Covid-19: 5 methods to avoid Omicron and 5 steps to take immediately
What not to do
1. Except for indoor events, don't start imposing limitations indiscriminately. Based on surveys and modeling data, it was unsuccessful in lowering infections in South Africa over the past three waves, with 60 percent to 80 percent of people infected.
At best, the financially devastating limitations only added around 2-3 weeks to the time it took for the infections to occur.
This is predictable in the context of South Africa, where the bulk of the population finds it difficult to adhere to the high levels of restrictions, and adherence is generally poor.
2. There are no domestic (or international) travel bans. The infection will spread regardless of this, as it has in the past. It's naïve to think that banning travel from a few nations will prevent the import of a variation. Unless you live on an island that is cut off from the rest of the world, this virus will spread over the planet.
The absence of reporting of variations from countries with limited sequencing capability does not imply that the variant does not exist. Furthermore, until all other nations that still allow travel with the "red-listed" countries are subjected to travel bans, the variant will directly or indirectly end up in countries that implement selective travel bans, albeit with a short delay.
3. Don't make an announcement about regulations that won't be implemented or enforced in the local context. Don't act as though they're followed by all. This includes restricting the sale of, Alcohol but failing to properly control the illicit market.
4. Don't hold away from boosting high-risk individuals by erecting barriers.
After two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, the government should target those over 65 with a third dose. Anyone with kidney transplants, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and people with any other type of immunosuppressive illness are all at risk.
The World Health Organization reported booster doses for high-risk groups, which South Africa should not ignore. Vaccinating small children with a single dose should reduce priority for the time being.
5. Stop peddling the notion of herd immunity. It's not going to happen, and it really weakens vaccination trust.
Due to fading antibodies and continuing viral changes, first-generation vaccinations are very successful in guarding against severe Covid-19, but less predictable in protecting against infection and moderate Covid-19. Vaccination decreases transmission by a little amount, which is still useful, but it is unlikely to lead to "herd immunity" in our lifetimes.
Instead, we should be discussing how to adapt to the virus and learn to live with
There's also a list of things to think about if the Omicron variation replaces the Delta variant, regardless of whether it does (which remains unknown).
What to do
1. Ensure that the health facilities are prepared, not just on paper, but also in terms of personnel, personal protective equipment, and oxygen, among other things.
In South Africa, 2000 interns and community service doctors are awaiting placement confirmation in 2022. We can't afford to be found wanting again because of ill-equipped healthcare facilities.
2. Give all people who received a single dosage of J&J or Pfizer booster doses of J&J or Pfizer.
Increased protection against severe Covid-19 is required. In South Africa, a single dose of the J&J vaccination decreased hospitalization due to the Delta variation by 62% in healthcare professionals, whereas two doses of AZ and mRNA vaccines, in general, provided better than 80%-90% protection against severe disease caused by the [Delta variant].
3. Using vaccine passports to gain access to any indoor facility where people congregate, such as places of worship and public transportation. Vaccination is currently a choice; yet, choices have repercussions.
Even if vaccines only prevent a small proportion of illnesses, a breakthrough case in a vaccinated person provides a lower risk of transmission to others than infection in an unvaccinated and previously uninfected person.
4. Continue to reach out to those who are unvaccinated or under-immunized. This should involve the use of pop-up facilities in places where people are likely to congregate, as well as other community engagement projects.
5. Encourage responsible behavior to avoid re-imposing alcohol and other restrictions to punish everyone as a result of the recklessness of a few.
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