World / To suggest that Omicron variant is 'just a mild disease' is dangerous: WHO

Geneva: As the world reels under a massive Covid surge, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said it is dangerous to suggest that Omicron is 'just a mild' disease.

Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and WHO's Covid-19 Technical Lead Maria Van Kerkhove said, "Yes, oversimplified narratives can be dangerous. While we see lower risk of hospitalisation compared to Delta, to suggest that Omicron is “just a mild” disease is dangerous. Case are astounding even with lower risk, we will see hospitals overwhelmed. Please be careful."

WHO has on several occasions warned governments to step up measures against the new surge in Covid cases caused by the Omicron variant. It had earlier also warned of a Covid tsunami and asked for events and gatherings to be cancelled.