PCR tests can detect the Omicron variant, WHO says

The World Health Organization said that PCR tests are effective in detecting the Omicron Covid-19 variant, noting that studies are ongoing to determine the effectiveness of other Covid-19 health products on the new strain.

The WHO said in a statement that “PCR tests continue to detect infection, including infection with Omicron, as we have seen with other variants.”

The health body added that it is yet unclear whether Omicron’s symptoms are more severe in comparison with other variants, noting that it would take “days to several weeks” to understand its level of severity.

First detected in South Africa, the Omicron variant was previously dubbed by the WHO as a “variant of concern,” and has led several countries to shut down their borders in an effort to contain its spread.