WHO: Omicron variant likely to spread worldwide

The Omicron variant has since spread to North America, Europe as well as Asia

The World Health Organization estimated on Monday that there is a high chance the newly registered Omicron coronavirus variant will spread across the globe, with the possibility of causing "severe consequences" in some regions, Qazet.az reports citing Teletrader.

"Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic. The overall global risk related to the new variant of concern Omicron is assessed as very high," the WHO noted in a statement.

The Omicron variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on November 24, and has since spread to North America, Europe as well as Asia. According to preliminary data, people have a higher risk of reinfecting with this coronavirus variant compared to known mutations.