First, its recent unveiling and some of the early reactions it elicited, confirmed the presence of scapegoating as a defense mechanism. The ‘scapegoat’ considers the moment as an important learning opportunity.

Secondly, the ‘unveiling’ of Omicron is a reminder that we have entered the season where perpetual watchfulness is required. It is no longer at ease. Chinua Achebe’s Eneke the bird would know exactly what to do about viruses that have sworn to mutate without ceasing. Eneke will stay ahead of whatever mutation is possible, by any means necessary.