spreading swiftly around the world. it is spreading at swiftly around the world. it is spreading at a swiftly around the world. it is spreading at a rate swiftly around the world. it 3 spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant. we are concerned that people are dismissing omicron as mild. surely we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril? even if omicron does cause less severe diseases, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems. 3’? unprepared health systems. 77 countries are now reporting omicron cases, with manyjolting into action. the uk has rolled out its plan b measures. and in the netherlands, primary schools are closing early for the holidays. christmas there will once again roll out with less sparkle, as the night time lockdown is extended, limiting house guests to form a queue over christmas and new year s eve. two four. queue over christmas and new year s eve- two four- eve. t