The Omicron variant has been shown to be 40 percent more lethal than the seasonal flu, according to research by Japanese scientists. Therefore, they see the potential danger when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted too soon.
Researchers ask that they never underestimate the Omicron variant because the case fatality rate (CFR) or death rate from COVID-19 is still high at 0.13 percent although it is still lower than the previous trend during the Delta wave, which was 4.25 percent. While the CFR on seasonal flu is 0.006 percent to 0.09 percent.
Many countries have begun to relax COVID-19 restrictions, including the obligation to wear masks to testing for COVID-19, pushing the situation back to normal as before the pandemic. One of them is also because people are too tired from the pandemic that has been running for more than two years.
While Japan has yet to officially relax its COVID-19 restrictions, it has relaxed rules on quarantine of travelers, workers on the front line to keep the economy going.
“This study, which has not been peer-reviewed or published in a medical journal, has several limitations, including differences in the way data is collected which makes cross-comparison difficult,” said the chairman of the health ministry’s advisory board, Takaji Wakita.
“However, there is a sizeable difference in mortality. The decline in the COVID-19 mortality rate may reflect a decrease in the virulence of the strain, especially compared to the Delta variant and the benefit of vaccination,” the researchers said.
On the other hand, according to Wakita, further studies are needed to determine the impact of easing after all restrictions are lifted.
Watch Videos “Findings About Omicron Variants That Need Attention“
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