WHO: Omicron Now Detected in 57 Countries, More Hospitalizations Expected

Travelers receive COVID-19 tests at a pre-departure testing facility, as countries react to the new Omicron variant, outside the international terminal at Sydney Airport in Australia, on Nov. 29, 2021. Loren Elliott/Reuters

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its weekly epidemiological report, announced on Dec. 8 that 57 nations have reported COVID-19 Omicron variant cases thus far.

Although it isn’t clear whether the Omicron variant can lead to more severe COVID-19 symptoms, the U.N. health organization stated on Dec. 8 that more data is needed to assess the severity of the disease or whether its mutations can breach vaccines or natural immunity.