Turning point: A new global COVID-19 wave or a signal of the beginning of the end of the global COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract

A new variant named Omicron (B.1.1.529), first identified in South Africa, has become of considerable interest to the World Health Organization. This variant differs from the other known major variants, as it carries a large number of unusual mutations, particularly in the spinous process protein and receptor binding domains. Some specific mutation sites make it vaccine resistant, highly infectious, and highly pathogenic. The world fears that the Omicron variant could be even more harmful than the previous major variant, given that it has emerged amid fierce competition to trigger a new global pandemic peak as infections in South Africa rise. However, some epidemiological evidence has emerged that the Omicron variant may produce milder patient symptoms. We speculate if the virulence of the Omicron variant will diminish as transmissibility increases, thereby signaling the beginning of the end for the global COVID-19 pandemic. Based on this view, we make recommendations for COVID-19 mitigation in the present and future. However, it will take a few weeks to determine the true threat posed by the Omicron variant and we need to be fully prepared for future outbreaks, regardless of their severity.

Keywords: COVID-19; Omicron variant; SARS-CoV-2; breakthrough infections; mild cases; vaccine boosters.

Figure 1

Mutation hotspot of Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein. (A) Comparative mutational hotspots of spike glycoprotein of Omicron and Delta variant of SARS‐CoV‐2 (the gradient of the dark purple coding box represents the prevalence of the mutation throughout the sequenced samples). (B) The structure of spike glycoprotein of Omicron SARS‐COV‐2 shows comparative mutation. (C) The structures of spike glycoprotein of Delta SARS‐CoV‐2 show the comparative mutations

Figure 2

Early epidemiological evidence supports milder symptoms of Omicron variant infections, , , ,

Figure 3

Neutralization of some existing vaccines and boosters against Omicron variants, ,

Figure 4

Strategies to mitigate COVID‐19 now and in the future, , , , , , ,