Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (December 23) chaired a review meeting to assess the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and the country's preparedness amid rising concerns over another wave fueled by the Omicron variant. The high-level meeting was attended by senior officials and experts.&nbsp;

So far, India has recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant across 16 states and Union Territories (UTs), according to the Union health ministry data updated on Thursday.&nbsp;

Recently, India's Health Ministry alerted States and Union Territories (UTs) about the Omicron variant, which is apparently at least three times more transmissible than the Delta variant.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-astrazeneca-says-its-third-jab-significantly-boosts-omicron-antibodies-439290">COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies</a>

PM Modi said that the fight against the pandemic is not over&nbsp;and the need for continued adherence to Covid-safe behaviour is of "paramount importance" even today.&nbsp;

During the meeting, officials briefed PM about the emerging scenario globally driven by the new variant Omicron.&nbsp;

He reviewed the status of public health response measures for containment and management of the virus cases.

He took a note on the strengthening of health infrastructure including the availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders and concentrators, ventilators, PSA plants, ICU/oxygen supported beds, human resources, IT interventions and status of vaccination.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-oxygen-supply-to-omicron-threat-10-key-highlights-of-pm-narendra-modis-covid-review-meeting-439451">From oxygen supply to Omicron threat: 10 key highlights of PM Narendra Modi's Covid review meeting</a>

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The ministry further asked the states and UTs to "activate" war rooms and keep analysing even small trends and surges at the district and local levels.&nbsp;

Amid a rise in cases caused by Omicron variant in some countries, there have been demands that the Indian government should allow booster doses of vaccines to be administered to those already fully inoculated against COVID-19. However, there isn't any official remark on the same.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Study suggests Omicron milder than Delta variant

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (December 23) chaired a review meeting to assess the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and the country's preparedness amid rising concerns over another wave fueled by the Omicron variant.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (December 23) chaired a review meeting to assess the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and the country's preparedness amid rising concerns over another wave fueled by the Omicron variant. The high-level meeting was attended by senior officials and experts. So far, India has recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant across 16 states and Union Territories (UTs), according to the Union health ministry data updated on Thursday. Recently, India's Health Ministry alerted States and Union Territories (UTs) about the Omicron variant, which is apparently at least three times more transmissible than the Delta variant. ALSO READ | COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies PM Modi said that the fight against the pandemic is not over and the need for continued adherence to Covid-safe behaviour is of "paramount importance" even today. During the meeting, officials briefed PM about the emerging scenario globally driven by the new variant Omicron. He reviewed the status of public health response measures for containment and management of the virus cases. He took a note on the strengthening of health infrastructure including the availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders and concentrators, ventilators, PSA plants, ICU/oxygen supported beds, human resources, IT interventions and status of vaccination. ALSO READ | From oxygen supply to Omicron threat: 10 key highlights of PM Narendra Modi's Covid review meeting #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs #COVID19 review meeting pic.twitter.com/4lUUVuB7UK — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2021 × The ministry further asked the states and UTs to "activate" war rooms and keep analysing even small trends and surges at the district and local levels. Amid a rise in cases caused by Omicron variant in some countries, there have been demands that the Indian government should allow booster doses of vaccines to be administered to those already fully inoculated against COVID-19. However, there isn't any official remark on the same. WATCH | Study suggests Omicron milder than Delta variant ×

As concerns over Omicron variant in India rise, PM Narendra Modi chairs COVID-19 review meeting

Amid increasing concerns over a new coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India due to the new variant Omicron, which is believed to be highly transmissible, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Thursday (December 23) with experts to check the nation's preparedness.&nbsp;

He reviewed the status of public health response measures for containment and management of the virus cases. He took a note on the strengthening of health infrastructure including the availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders and concentrators, ventilators, PSA plants, ICU/oxygen supported beds, human resources, IT interventions and status of vaccination.&nbsp;

"Reviewed the COVID-19 situation across India, particularly in the wake of Omicron. Our focus is on further ramping up health infra, testing, tracing and ensuring full vaccination coverage," PM Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-astrazeneca-says-its-third-jab-significantly-boosts-omicron-antibodies-439290">COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies</a>

Here are the top ten highlight points of the meeting:&nbsp;

1) PM Modi said that in view of a new variant of Omicron, we should be 'satark' (vigilant) and 'saavdhan' (cautious).&nbsp;

2) He said that there should be a strategy for the proactive, focussed, collaborative, cooperative fight against Covid.&nbsp;

3) PM Modi called for the effective use of IT tools for telemedicine and teleconsultations.&nbsp;

4) He emphasised that it is important for states to ensure oxygen supply equipment are installed, fully functional.

5) PM Modi highlighted the point that the fight against the Covid pandemic is not over and there should be continued adherence to safety guidelines.&nbsp;

6) Talking about the vaccination, PM Modi urged the States to ensure that the eligible population is fully vaccinated against Covid.&nbsp;

7) PM Modi asked for a heightened and close monitoring of emerging clusters and hotspots through active, prompt and effective surveillance.&nbsp;

8) He has further directed to send a good number of positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs in a prompt manner.

9) Modi has asked the officials to speed up the testing to ensure quick identification of cases sp that they can be treated timely. He said that the focus should also be on effective contact tracing.&nbsp;

10) Another important point to note is that he has directed the officials that the central government should send teams to states with low vaccination, rising cases and insufficient health infrastructure to assist them to improve the situation.

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During the meeting, officials briefed PM about the emerging scenario globally driven by the new variant Omicron.&nbsp;

Regarding India, a detailed report of the Omicron cases, including their travel history, vaccination status and recovered status was presented to the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Study suggests Omicron milder than Delta variant

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&nbsp;

Amid increasing concerns over a new coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India due to the new variant Omicron, which is believed to be highly transmissible, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Thursday (December 23) with experts to check the nation's preparedness.

