Do not consider omicron as mild variant, warns WHO

New Delhi : The Omicron variant of Covid-19 is a reason behind many deaths reported across the world and it should not be considered as a mild variant, the World Health Organization insisted Thursday.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that a record number of people have been infected with the omicron variant - which is rapidly out-competing the previously-dominant Delta variant in many countries - meant more number of hospitalizations will overwhelm the situation.

"While Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorised as mild," Tedros told a press conference.

"Just like previous variants, Omicron is hospitalising people and it is killing people," he explained.

"In fact, the tsunami of cases is so huge and quick, that it is overwhelming health systems around the world."

Just under 9.5 million new Covid-19 cases were reported to the WHO last week -- a record, up 71 per cent on the week before.

Meanwhile, India has reported over 90,000 cases of coronavirus on Thursday.