The origin of the omicron variant is being explored, with some suggestions that it may have evolved in an animal host, possibly mice. The severity and impact of the variant are still being assessed, with some indications that it may be less likely to cause severe disease, but also potentially more effective at evading vaccine-induced immunity. The overall implications of the omicron variant for the covid-19 pandemic are uncertain, with some speculating it could mark the beginning of the end of the pandemic, while others urge caution against overhyping its significance.