Amid increasing concerns over a new coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India due to the new variant Omicron, which is believed to be highly transmissible, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Thursday (December 23) with experts to check the nation's preparedness. He reviewed the status of public health response measures for containment and management of the virus cases. He took a note on the strengthening of health infrastructure including the availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders and concentrators, ventilators, PSA plants, ICU/oxygen supported beds, human resources, IT interventions and status of vaccination. "Reviewed the COVID-19 situation across India, particularly in the wake of Omicron. Our focus is on further ramping up health infra, testing, tracing and ensuring full vaccination coverage," PM Modi tweeted. ALSO READ | COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies Here are the top ten highlight points of the meeting: 1) PM Modi said that in view of a new variant of Omicron, we should be 'satark' (vigilant) and 'saavdhan' (cautious). 2) He said that there should be a strategy for the proactive, focussed, collaborative, cooperative fight against Covid. 3) PM Modi called for the effective use of IT tools for telemedicine and teleconsultations. 4) He emphasised that it is important for states to ensure oxygen supply equipment are installed, fully functional. 5) PM Modi highlighted the point that the fight against the Covid pandemic is not over and there should be continued adherence to safety guidelines. 6) Talking about the vaccination, PM Modi urged the States to ensure that the eligible population is fully vaccinated against Covid. 7) PM Modi asked for a heightened and close monitoring of emerging clusters and hotspots through active, prompt and effective surveillance. 8) He has further directed to send a good number of positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs in a prompt manner. 9) Modi has asked the officials to speed up the testing to ensure quick identification of cases sp that they can be treated timely. He said that the focus should also be on effective contact tracing. 10) Another important point to note is that he has directed the officials that the central government should send teams to states with low vaccination, rising cases and insufficient health infrastructure to assist them to improve the situation. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs #COVID19 review meeting pic.twitter.com/4lUUVuB7UK — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2021 × During the meeting, officials briefed PM about the emerging scenario globally driven by the new variant Omicron. Regarding India, a detailed report of the Omicron cases, including their travel history, vaccination status and recovered status was presented to the Prime Minister. WATCH | Study suggests Omicron milder than Delta variant ×

From oxygen supply to Omicron threat: 10 key highlights of PM Narendra Modi's Covid review meeting

In response to rising concerns about COVID-19 instances, the US has stated that for the entire year of 2022, it will exempt the in-person interview requirement for a variety of visa applicants, including H-1B employees and students, many of whom are from India.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US businesses to hire foreign workers in specialised vocations that require theoretical or technical knowledge.

Technology firms rely on it to hire tens of thousands of workers from countries such as India and China each year.&nbsp;

Consular officers are now temporarily authorised, through December 31, 2022, to forgo in-person interviews for certain individual petition-based nonimmigrant work visas and their eligible derivatives in the following categories, according to the Department of State.

Individuals in Specialty Occupations (H-1B visas), Trainee or Special Education Visitors (H-3 visas), Intracompany Transferees (L visas), Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O visas), Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers (P visas), and Participants in International Cultural Exchange Programs (P visas) are all eligible for H-1B visas (Q visas).&nbsp;

Additionally, the Secretary of State has extended the ability of consular officials to waive the in-person interview for the following nonimmigrant visa categories through December 31, 2022: H-2 visas for temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers, F and M visas for students, and Academic J visas for student exchange visitors, according to the news release.

On a case-by-case basis and depending on local conditions, embassies and consulates may still demand an in-person interview.

According to the statement, applicants should consult the websites of the embassy and consulate for more information on this development, as well as the current operating status and services.

(With inputs from agencies)

In response to rising concerns about COVID-19 instances, the US has stated that for the entire year of 2022, it will exempt the in-person interview requirement for a variety of visa applicants, including H-1B employees and students, many of whom are from India.

In response to rising concerns about COVID-19 instances, the US has stated that for the entire year of 2022, it will exempt the in-person interview requirement for a variety of visa applicants, including H-1B employees and students, many of whom are from India. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US businesses to hire foreign workers in specialised vocations that require theoretical or technical knowledge. Technology firms rely on it to hire tens of thousands of workers from countries such as India and China each year. Consular officers are now temporarily authorised, through December 31, 2022, to forgo in-person interviews for certain individual petition-based nonimmigrant work visas and their eligible derivatives in the following categories, according to the Department of State. Individuals in Specialty Occupations (H-1B visas), Trainee or Special Education Visitors (H-3 visas), Intracompany Transferees (L visas), Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O visas), Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers (P visas), and Participants in International Cultural Exchange Programs (P visas) are all eligible for H-1B visas (Q visas). Additionally, the Secretary of State has extended the ability of consular officials to waive the in-person interview for the following nonimmigrant visa categories through December 31, 2022: H-2 visas for temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers, F and M visas for students, and Academic J visas for student exchange visitors, according to the news release. On a case-by-case basis and depending on local conditions, embassies and consulates may still demand an in-person interview. According to the statement, applicants should consult the websites of the embassy and consulate for more information on this development, as well as the current operating status and services. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid COVID-19 surge, US drops personal interviews for H-1B, L-1 Visas for now

“Don’t worry!” you reassure me cheerily between coughs, removing your mask to release a particularly phlegmy one. “It’s not Covid!”

To which I say, with tenderness and concern, while also trying not to inhale: Nope.

This holiday season, the fear of missing out is particularly acute, and everyone’s eager to step out for a smidge of sparkle and cheer. But even if you’re reasonably sure your chest cold, stomach bug or swollen sinuses are not coronavirus-related, I’m going to ask that you step away from the mulled cider until you are healthy.

I get it! We’ve been in this pandemic for what feels like a lifetime, and the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant has thrown many of us off balance. I recently watched an adult friend dissolve into tears upon realizing she had missed a 3-year-old’s birthday celebration because she had the time wrong. That’s right, a 3-year-old’s birthday party. At a park. We are languishing, and it makes us want to gather together, even if it means we need to put on real pants again.

But please, if you’re sick, don’t.

Even if it’s not Covid, it’s never a good look — especially in flu season — to show up resembling an extra from “Contagion.” At the risk of being a Grinch, I’d rather not catch your head cold or stomach flu, thank you.

In 2021, health feels like a greater, and perhaps more fragile, gift than ever before — which means that if you’re feeling unwell, the best present you can give might be sparing others your presence.

If you’re worried that being a no-show is rude, don’t be, says Lizzie Post, a professional polite person — the great-great-granddaughter of the etiquette advice columnist Emily Post, as well as a co-host of the “Awesome Etiquette” podcast and a co-president of the Emily Post Institute, which offers advice and training on good manners.

“From a social perspective, canceling because you are sick has always been a thoughtful and considerate thing to do,” Ms. Post says. “That’s just always been true.”

