COVID-19 New Variant: A Case for "Cautious Optimism" With the Omicron Strain

The Omicron variant has caused considerable panic recently. Having many more mutations, a greater ability to reinfect, and potentially far more transmissibility, Omicron presents humanity with unprecedented danger. However, some recent developments may give us reason to be optimistic, not profoundly worried. In this episode, we present a speech discussing these stories and advocating "cautious optimism." References: (n.d.). Retrieved from https://osf.io/f7txy/ Miller, K. (2021, December 09). How Omicron Stacks Up Against the Delta Variant-Including Whether or Not We'll Need a New Vaccine. Retrieved from https://www.prevention.com/health/a38400888/omicron-vs-delta-covid-19-variant-comparison/ Pearson_Epidemics8_Omicron.pdf. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hA6Mec2Gq3LGqTEOj35RqSeAb_SmXpbI/view Person, & Lapid, N. (2021, December 04). Omicron variant may have picked up a piece of common-cold virus. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/omicron-variant-may-have-picked-up-piece-common-cold-virus-2021-12-03/ Regencia, T., Melimopoulos, E., & Ibrahim, A. (2021, December 03). WHO says Omicron detected in 38 countries, no deaths reported. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/3/new-york-becomes-fourth-us-state-to-confirm-omicron-live Situation Reports Obtained Through: Home - ProMED - ProMED-mail. (2020, December 10). Retrieved from https://promedmail.org/ Update on Omicron. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/28-11-2021-update-on-omicron Image Obtained Through Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=covid-19&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image