Omicron May be Milder, But Still Dangerous

The Omicron variant of the Coronavirus is spreading faster than the Delta variant did. It is also managing to evade vaccine-induced immunity. However, early evidence suggests that it causes much milder symptoms. A large number of cases detected in India have been asymptomatic and even those with symptoms haven't needed any significant medical intervention. However, even with a lower proportion of severe cases, the very fact that Omicron could affect a much larger percentage of the population, means that it could result in an equal number of overall severe cases and put pressure on the country's medical system.