Ms. Post acknowledges that a runny nose can be a symptom of allergies or other noncontagious circumstances. When that’s the case and you’ve fully ruled out Covid with testing, she says, it’s polite to proactively tell a companion or a co-worker exactly why you’re sniffling. “Transparency is really a part of politeness today when it comes to our health and well-being,” she says. In other words, speak up and don’t put others in the awkward position of having to ask about your symptoms. And, of course, if you’re feeling unsure about whether to attend a gathering, discuss the situation with your host.

The same principle of transparency applies to parents socializing with babies or children — especially those too young to be vaccinated. A friend and I recently rescheduled a play date twice: First her baby was congested, then mine had a cough. We spoke about it both times and mutually decided to postpone. I was disappointed, but watching my 1-year-old chew on toys with a stuffy-nosed playmate would have been unnecessarily stressful.

Jim Thomas, an epidemiologist at the University of North Carolina, has researched many countries’ approaches to public health and found himself particularly moved by New Zealand’s.

“They include as one of their principles neighborliness,” Dr. Thomas says, adding that the public health concept came from the country’s Indigenous Maori culture. “Among the Maori, they consider others more important than themselves. So with that kind of a perspective, I would take precautions with masks or even being with you, out of concern for you. Because I want you to be as healthy as possible.”

In the United States, Dr. Thomas says, it can feel as though the reverse is true. “It’s like, ‘How dare you step on my liberties! I am going to do what I want because this is a free country,’” he says.

Another very American tendency — the valorization of overwork — may have led to our habit of showing up at our workplaces with coughs and colds. No doubt, Americans owe some of this working-while-sick tendency to a lack of federally mandated paid leave, which leaves many employees facing significant economic hardship if a cough keeps them home from work. But even among those with access to paid sick leave, there’s often a martyrish compulsion to show up for the sake of showing up — a scourge known as presenteeism that we should leave firmly in 2019.

Perhaps instead we can integrate another concept, Dr. Thomas suggests: interdependence. “Interdependence is not quite as warm and fuzzy as neighborliness. It’s more biological — that what happens in one person has an effect on other people,” he says. “One person’s infection is another person’s exposure.”

Seen through that lens, the decision to attend a gathering while unwell looks rather narcissistic. It says to your fellow attendees, “I know I risked your health by turning up here, but isn’t my presence worth it?” Especially for those of us with vulnerable family members or friends, the answer is likely to be a resounding no, even if your anecdotes are dazzling and your gingersnaps are delicious.

This calculus of the risks versus rewards of socializing in a pandemic can vary from person to person, Dr. Thomas points out. Someone living with a senior parent, unvaccinated young children or an immune-compromised partner may be more wary of exposure — and perhaps less hungry for social interaction — than a single person.

That calculus can be excruciating when people feel lonely and want to see loved ones and friends during the holiday season.

But no party is worth risking passing on a deadly disease, Dr. Thomas says: “It’s unethical. It’s unthoughtful, and it’s selfish.”

“Don’t worry!” you reassure me cheerily between coughs, removing your mask to release a particularly phlegmy one. “It’s not Covid!” To which I say, with tenderness and concern, while also trying not to inhale: Nope.

“Don’t worry!” you reassure me cheerily between coughs, removing your mask to release a particularly phlegmy one. “It’s not Covid!” To which I say, with tenderness and concern, while also trying not to inhale: Nope. This holiday season, the fear of missing out is particularly acute, and everyone’s eager to step out for a smidge of sparkle and cheer. But even if you’re reasonably sure your chest cold, stomach bug or swollen sinuses are not coronavirus-related, I’m going to ask that you step away from the mulled cider until you are healthy. I get it! We’ve been in this pandemic for what feels like a lifetime, and the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant has thrown many of us off balance. I recently watched an adult friend dissolve into tears upon realizing she had missed a 3-year-old’s birthday celebration because she had the time wrong. That’s right, a 3-year-old’s birthday party. At a park. We are languishing, and it makes us want to gather together, even if it means we need to put on real pants again. But please, if you’re sick, don’t. Even if it’s not Covid, it’s never a good look — especially in flu season — to show up resembling an extra from “Contagion.” At the risk of being a Grinch, I’d rather not catch your head cold or stomach flu, thank you. In 2021, health feels like a greater, and perhaps more fragile, gift than ever before — which means that if you’re feeling unwell, the best present you can give might be sparing others your presence. If you’re worried that being a no-show is rude, don’t be, says Lizzie Post, a professional polite person — the great-great-granddaughter of the etiquette advice columnist Emily Post, as well as a co-host of the “Awesome Etiquette” podcast and a co-president of the Emily Post Institute, which offers advice and training on good manners. “From a social perspective, canceling because you are sick has always been a thoughtful and considerate thing to do,” Ms. Post says. “That’s just always been true.” Ms. Post acknowledges that a runny nose can be a symptom of allergies or other noncontagious circumstances. When that’s the case and you’ve fully ruled out Covid with testing, she says, it’s polite to proactively tell a companion or a co-worker exactly why you’re sniffling. “Transparency is really a part of politeness today when it comes to our health and well-being,” she says. In other words, speak up and don’t put others in the awkward position of having to ask about your symptoms. And, of course, if you’re feeling unsure about whether to attend a gathering, discuss the situation with your host. The same principle of transparency applies to parents socializing with babies or children — especially those too young to be vaccinated. A friend and I recently rescheduled a play date twice: First her baby was congested, then mine had a cough. We spoke about it both times and mutually decided to postpone. I was disappointed, but watching my 1-year-old chew on toys with a stuffy-nosed playmate would have been unnecessarily stressful. Jim Thomas, an epidemiologist at the University of North Carolina, has researched many countries’ approaches to public health and found himself particularly moved by New Zealand’s. “They include as one of their principles neighborliness,” Dr. Thomas says, adding that the public health concept came from the country’s Indigenous Maori culture. “Among the Maori, they consider others more important than themselves. So with that kind of a perspective, I would take precautions with masks or even being with you, out of concern for you. Because I want you to be as healthy as possible.” In the United States, Dr. Thomas says, it can feel as though the reverse is true. “It’s like, ‘How dare you step on my liberties! I am going to do what I want because this is a free country,’” he says. Another very American tendency — the valorization of overwork — may have led to our habit of showing up at our workplaces with coughs and colds. No doubt, Americans owe some of this working-while-sick tendency to a lack of federally mandated paid leave, which leaves many employees facing significant economic hardship if a cough keeps them home from work. But even among those with access to paid sick leave, there’s often a martyrish compulsion to show up for the sake of showing up — a scourge known as presenteeism that we should leave firmly in 2019. Perhaps instead we can integrate another concept, Dr. Thomas suggests: interdependence. “Interdependence is not quite as warm and fuzzy as neighborliness. It’s more biological — that what happens in one person has an effect on other people,” he says. “One person’s infection is another person’s exposure.” Seen through that lens, the decision to attend a gathering while unwell looks rather narcissistic. It says to your fellow attendees, “I know I risked your health by turning up here, but isn’t my presence worth it?” Especially for those of us with vulnerable family members or friends, the answer is likely to be a resounding no, even if your anecdotes are dazzling and your gingersnaps are delicious. This calculus of the risks versus rewards of socializing in a pandemic can vary from person to person, Dr. Thomas points out. Someone living with a senior parent, unvaccinated young children or an immune-compromised partner may be more wary of exposure — and perhaps less hungry for social interaction — than a single person. That calculus can be excruciating when people feel lonely and want to see loved ones and friends during the holiday season. But no party is worth risking passing on a deadly disease, Dr. Thomas says: “It’s unethical. It’s unthoughtful, and it’s selfish.”

