Like all viruses, SARS-CoV-2 adapts for survival. First identified in South Africa in November, the new variant of concern, Omicron, has now swept across the world. It carries a large number of mutations, including those on the spike protein, which are thought to increase transmissibility. However, studies have found that it causes milder infection than previous variants.
After two years of battling the virus, some doctors began to float the controversial endgame theory early this month. It could be rooted in pandemic fatigue, but the beginning-of-the-end speculation has given a glimmer of hope that the new variant will offer herd immunity like a natural vaccine and bring an end to the cycle of infection, lockdowns and new normal.
