New COVID-19 variant sweeps Lebanon, the world

The world is being infected by a brand-new COVID-19 mutant that split off from the Omicron family.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite being the most contagious strain to date, it is not more dangerous than the mother strain.

This new boom reflected an increase in the number of infections in the world—specifically in Lebanon after the holiday season—as shown by figures provided by Caretaker Minister of Health Firas Al-Abiad.

The number of infections has doubled to 180 daily cases, according to epidemiological indicators tracked by the Ministry of Health, after not exceeding 40 infections in the first few weeks of December.

The positive examination rate increased to 12.7 percent from 5.5 percent in early December 2022.

"The situation is still under control," Al-Abiad said.

These figures reflect the social overcrowding over the Christmas holiday; will New Year's Eve celebrations cause a further rise in the coming days?

The Ministry of Health is monitoring cases and asked public and private hospitals to increase their readiness to receive potential infections, noting that the cost of the PCR has been reduced to 150,000 LBP.

"We reduced the price of PCR tests in various hospitals and public laboratories to encourage laboratory examinations," Al-Abiad stressed.

"We also secured additional doses of anti-Omicron vaccines and other variants from France," he added.

Regarding individual prevention strategies, those most susceptible to infection, such as the elderly, must receive an additional dose of the vaccine, stay away from crowded areas, and wear a mask whenever possible.

Those who come in contact with infected people or exhibit symptoms like fever or coughing must protect their surroundings by isolating themselves or wearing a mask.

It is noteworthy that, when exposed to infection, medical recommendations only call for isolation for two days.