Talk of the town：What we know about the Omicron variant
【明報專訊】◆Why is it named Omicron?
There are currently 5 variants of concern(VOCs, 值得關切的變異株 ), and they are all named after Greek letters. The naming system aims at making public communication about variants easier and less confusing. WHO intentionally skipped two alphabets ''Nu'' and ''Xi'' to avoid public confusion, since the former is too similar to the word ''new'' while the latter is a common Chinese surname.
◆Group A specified place with tightened control.
The Hong Kong government announced that inbound travellers from some specific African countries, such as Ethiopia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, are subject to more stringent quarantine and testing requirements. Those countries are listed as Group A specified places for enhanced quarantine and surveillance measures. Hong Kong residents arriving from those places are required to undergo compulsory quarantine at the Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre for the first four days, before being transferred to finish the remaining 17 days of compulsory quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel.
◆Are vaccines ineffective?
The WHO is still working on the potential impact of this variant on vaccines. But it has clarified that vaccines will remain critical to reducing severe disease and death.
◆Grammar booster
Compulsory
If something is compulsory, you must do it because of a rule or law.
e.g. Wearing a face mask is compulsory in school.
■ Game
The Smarties are trapped in a maze full of viruses. Can you help them escape from the maze?
(See the picture)
■ Gear up
1. Variants are named after Greek letters since the variants originated from Greece.
(True/ False/ Not Given)
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
communication (n) 溝通
confusing (adj) 易混淆的
stringent(adj) 嚴格的
measures (n) 措施
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第332期]
