Governments around the world, Japan among them, have responded with speed and determination to the discovery of the omicron variant of the COVID-19 coronavirus. After the dithering that marked earlier efforts, this seriousness is to be applauded.
Overreaction is a danger, however: Much about omicron remains unknown. The most important thing that can be done to deal with omicron, and future mutations, is to get vaccines to the poorest nations where vaccination rates are appallingly low. Failure to inoculate the most vulnerable will ensure that COVID-19 stays with us and remains a threat.
The omicron variant was first reported by South Africa last week and has since been found in some two dozen countries around the globe. Health officials believe that it is more widespread than that. Two cases have been identified in Japan: One is a diplomat from Namibia while the other individual recently visited Peru and had no contact with the first person.