An official from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said early signs show that most Omicron coronavirus cases are 'mild'.
The representative also said that no evidence suggests that coronavirus vaccines are less effective against the new variant.
WHO has suggested "most" cases so far are not severe whilst adding there is still a lot not yet known about Omicron, reported The Mirror.
The organisation's remarks follow the health ministry of Botswana's declaration yesterday that nearly 80 per cent of Omicron variant cases in the country were asymptomatic.
WHO said more than 40 different mutations within Omicron have already been identified.
Some mutations of the virus indicate an increased risk of quicker transmission, said the WHO official.
Infectious disease expert Professor Neil Ferguson told MPs this morning it may be a while before we know how deadly Omicron could be.
He said it could be towards "the end of the month" before there is a clearer picture of the dangers the new variant possess.
He outlined: "What we have seen is Alpha has been more severe than the previous strain, a little, and Delta more severe again, so the trend we've seen is greater severity not less severity.
"Thankfully countered by better treatment by monoclonal antibodies, antivirals and all the other drugs, that mean people have a better chance of surviving severe Covid today than they did at the start of the pandemic."
On Tuesday night, the WHO released a statement saying all vulnerable people - including over-60s - should postpone travel plans following the emergence of the variant.
Others at risk of developing severe Covid symptoms were advised to shelve trips.
.png?w=600)
