Twin combination of Omicron and Delta variants triggering a tsunami wave of ever high surges in COVID-19 cases: A challenging global threat with a special focus on the Indian subcontinent

The emergence of Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted into a very massive surge in COVID-19 cases worldwide. Due to continuous emergence of multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2, the ongoing pandemic has caused severe morbidity and mortality in last two years. The rate of infectivity of Omicron variant is much higher than Delta variant and in a very quick time Omicron has displaced the Delta variant and now become a dominant variant across the globe. The twin combination of Omicron and Delta variant is triggering a Tsunami wave of ever high surges in COVID-19 cases worldwide. This article highlights the global threats and challenges posed by Omicron, and strategies to counter it with a particular focus on Indian sub-continent.

Automated summary

The emergence of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a massive surge in COVID-19 cases worldwide, surpassing even the Delta variant in infectivity. The simultaneous presence of Omicron and Delta variants is leading to a tsunami-like wave of high COVID-19 cases globally.