Please don’t tell me ‘it’s not Covid’ while coughing in my face

Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases worldwide, countries are contemplating strict measures to curb the spread and so as Australia as some states are re-instating rules.&nbsp;

The Victorian government has expanded its face mask mandate across all indoor settings as well as outdoors at major events.&nbsp;

James Merlino, who is Victoria's acting premier, has announced that masks will become mandatory for those eight years and above from 11.59pm (local time) Thursday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-astrazeneca-says-its-third-jab-significantly-boosts-omicron-antibodies-439290">COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies</a>

Merlino said, "This is a sensible response which will allow businesses to stay open, bars and restaurants to continue to stay open and major events to go ahead."

"Masks are a cheap and effective way to maintain the health of the community – it’s something public health experts have been calling for," he added.&nbsp;

Not just Victoria, New South Wales (NSW) also said it was again making it mandatory to wear masks indoors in public places, while venues were told to limit visitors and re-activate customer check-in via QR code.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-causes-40-45-less-hospitalisation-than-delta-variant-reveal-uk-studies-439162">Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies</a>

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet told reporters, "Today's changes are modest, cautious and take a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January."

It is important to note that Australia is reporting a major spike in Covid infections, however, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that there won't be lockdowns.&nbsp;

New South Wales listed 5,715 new cases Thursday, which was up from 3,763 a day earlier. Victoria recorded 2,005 new Covid cases and 10 deaths on Thursday.&nbsp;

COVID-19 situation in Australia

Hospitalisations remain far lower than during the Delta wave, with about 800 people in hospitals out of nearly 44,000 active cases. But only 37 of those are Omicron cases, the health department said in an emailed response as reported by Reuters.

Amid the Omicron wave, Australia's tally of 273,000 infections and 2,173 deaths is far lower than many countries.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Report: Booster shot effective against Omicron variant

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(With inputs from agencies)

Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases worldwide, countries are contemplating strict measures to curb the spread and so as Australia as some states are re-instating rules.

Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases worldwide, countries are contemplating strict measures to curb the spread and so as Australia as some states are re-instating rules. The Victorian government has expanded its face mask mandate across all indoor settings as well as outdoors at major events. James Merlino, who is Victoria's acting premier, has announced that masks will become mandatory for those eight years and above from 11.59pm (local time) Thursday. ALSO READ | COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies Merlino said, "This is a sensible response which will allow businesses to stay open, bars and restaurants to continue to stay open and major events to go ahead." "Masks are a cheap and effective way to maintain the health of the community – it’s something public health experts have been calling for," he added. Not just Victoria, New South Wales (NSW) also said it was again making it mandatory to wear masks indoors in public places, while venues were told to limit visitors and re-activate customer check-in via QR code. ALSO READ | Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet told reporters, "Today's changes are modest, cautious and take a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January." It is important to note that Australia is reporting a major spike in Covid infections, however, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that there won't be lockdowns. New South Wales listed 5,715 new cases Thursday, which was up from 3,763 a day earlier. Victoria recorded 2,005 new Covid cases and 10 deaths on Thursday. COVID-19 situation in Australia Hospitalisations remain far lower than during the Delta wave, with about 800 people in hospitals out of nearly 44,000 active cases. But only 37 of those are Omicron cases, the health department said in an emailed response as reported by Reuters. Amid the Omicron wave, Australia's tally of 273,000 infections and 2,173 deaths is far lower than many countries. WATCH | Report: Booster shot effective against Omicron variant × (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Amid Omicron threat, Australian states reinstate curbs as cases rise

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has said that its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is effective against the Omicron variant, which is spreading fast across the world after it was first detected a month ago.&nbsp;

Citing a study, the British pharmaceutical giant said that a third, or "booster" dose of its Covid vaccine Vaxzevria lifted antibody levels "significantly" against the Omicron strain in a <a href="https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2021/vaxzevria-significantly-boosted-antibody-levels-against-omicron.html">laboratory study</a>.&nbsp;

"Vaxzevria significantly boosted levels of antibodies against the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.529) following a third dose booster," the company said in a statement citing a study which is yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-causes-40-45-less-hospitalisation-than-delta-variant-reveal-uk-studies-439162">Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies</a>

A part of the report, published by AstraZeneca on its website stated that neutralising antibody levels against Omicron following a third dose boost of Vaxzevria were broadly similar to levels achieved after two doses against the Delta variant.&nbsp;

The study analysed blood samples taken from individuals infected with Covid-19; those vaccinated with two doses plus a booster; and those who had reported previous Covid infection.

Investigators from the University of Oxford, which is the academic institution that helped AstraZeneca develop the vaccine last year, conducted the study.&nbsp;

Professor Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK and one of the study investigators, said: "It is very encouraging to see that current vaccines have the potential to protect against Omicron following a third dose booster. These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron."

WHO's warning over Omicron

Recently,&nbsp;the World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the world to pull together and make difficult decisions needed within the next year as he said that "2022 must be the year we end the pandemic."

He also said that it's better to cancel events "now and celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later" and urged the countries to avoid crowd gatherings as it would be a "perfect platform" for Omicron to spread.&nbsp;

"An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled," he said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;United Kingdom records 100,000 Coronavirus cases in single day

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(With inputs from agencies)

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has said that its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is effective against the Omicron variant, which is spreading fast across the world after it was first detected a month ago.

