Omicron variant can multiply 70 times faster than other strains in lower respiratory tracts of hosts, Hong Kong researchers find
- Research team led by HKU expert warns overall threat could be ‘very significant’, although there could be lower infection severity
- Source says border reopening with mainland China still on track unless Omicron clusters emerge, while another specialist separately calls for UK flight ban
The Omicron coronavirus variant can multiply within the lower respiratory tract of hosts 70 times faster than the Delta version and the original strain, top Hong Kong researchers have found.
The team led by Dr Michael Chan Chi-wai, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) school of public health and a principal investigator at the research institute the Centre for Immunology and Infection, said however that infection levels of the variant in patients’ lungs were 10 times lower than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, indicating lesser severity.
The earlier study concluded booster shots were needed to shore up protection.
“The overall threat from Omicron is likely to be very significant,” Chan said.
The Omicron variant was first reported to the World Health Organization by South Africa in late November, and has since been detected in more than 60 countries.