COVID-19:

OMICRON VARIANT

Orange Line Metro Rail Transit System - OLMRTS

Presented By:
Safety & Technology Dept.

November 29, 2021 1

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01 COVID-19: OMICRON VARIANT

COVID-19: OMICRON VARIANT

Most viruses – including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 – evolve over time. When a virus replicates or
makes copies of itself, it sometimes changes a little bit, which is normal for a virus. These changes are called
“MUTATIONS”. Any virus with one or more new mutations can be referred to as a “VARIANT” of the original virus.

 What is Omicron Variant?

The “Omicron” variant known as the “B.1.1.529” variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24th November
2021. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply in South Africa, coinciding with the detection of the Omicron
variant. WHO has designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VOC).
The first known confirmed Omicron (B.1.1.529) infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021!

 Why is Omicron Variant So Concerning?

The Omicron variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence suggests an
increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other Variants of Concern (VOCs).
A leading Epidemiologist has reported that the Omicron may be around 500% more infectious than the Delta variant. It
is thought to have 32 mutations in its spike protein and is feared to be able to bypass vaccines and immunity gained
from being infected before.
However, more authentic information & facts will be available as the studies are in progress and results are awaited.

ORANGE LINE METRO RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM - OLMRTS

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02 COVID-19: OMICRON VARIANT

COVID-19: OMICRON VARIANT

 What is the severity level of Omicron variant?
A number of studies are underway and evaluation of this variant is in progress regarding severity levels. However, a South
African doctor who was one of the first to suspect a different coronavirus strain among patients has reported that symptoms
of the Omicron variant were so far MILD and could be Treated At Home. The most predominant symptoms observed are:
• Severe fatigue for one or two days.
• Headache
• Body aches and pain.
However, official findings regarding transmissibility, severity, vaccine efficacy & other characteristics are still
unknown and awaited from international health organizations i.e., WHO, CDC, etc. which can take up to 2 weeks!

 How can Omicron variant be detected?

Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics Tests continue to detect this variant.

 Which countries have detected Omicron variant so far?

In a short span of time, Omicron variant has spread to following 15 countries:
South Africa Hong Kong United Kingdom Austria Italy
Botswana Israel Germany Denmark Canada
Belgium United Kingdom Czech Republic Australia France

ORANGE LINE METRO RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM - OLMRTS

 S&T DEPARTMENT
03 COVID-19: OMICRON VARIANT

COVID-19: OMICRON VARIANT

Omicron Variant
Dominant

No. of Days
ORANGE LINE METRO RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM - OLMRTS
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04 COVID-19: OMICRON VARIANT

COVID-19: OMICRON VARIANT

 What Steps Countries have taken to control the spread of Omicron Variant?
 Enhanced surveillance and sequencing efforts to better understand circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
 Travel bans have been implemented from High Risk African Countries i.e., Pakistan has placed a complete travel
ban on South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia and Hong Kong.
 Enhanced Testing of all international arrivals.

 What control measures can be implemented to control or prevent spread of Omicron variant?
At present individuals are reminded to take measures to reduce their risk of getting COVID-19, including proven public
health and social measures such as:
Wearing Well-Fitting Face Masks.  Avoiding crowded spaces
Maintaining Hand Hygiene.  Getting Vaccinated! (Most Important)
Social Distancing  Improving ventilation of indoor spaces
Cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue
However, with the availability of more data and findings in the coming weeks, a better assessment regarding the control
measures can be made. Guidelines from NCOC and Punjab Health Department are awaited.

ORANGE LINE METRO RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM - OLMRTS

 S&T DEPARTMENT
05 COVID-19: OMICRON VARIANT

COVID-19: OMICRON VARIANT

 What can be the impact of Omicron Variant in OLMRTS?
• While much of the details such as transmissibility, severity, vaccine efficacy & other characteristics of this variant are
unknown at present and studies are underway, however if the initial reports & observations are found to be consistent
later on then the Omicron variant will be the most transmissible and severe variant for which the current vaccines
may render ineffective.

• Omicron variant has the potential to result in complete lockdown which can impact severely the commercial train
operations.

• It is being speculated that due to it’s high potential transmissibility it will eventually spread across the globe faster than
the previous variants impacting global economy.

However, WHO has stressed that more research is needed to determine whether the variant is more contagious,
whether it causes more severe disease, and whether it could evade vaccines.

 Therefore, strict compliance of COVID-19 SOPs (Mask & Social Distancing) & Guidelines are to be implemented
by all OLMRTS departments at all times to ensure the ZERO infections as at present.

 S&T department shall be carrying out random inspections to ensure compliance of COVID-19 SOPs.

ORANGE LINE METRO RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM - OLMRTS

 REMEMBER:

“Prevention is Better Than Cure”

“Safety is Responsibility of Everyone”

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Orange Line Metro Rail Transit System - OLMRTS