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has said that its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is effective against the Omicron variant, which is spreading fast across the world after it was first detected a month ago. Citing a study, the British pharmaceutical giant said that a third, or "booster" dose of its Covid vaccine Vaxzevria lifted antibody levels "significantly" against the Omicron strain in a laboratory study. "Vaxzevria significantly boosted levels of antibodies against the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.529) following a third dose booster," the company said in a statement citing a study which is yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. ALSO READ | Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies A part of the report, published by AstraZeneca on its website stated that neutralising antibody levels against Omicron following a third dose boost of Vaxzevria were broadly similar to levels achieved after two doses against the Delta variant. The study analysed blood samples taken from individuals infected with Covid-19; those vaccinated with two doses plus a booster; and those who had reported previous Covid infection. Investigators from the University of Oxford, which is the academic institution that helped AstraZeneca develop the vaccine last year, conducted the study. Professor Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK and one of the study investigators, said: "It is very encouraging to see that current vaccines have the potential to protect against Omicron following a third dose booster. These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron." WHO's warning over Omicron Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the world to pull together and make difficult decisions needed within the next year as he said that "2022 must be the year we end the pandemic." He also said that it's better to cancel events "now and celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later" and urged the countries to avoid crowd gatherings as it would be a "perfect platform" for Omicron to spread. "An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled," he said. WATCH | United Kingdom records 100,000 Coronavirus cases in single day × (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, but he has announced that he will skip today's rally in western Uttar Pradesh and will avoid public appearances for three days.

Yadav announced his COVID-negative test on Twitter in Hindi earlier today, stating that he made the decision as a preventative measure after members of his family were sick.&nbsp;

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परिवार के लोगों के कोरोना पॉज़िटिव होने की वजह से हम तीन दिनों के लिए एहतियात बरतते हुए सार्वजनिक कार्यक्रमों में शामिल नहीं हो पाएँगे। 
 
आज की इगलास की ‘सपा-रालोद’ की संयुक्त रैली की अपार सफलता के लिए शुभकामनाएँ व सभी कार्यकर्ताओं से पूरे उत्साह और ऊर्जा से सक्रिय रहने की अपील। <a href="https://t.co/v7mkNJtlEC">pic.twitter.com/v7mkNJtlEC</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1473911479116124160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This comes just hours after his wife, Dimple Yadav, and their daughter were found to be infected with the illness in the middle of the high-stakes Uttar Pradesh election campaign.

Dimple Yadav, a former Member of Parliament, said on Twitter that she has tested positive for COVID-19, but that she is fully vaccinated and asymptomatic.&nbsp;

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मैंने कोविड टेस्ट कराया जिसकी रिपोर्ट पॉजिटिव है। 
 
मैं पूरी तरह से वैक्सिनेटेड हूं और कोई भी लक्षण अभी दिखाई नहीं दे रहे है। 
 
अपनी और दूसरों की सुरक्षा की दृष्टि से मैंने खुद को अलग कर लिया है। 
 
हाल फिलहाल मुझसे मिलने वाले सभी लोगों से अनुरोध है कि वे अपना टेस्ट जल्द कराएं।
— Dimple Yadav (@dimpleyadav) <a href="https://twitter.com/dimpleyadav/status/1473605868088291329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, but he has announced that he will skip today's rally in western Uttar Pradesh and will avoid public appearances for three days.

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, but he has announced that he will skip today's rally in western Uttar Pradesh and will avoid public appearances for three days. Yadav announced his COVID-negative test on Twitter in Hindi earlier today, stating that he made the decision as a preventative measure after members of his family were sick. परिवार के लोगों के कोरोना पॉज़िटिव होने की वजह से हम तीन दिनों के लिए एहतियात बरतते हुए सार्वजनिक कार्यक्रमों में शामिल नहीं हो पाएँगे। आज की इगलास की ‘सपा-रालोद’ की संयुक्त रैली की अपार सफलता के लिए शुभकामनाएँ व सभी कार्यकर्ताओं से पूरे उत्साह और ऊर्जा से सक्रिय रहने की अपील। pic.twitter.com/v7mkNJtlEC — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) December 23, 2021 × This comes just hours after his wife, Dimple Yadav, and their daughter were found to be infected with the illness in the middle of the high-stakes Uttar Pradesh election campaign. Dimple Yadav, a former Member of Parliament, said on Twitter that she has tested positive for COVID-19, but that she is fully vaccinated and asymptomatic. मैंने कोविड टेस्ट कराया जिसकी रिपोर्ट पॉजिटिव है। मैं पूरी तरह से वैक्सिनेटेड हूं और कोई भी लक्षण अभी दिखाई नहीं दे रहे है। अपनी और दूसरों की सुरक्षा की दृष्टि से मैंने खुद को अलग कर लिया है। हाल फिलहाल मुझसे मिलने वाले सभी लोगों से अनुरोध है कि वे अपना टेस्ट जल्द कराएं। — Dimple Yadav (@dimpleyadav) December 22, 2021 ×

India Assembly Elections 2022: Akhilesh Yadav skips rally after his wife and daughter test positive for COVID

Amid vaccines, pills and ever-mutating Covid virus, a new approach to combat the pandemic is being tested. One that of nasal spray. True, news stories about such a treatment have been doing rounds. But there are very early indications that such a treatment indeed can be part of collective fight against the pandemic.

Researchers in Australia are testing whether a nasal spray of a particular drug can make a Covid patient less infectious. Important thing about these trials are the researchers are using a commonly available drug heparin. It is a blood thinner. Due to it easy availability, such sprays may potentially be made on large scale.

The trials are going to go on till mid-2022 after which we would know for sure if this approach is workable. But if results are encouraging then we may have another weapon in our arsenal against Covid-19.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usfda-gives-go-ahead-to-pfizers-covid-pill-439146">USFDA gives go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill</a>

The nasal spray does not target the spike protein of coronavirus. Large number of mutations in spike protein have been a persistent issue in front of scientists previously.

When the drug is sprayed in the nose, it does not enter the bloodstream but stays in the nose. The aim is to let the virus latch on to the drug instead of human cells.

Researchers are hopeful that the drug, in addition to make a Covid patient less infectious, can also potentially be used as a nose mask. If such a function of the drug is found to be feasible, healthy persons would be able to use the nasal spray before heading out in the open to protect themselves.

