Epidemiological Update: SARS-CoV-2 variants in the Region of the Americas - 1 December 2021

The Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) shares updated information regarding the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) that circulate globally and specifically within the countries and territories of the Region of the Americas, including the recently identified VOC, Omicron.

PAHO/WHO recommends that Member States continue their efforts to increase vaccination coverage for COVID-19 and improve adherence to public health measures for reducing SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission. Likewise, Member States should continue to perform genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 samples according to the regional genomic surveillance network guidelines, as well as continue to monitor changes in the incidence of COVID-19.