WHO: Early signs show Omicron has 'growth advantage' over Delta variant

The variant is being identified in Ireland and elsewhere by using a tool called “s gene target failure” on PCR tests positive for the virus. File photo: Denis Minihane

It is too soon to say what the full impact of the Omicron variant could be although early signs are it has “a growth advantage” over the Delta variant, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

In an update on the spread of this new variant, the WHO said: “There seems to be evidence that the Omicron variant may have a growth advantage over other circulating variants”. However, it added that “it is unknown whether this will translate into increased transmissibility”.