WHO: Omicron poses 'very high' risk , severe consequences

Amidst several countries stepping up their guard and imposing restrictions to stop the spread of newly emerged Omicron variant of coronavirus, WHO's word of caution is concerning.

WHO said on Monday that the new Omicron variant of Covid poses a "very high" global risk and could have "severe consequences" where there are surges.

Here are the top points from WHO's statement:

'Omicron variant is likely to spread internationally. Countries should accelerate vaccinations and put mitigation plans in place to maintain essential health services.'

'Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic.'

'If another major surge of Covid-19 takes place driven by Omicron, consequences may be severe, though no deaths linked to Omicron variant have been reported till date.'

'The overall global risk related to the new variant of concern Omicron is assessed as very high.'

Omicron, first found in South Africa, has been identified in at least 15 other countries.