The Omicron variant is "already everywhere" and travel bans will not stop it from spreading, said the World Health Organization's top official for Europe.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said the flight bans did not work and were too late "because Omicron is already everywhere". "Omicron is growing and we have a right to be concerned and cautious," he said.
He added that vaccines, masks, ventilation and treatments were the best way to curb the coronavirus - not travel restrictions. "It remains to be seen how and whether the latest disturbing variant will be more transmissible and heavier," he said.
According to Dr. Kluge, there are five ways a pandemic can be kept under control: increase vaccination rates; administration of additional doses for those most at risk; wearing masks; ventilation of crowded spaces; and the adoption of rigorous therapeutic protocols for severe cases.
