So far China has reported nine Covid-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant, including two who were infected by a man returning from Canada. Experts say China is at a greater risk of Omicron outbreaks and, although the zero-Covid approach might still work against the new variant, gaps need to be plugged and resources allocated to meet the greater challenge. However, studies indicate that primary immunisation is not enough to protect people against the Omicron variant. As fast as health authorities have moved in the era of the Delta variant, Omicron could mean they will have to move even quicker. Sinovac said three doses of its vaccine would offer protection against Omicron but the company released few details.
