In just over a week the Omicron variant has been detected in an additional 20 countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Director-General notes the Omicron variant is spreading faster than other variants.

Speaking at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) media briefing recently, Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus says the omicron variant is spreading at a rate that the WHO has not seen with other variants. He notes that though the effects of the strain have been mild, there’s no room for complacency.

Dr. Ghebreyesus stressed vaccination is not the only solution regarding omicron.The Director-General adds, COVAX has been sending out more vaccines in the past 9 months. He says the WHO is working rapidly in assisting nations with vaccine shortages.

However, he admits that vaccine distributions are not guaranteed.