Deputy CMO: Omicron variant highly transmissible but a milder strain of COVID-19

Early indications appear to demonstrate the Omicron variant is a highly transmissible but a milder strain of COVID-19, says Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Sonya Bennett. Nevertheless, with a lack of data over the severity of the new variant, Dr Bennett has backed the federal government’s cautious approach by delaying the border reopening to international students and visa holders. “Based on what we know, that certainly seems to be the case, including our own five cases, they’ve all had very mild symptoms if any symptoms at all,” she told Sky News Australia. “But again, we just don’t know enough, there aren’t that many cases yet reported. “Ironically, we need to see more cases to understand more about the virus but, all indications show that, particularly in vaccinated people, it does appear to be mild and we’re hoping that’s what will happen over the next couple of weeks. “But hope’s not a strategy, so that’s the reason really for the pause and the cautiousness until we do understand more about the virus.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au