The picture and understanding of Omicron is rapidly evolving. Information is likely to change and restrictions can be implemented with little or no advance warning.
Scroll down this webpage to ensure you are prepared for increased risks with our dedicated resources: interactive map to track the Omicron variant around the world, technical information, recommendations and dedicated assets.
Need support? Schedule a call with one of our experts to find out how we can help.
TRACKING THE OMICRON VARIANT AROUND THE WORLD:
THE BACKGROUND:
Attention to the variant Omicron was first raised by South African authorities in late November 2021, due to rapid spread in the country and a large number of concerning mutations. The World Health Organization called an urgent meeting and designated it a Variant of Concern on November 26. Currently the overall global risk is considered very high. An increasing number of countries are finding the variant in travellers, some of whom are fully vaccinated, and some of whom have no obvious links to South Africa. The variant is likely to spread, and it is already established in countries other than South Africa. Many countries have implemented sudden changes to their management of travellers from South Africa, affected and neighbouring countries, such as banning entry or extending quarantine and testing requirements.
THE KEYNOTE:
Experts and authorities are rapidly scaling up testing and investigations to understand the extent of the risk. So far it appears that further geographic spread is high likely, as confirmed by the increasing number of countries where Omicron variant has been detected. While rapid surges in infections may occur, especially in locations with low vaccination rates, the illness is similar in symptoms and severity to other strains of COVID-19, even if more transmissible than the Delta variant. Current vaccines are still effective, but how well they prevent infection, transmission and disease is uncertain. It has been also confirmed that other preventive measures effective against COVID-19 will reduce transmission of Omicron.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
The variant is also called B.1.1.529. Its genetic code is characterised by 30 changes, three small deletions and one small insertion in the spike protein, of these, 15 are in the receptor binding domain.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS:
Restrictions can be implemented with little or no advance warning. Ensure that you reconfirm your itinerary, and check the latest restrictions for your destination – check the relevant embassy or consulate for your destination, and the COVID-19 website including the Travel Restrictions, Flight Operations and Screening page.
Review the need to travel in light of the potential to be suddenly barred from entry to your next destination, including your home country, “stuck” in a location for an extended period of time, be quarantined and tested, regardless of your vaccination status.
WATCH FOR:
Restrictions
Coinciding security issues
Government actions
Public response
PLAN FOR:
Sudden restrictions
Disruptions
Risk tolerance
Scenarios
WHAT ORGANISATIONS CAN DO:
NON-PHARMACEUTICAL PREVENTIVE ACTIONS
RETURN TO
TRAVEL
VACCINATION STRATEGY & RETURN TO OFFICE
  • Measures to prevent COVID-19 are effective against spread of Omicron
  • Masks, social and physical distancing (keeping 1-2m awat from others)
  • Hygiene and cleaning
  • Good ventilation
  • Screening, testing, contact racing, quarantine and isolation
  • Understand restrictions and follow official directives
  • Anticipate disruptions with active planning and training
  • Avoid misinformation - trust only credible sources of medical information
  • Be flexible with travel plans as countries change positions on travel restrictions rapidly
  • Consult the medical and security experts at the International SOS Assistance Centre for updated information
  • Review and update your company's vaccination strategy
  •  Continued COVID-19 vaccination programmes are critical and should be accelerated as rapidly as possible
  • Re-examine Return to Office plans for “holdor-proceed” decision-making
HOW WE CAN HELP:
NEED SUPPORT?
SCHEDULE A CALL with one of our experts.
OUR DEDICATED RESOURCES:
Infographics and Pocket Guides
Omicron FAQs
The New Travel Reality
Switzerland Global Enterprise  (S-GE) Travel Checklist
Webinars
Watch our latest webinars on the Omicron variant below.
To view all upcoming webinars, online conferences, and other events click here.
COVID-19 UPDATE OMICRON: WHAT IT MEANS FOR BUSINESS AND TRAVEL
COVID-19 UPDATE: OMICRON
Enjoy our exclusive COVID-19 update webinar where our experts Dr. Olivier Barles, Regional Medical Director, and Kareem Hossein, Security Manager at International SOS talked about the new Omicron variant, vaccines and related travel & security implications.
Enjoy our webinar where our experts Dr. Irene Lai, Global Medical Director, Medical Information & Analysis, and John Allison, Regional Security Manager at International SOS discuss about the new Omicron variant, highlighting the main differences from Delta and impacts on security.
COVID-19 Impact Map
The COVID-19 impact scales assess the current impact of the disease on (a) domestic operations, or (b) inbound travel. The respective scales take into account integrated health, security and logistics considerations – three key factors in business sustainability during the pandemic. The impact is dynamic and will change as outbreaks progress and mitigation measures are implemented and withdrawn. 
NEED SUPPORT? SCHEDULE A CALL
Schedule a call with one of our experts to discuss any concerns and find out how our Return To Travel solutions can benefit your organisation.
MORE INFORMATION:
For the latest information, log into the Membership Portal and review the International SOS Medical and Security Alerts and the COVID-19 Website.
For any further questions or information, please do not hesitate to contact us: switzerland@internationalsos.com
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