The ‘three big questions’ that need answering about the Omicron variant

An epidemiologist says Victorians can avoid COVID-19 restrictions being reintroduced by managing risk of virus spread themselves this festive season.

Professor John Kaldor, Epidemiologist at the Kirby Institute, said he understood the frustration and fatigue in the community but the Omicron variant had unfortunately changed the game.

He said three big questions needed answering about that particular strain.

“Firstly, how fast is it being transmitted? Secondly, how serious is it? And thirdly, are the vaccines going to work, as well,” Professor Kaldor said.

“We sort of have the answer to the first point (because) it’s transmitted very quickly ,very effectively and very fast and certainly in NSW and probably in Victoria, as well, it’s taking over as the dominant one.

“We don’t have the answer to the other two.

“We need to wait until we have those answers.”

Professor Kaldor had a blunt message when asked whether we should avoid hugging, kissing and shaking hands with relatives at Christmas.

“Yeah, drop it,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear his insights

Picture: Getty iStock