Amid vaccines, pills and ever-mutating Covid virus, a new approach to combat the pandemic is being tested. One that of nasal spray. True, news stories about such a treatment have been doing rounds.

Amid vaccines, pills and ever-mutating Covid virus, a new approach to combat the pandemic is being tested. One that of nasal spray. True, news stories about such a treatment have been doing rounds. But there are very early indications that such a treatment indeed can be part of collective fight against the pandemic. Researchers in Australia are testing whether a nasal spray of a particular drug can make a Covid patient less infectious. Important thing about these trials are the researchers are using a commonly available drug heparin. It is a blood thinner. Due to it easy availability, such sprays may potentially be made on large scale. The trials are going to go on till mid-2022 after which we would know for sure if this approach is workable. But if results are encouraging then we may have another weapon in our arsenal against Covid-19. Also Read | USFDA gives go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill The nasal spray does not target the spike protein of coronavirus. Large number of mutations in spike protein have been a persistent issue in front of scientists previously. When the drug is sprayed in the nose, it does not enter the bloodstream but stays in the nose. The aim is to let the virus latch on to the drug instead of human cells. Researchers are hopeful that the drug, in addition to make a Covid patient less infectious, can also potentially be used as a nose mask. If such a function of the drug is found to be feasible, healthy persons would be able to use the nasal spray before heading out in the open to protect themselves.

Covid: Australian researchers examine if blood thinner nasal spray offers protection

The National Hockey League said on Wednesday it will not send its players to compete in the men's ice hockey tournament at the Beijing Winter Olympics after the regular season schedule was disrupted due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

"Unfortunately, given the profound disruption to the NHL's regular-season schedule caused by recent COVID-related events -- 50 games already have been postponed through Dec. 23 -- Olympic participation is no longer feasible," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.

The NHL agreed last September to pause its regular season so the world's top players could compete in Beijing but could withdraw from the agreement if COVID-19 disruptions forced games to be rescheduled during the Olympics window.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/most-countries-wont-join-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-winter-olympics-says-ioc-president-thomas-bach-437195">Most countries won't join diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics, says IOC President Thomas Bach</a>

With COVID-19 spreading through team locker rooms, the NHL, in an attempt to combat the outbreak, brought its Christmas break forward to shut down operations from Wednesday through to Dec. 27.

The NHL had until Jan. 10 to withdraw from the Feb. 4-20 Olympics without financial penalty.

The decision comes as a huge disappointment for players, who had negotiated a return to the Olympics into the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

"Since the CBA extension was reached 17 months ago, NHL players have looked forward with great anticipation to once again participating in the Winter Olympics," said NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) Executive Director Don Fehr in a statement.

"Until very recently, we seemed to be on a clear path to go to Beijing.

"COVID-19 has unfortunately intervened, forcing dozens of games to be postponed this month alone. No matter how much we wish it were not the case, we need to utilize the Olympic period to reschedule these games."

The NHL, unhappy over the prospect of interrupting a regular season to send their most valuable assets overseas where they could get hurt, ended a run of participation in five consecutive Winter Olympics when it decided not to go to Pyeongchang in 2018.

The presence of NHL players at the Olympics made the men`s ice hockey tournament one of the marquee events of the global sporting showcase.

Countries will now have to quickly put a Plan B in place.

For Canada and the United States, which would have sent teams stocked completely with NHL players, that will mean a top to bottom overhaul cobbling together a roster from other leagues.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/winter-olympics-china-warns-australia-uk-us-for-diplomatic-boycott-says-will-pay-price-for-wrong-acts-435445">Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts'</a>

Other countries, such as Sweden, Finland, Russia, Germany and Czech Republic, will also have big holes to fill with many of their best players also in the NHL.

Sweden, home to one of the most competitive leagues outside the NHL, said it had been preparing for the possibility that NHL players would not be available.

"We are prepared for a situation where the NHL players don`t take part in the Olympics," Johan Hemline, head of hockey operations at the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), told Reuters in an interview. "It has been a possible scenario for some time, and we are prepared."

The National Hockey League said on Wednesday it will not send its players to compete in the men's ice hockey tournament at the Beijing Winter Olympics after the regular season schedule was disrupted due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The National Hockey League said on Wednesday it will not send its players to compete in the men's ice hockey tournament at the Beijing Winter Olympics after the regular season schedule was disrupted due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. "Unfortunately, given the profound disruption to the NHL's regular-season schedule caused by recent COVID-related events -- 50 games already have been postponed through Dec. 23 -- Olympic participation is no longer feasible," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. The NHL agreed last September to pause its regular season so the world's top players could compete in Beijing but could withdraw from the agreement if COVID-19 disruptions forced games to be rescheduled during the Olympics window. ALSO READ: Most countries won't join diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics, says IOC President Thomas Bach With COVID-19 spreading through team locker rooms, the NHL, in an attempt to combat the outbreak, brought its Christmas break forward to shut down operations from Wednesday through to Dec. 27. The NHL had until Jan. 10 to withdraw from the Feb. 4-20 Olympics without financial penalty. The decision comes as a huge disappointment for players, who had negotiated a return to the Olympics into the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). "Since the CBA extension was reached 17 months ago, NHL players have looked forward with great anticipation to once again participating in the Winter Olympics," said NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) Executive Director Don Fehr in a statement. "Until very recently, we seemed to be on a clear path to go to Beijing. "COVID-19 has unfortunately intervened, forcing dozens of games to be postponed this month alone. No matter how much we wish it were not the case, we need to utilize the Olympic period to reschedule these games." The NHL, unhappy over the prospect of interrupting a regular season to send their most valuable assets overseas where they could get hurt, ended a run of participation in five consecutive Winter Olympics when it decided not to go to Pyeongchang in 2018. The presence of NHL players at the Olympics made the men`s ice hockey tournament one of the marquee events of the global sporting showcase. Countries will now have to quickly put a Plan B in place. For Canada and the United States, which would have sent teams stocked completely with NHL players, that will mean a top to bottom overhaul cobbling together a roster from other leagues. ALSO READ: Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts' Other countries, such as Sweden, Finland, Russia, Germany and Czech Republic, will also have big holes to fill with many of their best players also in the NHL. Sweden, home to one of the most competitive leagues outside the NHL, said it had been preparing for the possibility that NHL players would not be available. "We are prepared for a situation where the NHL players don`t take part in the Olympics," Johan Hemline, head of hockey operations at the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), told Reuters in an interview. "It has been a possible scenario for some time, and we are prepared."

