"Omicron, a Signal of Immunity Acquisition" Reason for Optimism Amid Surge in Confirmed Cases

"Low Hospitalization Rate Due to Omicron"

Citizens are lining up to get tested at the temporary COVID-19 screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As the COVID-19 Omicron variant rapidly spreads and confirmed cases increase, cautious optimism is also being raised.

Some experts observe that COVID-19 herd immunity is within sight and that COVID-19 could evolve into a relatively mild seasonal disease. There are opinions that the increase in people recovering from Omicron variant infections, along with expanded vaccination, could be the key to strengthening collective defense against any form of COVID-19.

AFP reported on the 4th (local time) that "the low hospitalization rate due to Omicron variant infections suggests that COVID-19 may evolve into a weaker form similar to existing viruses."

According to the report, Alain Fischer, scientific advisor to the French government on COVID-19 vaccine strategy, said, "We may be witnessing the beginning of an evolution where COVID-19 becomes an extremely ordinary virus, like other viruses we know."

Professor Julian Tang of the University of Leicester in the UK commented on research findings showing the low fatality rate of the Omicron variant, saying, "Someday, additional vaccinations and other measures will only be necessary for vulnerable groups."

He added, "I expect the COVID-19 virus will eventually become similar to other common cold viruses," and predicted this would occur within the next one to two years.

Government public health officials have expressed similar views. Olivier V?ran, French Minister of Health, recently stated in parliament, "Perhaps this could be a signal that we are acquiring a kind of immunity."

Earlier, Professor Nachman Ash, Chief Administrative Officer of the Israeli Ministry of Health, also expressed optimism about herd immunity due to Omicron in a local radio interview. However, he said, "I do not want to reach herd immunity through infection. I hope herd immunity occurs as a result of more people getting vaccinated."

Medical staff working in a negative pressure isolation room. Not related to the article. / Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, there are voices cautioning against premature optimism. Even if the proportion of severe cases among Omicron variant infections is low, the absolute number is large, meaning hospitalizations are bound to increase significantly.

The possibility of additional variants cannot be ruled out. A new variant with many mutations similar to Omicron has already been discovered in southern France.

Antoine Flahault, Director of the World Health Research Institute, emphasized, "If we want to learn lessons from this pandemic, we must remember that the virus is generally unpredictable."

Arnaud Fontanet, member of the French Scientific Council, predicted, "While the emergence of new variants can be anticipated, whether through natural infection or booster vaccinations, immunity will strengthen over time, reducing the ability of variants to cause severe outcomes."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.