and to the public as needed.
Booster
The US pharmaceutical company Moderna has said that it will develop a booster shot against the new Omicron variant.
It is one of three strategies the company is working to address the new threat, including a higher dose of its existing vaccine, Moderna said.
“The mutations in the Omicron variant are concerning and for several days, we have been moving as fast as possible to execute our strategy to address this variant,” said Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel.
One of the mooted benefits of the new technology mRNA vaccines is that they can be altered and mass produced quicker than other types of vaccines.
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What do you do if you don’t own any ducks ?
ahahahahaha
if you want to have a successful career, make sure you understand that there may be bullies trying to make your life a misery. Talk to people and don’t ever think it is your fault. Make sure you research the company you work for in case they have a culture of ego and bullying, it could save your life.
Even if you know some1 working in a company, they may not be forthcoming with information on the firms culture. I reckon most companies have a bullying & ego culture with plenty of inhouse bitching – anything to climb the ladder.
I’m in ‘phase two’ and it’s definitely not easy. Studying is way down my list of day to day priorities and at the end of the day when all I want to do is go to bed out come the books. But it is worthwhile and it’s not permanent so it’s possible if you are determined. That said, can’t wait to be finished and have time to read a nice book that I won’t have an exam on!!
Don’t feel you have to to University – it’s a good idea, if you can; but many fail to land a job in their field. Like scarecrows! Travel is imperative, to see other countries, cultures and ways of life. Particularly continental Europe, the UK and the USA.
What about the middle east?
I go to Furteventura on me holliers which gives me great insight into many different cultures. Working class English, Scots, Welsh, Dubs, you name it
Hi Eoghan, speaking as a Director, how much pressure do bosses at The Communications Clinic put on their staff? How well do they encourage work/life balance?
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