NHL says won't send players for Beijing Games after regular season disrupted due to surge in COVID-19 cases

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is not stopping Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, who has been tested positive for the virus, as she continues to work from isolation.&nbsp;

On Monday (December 20) she informed on Twitter: "I have taken a rapid test and tested positive for COVID-19. Following public health guidelines, I am in isolation and will continue my work virtually, as I have been for a number of days until I get the results of my PCR test."

She also highlighted the importance of Covid vaccines as it is helping in curbing the spread of the deadly virus. She said that vaccines remained the best protection against contracting the coronavirus or suffering serious symptoms from the disease.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-reports-first-death-due-to-omicron-variant-an-unvaccinated-man-in-his-50s-438710">US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s</a>

"I'm grateful for the protection that vaccines offer us and encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted. It's the best thing we can do to keep our families safe this holiday season and all year long," she said.&nbsp;

Joly, 42, took over as foreign minister in October after serving Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as his minister of economic development and official languages.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-variants-properties-keep-surprising-experts-claim-438696">Omicron variant's properties keep 'surprising', experts claim</a>

Meanwhile, Trudeau said on Friday a spike in cases related to the Omicron variant was "scary," while a top medical official suggested the healthcare system could soon be swamped.

Earlier in the day, Quebec, Canada's second-most-populous province, ordered bars, gyms and casinos shut on Monday and directed people to work only from home.

(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is not stopping Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, who has been tested positive for the virus, as she continues to work from isolation.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is not stopping Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, who has been tested positive for the virus, as she continues to work from isolation. On Monday (December 20) she informed on Twitter: "I have taken a rapid test and tested positive for COVID-19. Following public health guidelines, I am in isolation and will continue my work virtually, as I have been for a number of days until I get the results of my PCR test." She also highlighted the importance of Covid vaccines as it is helping in curbing the spread of the deadly virus. She said that vaccines remained the best protection against contracting the coronavirus or suffering serious symptoms from the disease. ALSO READ | US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s "I'm grateful for the protection that vaccines offer us and encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted. It's the best thing we can do to keep our families safe this holiday season and all year long," she said. Joly, 42, took over as foreign minister in October after serving Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as his minister of economic development and official languages. ALSO READ | Omicron variant's properties keep 'surprising', experts claim Meanwhile, Trudeau said on Friday a spike in cases related to the Omicron variant was "scary," while a top medical official suggested the healthcare system could soon be swamped. Earlier in the day, Quebec, Canada's second-most-populous province, ordered bars, gyms and casinos shut on Monday and directed people to work only from home. (With inputs from agencies)

'Will continue my work virtually,' says Canada foreign minister after testing positive for COVID-19

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15.&nbsp;

The photo was published in almost all media outlets in the UK on Sunday as the garden party row went viral and angered the public, becoming fodder for online backlash. The photo showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country.&nbsp;

In the photo, Johnson can be seen sitting with his then-fiancee Carrie (now wife) and 17 other staff members with bottles of wine and a cheeseboard on a table in front of them.&nbsp;

The picture included some of Johnson's top team such as former health secretary Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings, principal private secretary Martin Reynolds, etc.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-experts-disagree-with-boris-johnsons-plan-of-delaying-covid-regulations-438667">UK experts disagree with Boris Johnson's plan of delaying Covid regulations</a>

The photo didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week.&nbsp;

On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo.&nbsp;

Who leaked the photo?

The Daily Mail has reported that the photograph was believed to be taken from the first-floor veranda at the back of No 11 Downing Street. It is important to note that the offices of the Chancellor are there.&nbsp;

The office was apparently used by&nbsp;British Chancellor of the Exchequer&nbsp;Rishi Sunak's people, and anybody else going in would have been noticed, The Mail noted, citing a source.&nbsp;

If no one from outside came in, then it appears that someone who works at No. 10 might have clicked it or got access to it. Someone can be anyone, including the staff members.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-at-work-talking-about-work-boris-johnson-reacts-to-downing-street-garden-party-photo-438627">'People at work, talking about work': Boris Johnson reacts to Downing Street garden party photo</a>

Over rumours and speculations about who leaked the photo and which staff members were present on that day, Johnson's press secretary told the Guardian: "I'm not going to get into confirming individual staff members, as you'd expect."&nbsp;

As per Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, whosoever made the photograph public wanted to "damage the Government".

Is there a conspiracy?

The timing of this party-photo-being-public is quite questionable as the Johnson administration has been facing criticism over a range of issues, including the Covid situation in the country.&nbsp;

There are talks about imposing fresh restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Also, the Conservatives lost a long-held parliamentary seat in a by-election last week.&nbsp;

Is there a conspiracy to make the most of the situation in an attempt to jeopardise Johnson's political career?&nbsp;

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Who said what to defend the government?

Johnson's spokesman on Friday, after sources told the Guardian and Independent about the event: "In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings. On 15 May 2020 the prime minister held a series of meetings throughout the afternoon, including briefly with the then health and care secretary and his team in the garden following a press conference. The prime minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm. A small number of staff required to be in work remained in the Downing Street garden for part of the afternoon and evening."

After seeing the photo, he said, "As we said last week, work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months. On this occasion, there were staff meetings after a No 10 press conference. Downing Street is the prime minister's home as well as his workplace. The prime minister's wife lives in No 10 and therefore also legitimately uses the garden."

Raab on Monday said, "I think there’s a lot of exhausted people, and they, as people do in work, were having a drink after the formal business had been done."

Johnson’s spokesman on Monday said, "This shows colleagues who were required to be in work, meeting following a press conference to discuss work … It was not against the regulations for those individuals to have a drink outside working hours, but still discussing work."

Johnson on Monday said, "This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work."

Here's how the public reacted

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On the left is leisurely garden party (I refuse to class this as working) with wine, attended by Boris &amp; Carrie Johnson &amp; breaking all 2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid</a> Lockdown rules. 
 
On the right is an NHS nurse after her 2020 shift coping with Covid patients, trying desperately to save lives. <a href="https://t.co/9gT7Xe5wfZ">pic.twitter.com/9gT7Xe5wfZ</a>
— Angela 🇪🇺💙 Rebel With Many Causes #ToriesOut (@spaceangel1964) <a href="https://twitter.com/spaceangel1964/status/1472853079993245696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hey, <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metpoliceuk</a>, here's the Prime Minister, his wife, and 17 other people at a garden party in Downing Street, held on 15th May 2020 - during lockdown. 
 
