The G7 called the Omicron variant the “biggest current threat to global public health.”
The G7 health ministers said it was “more important than ever” for countries to “closely cooperate”.
“Deeply concerned by the rise in cases, ministers agreed that these developments should be seen as the biggest current threat to global public health,” Britain, which is currently chair of the group, said in a statement.
“It is more important than ever to closely cooperate, and monitor as well as share data,” it added.
The G7 health ministers earlier held their final meeting hosted by Britain, which has seen spiralling case rates over recent days, registering record numbers on Thursday.
The ministers focussed on global access to diagnostics, genome sequencing, vaccines and therapeutics in a bid to combat its spread.
“They also agreed on the increasing importance of booster campaigns and regular testing alongside continued non-pharmaceutical measures,” the statement said.
Yesterday, the UK recorded its first death of the new Omicron variant. Omicron is more contagious than previous strains of the virus and has the ability to evade immunity from previous infections.
The new variant was also resulting in hospital admissions, and the “best thing” people could do was get their booster jab.
Visiting a vaccination clinic in London, he said people should set aside the idea Omicron was a milder variant.
Since the first Omicron cases detected on Nov. 27 in the UK, Johnson has imposed tougher restrictions.
He further urged people to get booster shots to prevent the health service from being overwhelmed.
Thousands of Covid Deaths For Years in UK
Britain faces the prospect of thousands of annual Covid deaths for years to come, scientists have warned.
Scientists said that the UK might learn to live with thousands of Covid-related deaths for years to come.
The Covid-19 vaccines don’t seem to be a long term solution for the health crisis as new variants emerge. People will have to live with it.
Seasonal waves of the virus will sweep the country every winter. It will join other seasonal viruses, including influenza. However, it will kill those with underlying conditions with the provided vaccines.
The numbers of Covid cases seem to establish through this summer, but it will rise again. A fourth wave is to occur this autumn.
