After the three COVID-19 variants that had been discovered Iota, Alpha, and Delta, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the new variant and named it Omicron. 

According to the research that the WHO had done, the variant has been already detected in at least 77 countries.

The WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that, “The Omicron coronavirus is spreading at a rate not seen with previous variants.”

The Center for Disease Control still recommends people wear masks in public areas or high transmission places to prevent the rise of COVID cases. 

In this situation, Mayor Bill de Blasio recommends every New Yorker wear their masks again in indoor public places to prepare for Omicron. 

De Blasio also urges people to take booster shots for a better chance of antibodies and a stronger protection for themselves.  

“Yes, there is a way. I can keep wearing my mask at school and am already vaccinated,” said WJPS freshman Samariah Paul.

WJPS freshman Jane Castrejon said, “I don’t think there’s a way to completely stop the spread, but wearing the mask can help you protect yourself.”

“Coronavirus Face Masks” by danielfoster437 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0