The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is vexing, bringing experts to move from extreme optimism, to concerns that humanity was back to square one in the fight against the pandemic.
One moment British graphs are showing an unprecedented surge in hospitalizations attributed to it, and in the next – reputable laboratories show test results indicating it is less able to infect lungs, than previous variants and that three doses of the coronavirus vaccine provide adequate defense from it.
Other scientists even say this is the COVID variant they have been hoping for that would infect many – without causing serious illness, to bring about herd immunity.
There is a rise in hospitalization in many countries in Europe and elsewhere and some worry hospitals will not be able to respond adequately to the pending needs.
The Netherlands was the first to announce a full closure as of late on Sunday, that will be in effect until mid-January.
Restaurants, cafes, and leisure venues will be closed, as will schools and all non-essential shops. Gatherings will be limited and only two people who do not reside together will be allowed to congregate in outdoor activities.
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Amsterdam street empty ahead of lockdown that was to come into effect late on Sunday
(Photo: EPA)
The Dutch responded to the growing number of cases of coronavirus arriving at hospitals – greater than any time since the outbreak of the pandemic, and decided not to take any chances.
As 2021 winds to a close, and just ahead of the New Year celebrations, the world is discovering that the crisis is far from over.
COVID deniers will post on Facebook or write articles riddles with inaccuracies but the public would do well to listen to what the World Health Organization said late on Saturday: Omicron is up in countries with high rates of vaccinations and it is still unclear whether it is more infectious than the Delta variant or spreading quickly because it is able to overcome the immunity provided by the vaccine.
It is believed to infect more than the Delta COVID variant and cases double within 1.5 to 3 days.
South African health officials said over the weekend that they have not seen as many hospitalizations as were seen in earlier waves of morbidity. They believe they have passed the peak of the Omicron wave and cannot report a rise in deaths. Still, they say they cannot determine whether vaccines have played a role or if the variant causes a milder illness.
British scientists advising the government said they expected 2,000 to 3,000 hospitalizations daily unless restrictive measures are put in place. UK hospitals would be unable to cope with such a surge.
Amid all the confusion, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has been trying his best to reduce the risk to Israelis and advance a prudent policy similar to the one adopted by his predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu.
He has met with opposition from some of his own ministers who routinely pander to their constituents. Their political calculations are simple and no less cynical: If the omicron variant turns out to be contagious but to cause only a mild disease, they will be able to say they were right to reject mitigation measures.
If it turns out to cause mass hospitalizations, they will claim Israel is no different than any other country in the world so they cannot be blamed for Omicron's effects.
Bennett has not yet asked for lockdown or a ban on public gatherings. All he wants is to block the variant's ability to enter the country through the Ben Gurion airport.
This is not an unreasonable request considering the uncertainty the entire world is experiencing.
Some vigilance now may reduce the need for more difficult steps later.
First published: 13:24, 12.19.21