50% of Europeans May Have Omicron Within Weeks, WHO Says

In early 2022, COVID-19 cases surged, with over 1% of the population in 26 countries infected weekly. Mortality rates remained stable but were higher in areas with low vaccination rates. Omicron became the dominant strain in Western Europe, with forecasts predicting over 50% infection rates in the region within weeks. Despite the rapid spread, vaccines continued to offer protection against severe outcomes. However, the scale of transmission strained health systems, risking overwhelming them.

What percentage of the population in 26 countries was reported to catch COVID-19 weekly as of January 10th, 2022?

• 0.5%

• 2%

• 5%

• 1%

Which region is Omicron quickly becoming the dominant virus in?

• South America

• Eastern Europe

• North America

• Western Europe

What is the forecasted percentage of the population that could be infected with Omicron in the next 6 to 8 weeks?

• 25%

• 30%

• 50%

• 75%

What do the currently approved vaccines provide protection against?

• Only mild COVID-19 symptoms

• Only the original COVID-19 strain

• All variants of COVID-19

• Severe disease and deaths

What is the impact of the unprecedented scale of Omicron transmission on health systems?

• It is challenging and overwhelming health systems

• It is improving health systems

• It is reducing hospitalizations

• It has no impact