Only way to protect from omicron variant is vaccination, testing, masking

New Delhi. It has been more than two years now since the Covid virus was born in the world. By December 2019, its outbreak started in Wuhan, China and within just three months, the whole world was engulfed in its grip. In these two years of the corona pandemic, scientists, health experts, administrators and politicians have been heard saying that now we have to 'live with the virus'. At the same time, when Covid-19 was still under control and normal life was going back to normal, the new variant of Corona, Omicron, has started wreaking havoc. It has been speculated that the virus would keep on mutating to the next level over the next years.

Now that the new variant of Corona Omicron is spreading quickly, 'living with the virus is the prescription of public health experts. The rule of association with coronavirus is evolving with new variants. 

Dr Lena Wen, a professor of general health at George Washington University in the US, sums it up as, "I'm a proponent of the '2 out of 3' rule. When virus levels are high, you are protected." Requires at least two of the following three layers of vaccination, testing or masking. This is not perfect but reduces the risk substantially.

Ways to protect yourself from Omicron

The concept asks people to stay indoors, but if one has to go out or gather for an indoor event, one must ensure that they tick at least two of three safety boxes.

In an indoor gathering where drinking and eating is taking place, a lot of people may be Omicron or some other type of corona carrier. It can be the place of a large number of viruses spread.

Vaccinations and pre-tests are essential to be safe for such gatherings.

If the test is not available, additional masking is necessary along with the vaccination. Keeping in mind the '2 out of 3' rule, either leave such an event or provide food and drink in this program.

Masks should be worn at all times after a negative test for Covid-19.

Masks are the biggest protection against omicron or any other type of Covid infection. Wearing a good quality mask can be great protection.

Good quality masks do not include cloth masks. Medical grade surgical masks or N-95 quality masks are considered safe in keeping people safe in virus-laden air.

As restrictions like country lockdowns are expected, abiding by the '2 out of 3' rule can help the world live with the virus without pressing the panic button.