Since Omicron has been designated as a variant of concern, WHO recommends countries to take several actions:

• such as strengthening surveillance and genome sequencing of cases;
• share genome sequences in publicly available databases, such as GISAID;
• report initial cases or clusters to WHO;
• and conduct field investigations and laboratory tests to better understand whether Omicron has distinct transmission or disease characteristics, or impacts on the effectiveness of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and public and social health measures.
• More information on the November 26 announcement can be found here.

Countries need to continue to put in place effective health measures to suppress the overall spread of COVID-19, using risk analysis and a science-based approach. Countries need to increase certain public health and medical capacities to deal with the increasing number of cases. WHO provides preparedness and response support and guidance to countries.

In addition, along with equitable access to treatment and diagnosis, unequal access to a COVID-19 vaccine must be addressed urgently to ensure that vulnerable groups everywhere, including health workers and the elderly, get their first and second doses.

source: WHO