Twin combination of Omicron and Delta variants triggering a tsunami wave of ever high surges in COVID‐19 cases: A challenging global threat with a special focus on the Indian subcontinent

Abstract

The emergence of Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS‐CoV‐2 has resulted into a very massive surge in COVID‐19 cases worldwide. Due to continuous emergence of multiple variants of SARS‐CoV‐2, the ongoing pandemic has caused severe morbidity and mortality in last two years. The rate of infectivity of Omicron variant is much higher than Delta variant and in a very quick time Omicron has displaced the Delta variant and now become a dominant variant across the globe. The twin combination of Omicron and Delta variant is triggering a Tsunami wave of ever high surges in COVID‐19 cases worldwide. This article highlights the global threats and challenges posed by Omicron, and strategies to counter it with a particular focus on Indian sub‐continent.

The SARS‐CoV‐2 omicron wave is indicating the end of the pandemic phase but the COVID‐19 will continue

“… 8 The twin effect of delta and omicron variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 has created a tsunami of COVID‐19 pandemic worldwide. 9 The omicron variant is becoming more dominant in the transmission of the SARS‐CoV‐2 day by day. Despite the reduced severity of COVID‐19 symptoms, the massive omicron wave might increase hospital admissions and ICU requirements in many countries.…”

Emergence of Omicron third lineage BA.3 and its importance

“…In November 2021, Omicron, discovered in Botswana 1 and classified as the fifth variant of concern 2 , 3 by the World Health Organization on November 26, 2021, the most mutated variant of SARS‐CoV‐2, has now circulated in 150 countries/territories until January 8, 2022, with 552 191 confirmed cases and causing 115 deaths. 4 Omicron was recently divided into three lineages (BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3).…”

Turning point: A new global COVID‐19 wave or a signal of the beginning of the end of the global COVID‐19 pandemic?

“…A new double‐spike variant, “Delmicron,” may be both highly virulent and highly infectious. However, this hypothetical “Delmicron” requires further exploratory research and analysis and is effectively certified by the WHO 43 . Therefore, looking at the current global epidemic, we need to prioritize both the prevailing “Delta” and Omicron variants, the latter of which has a potentially high transmission rate and may become the dominant variant in the future.…”