Its name is Omicron. Detected in South Africa at the end of November, it was in the majority in France at the end of December. But what do you know regarding this new variant, in particular regarding the symptoms it causes? Forget regarding the loss of taste and smell. They are much less common with Omicron. Runny nose, sore throat … These symptoms are more likely to be those of a bad cold, because we are beginning to be protected from the virus, in particular because of the vaccination. Omicron would attack the bronchi more than the lungs. This would explain why it is contagious. This is the first thing we know regarding his profile. The variant is at least twice as transmissible as Delta. But early data suggests it would be less dangerous. That is, it would involve less serious forms. Therefore, should we review the isolation rules? Today, a positive person must self-isolate for 10 days. If he is Omicron, his contact cases will have to do the same for a week up to 17 days if they live under the same roof. With millions of people affected every week, the authorities fear a disorganization in society. Isolation might therefore be reduced. A risky bet as explained by Dr Anne Sénéquier, co-director of the Observatory for Global Health – IRIS, at the microphone of 8 p.m. on TF1 in the video at the top of this article. England, Spain and Portugal have already reduced their duration of isolation. The United States went from 10 to 5 days. According to our information, the Minister of Health will give details of these new rules in France on Sunday. TF1 | Report M. Verron, S. Maloiseaux, S. Humblot
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