WHO: Couple of weeks before Omicron becomes dominant in Europe

Hans Kluge has warned countries to brace for a "significant surge" in cases.

He told in an interview on Wednesday that Omicron, already dominant in Britain, Denmark and Portugal, was likely to be the main coronavirus strain in Europe "in a couple of weeks."

"There is no doubt that Europe is once again the epicenter of the global pandemic," Kluge said, adding that infections were up 40% from a year ago and Omicron was now taking over.

"Yes, I'm very concerned, but there is no reason for panic," he said. "The good news is... we know what to do."

People needed to adopt a "vaccine-plus" approach, with vaccinations and booster shots complemented by mask-wearing, while ruling out "non-essential" contacts over Christmas and New Year, he said.

Countries should also be ready to implement stricter measures, but lockdowns should only be used as a last resort, given the economic and social cost.

Kluge said it was not clear how long immunity lasted after a third dose. Israel is set to become the first country to offer fourth vaccine to more vulnerable people.

"But then, let's remember that Israel was the first one to start. So I would say that a fourth dose in Israel is like a third dose in other countries," he said.

Some studies suggest Omicron causes less severe disease than the Delta variant that is dominant in most countries, but scientists are still debating this point.

Kluge said it would likely be three to four weeks before the question was answered.

While the coronavirus could not be eliminated, it could be stabilized, allowing hospitals to handle more cancer and cardio-vascular diseases.

Controlling the virus would come through vaccines, boosters, doubling the number of people wearing masks indoors, ventilation and use of new COVID-19 drugs.

Kluge said the good news from history was that every pandemic had ended.