(Last Updated on December 3, 2021 by zimdaily)
HARARE – Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who doubles as the Minister of Health and Child Care has confirmed that Omicron, a new coronavirus variant that was first detected in South Africa on the 24th of November has been detected in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at a meeting with young farmers this Thursday in Harare, VP Chiwenga said:
We are doing the genomic sequencing, and we have already identified that we now have it (Omicron) in this country and, therefore, must remain vigilant.
We want everyone to be safe so let’s be vaccinated and then let’s follow the protocols. We don’t want to end up putting extra measures but if we follow these measures, I think every one of us will be safe and we will conquer this enemy.
Initially named B.1.1.529, the new coronavirus variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on 24 November and has also been identified in several other countries including Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, the US, and Israel.
Fears abound that the variant could be significantly easier to pass from person to person and that it could have at least some resistance to current treatments and vaccines.