Omicron coronavirus variant could greatly reduce efficacy of Hong Kong vaccines, top scientist says

A leading microbiologist has warned that the Omicron coronavirus variant could significantly reduce the efficacy of vaccines offered in Hong Kong, but said weeks of tests are still needed to determine how easily it spreads.

The University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) Dr Kelvin To Kai-wang was part of a team which on Tuesday night was revealed to have successfully isolated Omicron – a clinical breakthrough in support of global efforts to develop an inactivated vaccine against the new variant.