Hope this counts as evidence. You're welcome 👍 <a href="https://t.co/UamJp05u9Y">pic.twitter.com/UamJp05u9Y</a>
— BelieveTheTruth 🇪🇺 (@Sam_BTT) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sam_BTT/status/1472650794684096518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Friday 15th May 2020 at 1 pm we held a minute’s silence on our ward (and throughout our hospital) in memory of those who died from Covid - little did we know that the PM &amp; friends were enjoying a garden party that same afternoon. <a href="https://t.co/ESx6AqZ3um">pic.twitter.com/ESx6AqZ3um</a>
— 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗷𝗮𝘆 𝗠 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮 (@UKGastroDr) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKGastroDr/status/1472841398483402755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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My Nan was home alone for months 
 
The loneliness and isolation meant my Grandads dementia accelerated to the point that he was unrecognisable 
 
The stories of despair I heard from people due to not seeing their family were heartbreaking 
 
While they, relaxed and had a garden party! <a href="https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS">https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS</a>
— Ben Taylor (@MarketingproBen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarketingproBen/status/1472674971763761158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Dominic Raab has come out in support of Boris Johnson bringing his baby to the lockdown garden party: “It’s an emergency services emotional support baby” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “Yes, that’s allowed!” <a href="https://t.co/tHn8ITSST8">pic.twitter.com/tHn8ITSST8</a>
— Zack Ferguson (@zackferguson) <a href="https://twitter.com/zackferguson/status/1473379110361698305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Let’s remember that at end April 2020 I was reprimanded by someone from THE POLICE because I stopped in a park, alone and not near other people, to LOOK at a swan, while on a walk to clear my head before work on ICU next day 
 
Hope you enjoyed the garden party <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> <a href="https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0">https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0</a>
— Aoife Abbey (@WhistlingDixie4) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhistlingDixie4/status/1472931836577947657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15.

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15. The photo was published in almost all media outlets in the UK on Sunday as the garden party row went viral and angered the public, becoming fodder for online backlash. The photo showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country. In the photo, Johnson can be seen sitting with his then-fiancee Carrie (now wife) and 17 other staff members with bottles of wine and a cheeseboard on a table in front of them. The picture included some of Johnson's top team such as former health secretary Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings, principal private secretary Martin Reynolds, etc. ALSO READ | UK experts disagree with Boris Johnson's plan of delaying Covid regulations The photo didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week. On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo. Who leaked the photo? The Daily Mail has reported that the photograph was believed to be taken from the first-floor veranda at the back of No 11 Downing Street. It is important to note that the offices of the Chancellor are there. The office was apparently used by British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's people, and anybody else going in would have been noticed, The Mail noted, citing a source. If no one from outside came in, then it appears that someone who works at No. 10 might have clicked it or got access to it. Someone can be anyone, including the staff members. ALSO READ | 'People at work, talking about work': Boris Johnson reacts to Downing Street garden party photo Over rumours and speculations about who leaked the photo and which staff members were present on that day, Johnson's press secretary told the Guardian: "I'm not going to get into confirming individual staff members, as you'd expect." As per Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, whosoever made the photograph public wanted to "damage the Government". Is there a conspiracy? The timing of this party-photo-being-public is quite questionable as the Johnson administration has been facing criticism over a range of issues, including the Covid situation in the country. There are talks about imposing fresh restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Also, the Conservatives lost a long-held parliamentary seat in a by-election last week. Is there a conspiracy to make the most of the situation in an attempt to jeopardise Johnson's political career? × Who said what to defend the government? Johnson's spokesman on Friday, after sources told the Guardian and Independent about the event: "In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings. On 15 May 2020 the prime minister held a series of meetings throughout the afternoon, including briefly with the then health and care secretary and his team in the garden following a press conference. The prime minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm. A small number of staff required to be in work remained in the Downing Street garden for part of the afternoon and evening." After seeing the photo, he said, "As we said last week, work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months. On this occasion, there were staff meetings after a No 10 press conference. Downing Street is the prime minister's home as well as his workplace. The prime minister's wife lives in No 10 and therefore also legitimately uses the garden." Raab on Monday said, "I think there’s a lot of exhausted people, and they, as people do in work, were having a drink after the formal business had been done." Johnson’s spokesman on Monday said, "This shows colleagues who were required to be in work, meeting following a press conference to discuss work … It was not against the regulations for those individuals to have a drink outside working hours, but still discussing work." Johnson on Monday said, "This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work." Here's how the public reacted On the left is leisurely garden party (I refuse to class this as working) with wine, attended by Boris & Carrie Johnson & breaking all 2020 #Covid Lockdown rules. On the right is an NHS nurse after her 2020 shift coping with Covid patients, trying desperately to save lives. pic.twitter.com/9gT7Xe5wfZ — Angela 🇪🇺💙 Rebel With Many Causes #ToriesOut (@spaceangel1964) December 20, 2021 × Hey, @metpoliceuk, here's the Prime Minister, his wife, and 17 other people at a garden party in Downing Street, held on 15th May 2020 - during lockdown. Hope this counts as evidence. You're welcome 👍 pic.twitter.com/UamJp05u9Y — BelieveTheTruth 🇪🇺 (@Sam_BTT) December 19, 2021 × On Friday 15th May 2020 at 1 pm we held a minute’s silence on our ward (and throughout our hospital) in memory of those who died from Covid - little did we know that the PM & friends were enjoying a garden party that same afternoon. pic.twitter.com/ESx6AqZ3um — 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗷𝗮𝘆 𝗠 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮 (@UKGastroDr) December 20, 2021 × My Nan was home alone for months The loneliness and isolation meant my Grandads dementia accelerated to the point that he was unrecognisable The stories of despair I heard from people due to not seeing their family were heartbreaking While they, relaxed and had a garden party! https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS — Ben Taylor (@MarketingproBen) December 19, 2021 × Dominic Raab has come out in support of Boris Johnson bringing his baby to the lockdown garden party: “It’s an emergency services emotional support baby” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “Yes, that’s allowed!” pic.twitter.com/tHn8ITSST8 — Zack Ferguson (@zackferguson) December 21, 2021 × Let’s remember that at end April 2020 I was reprimanded by someone from THE POLICE because I stopped in a park, alone and not near other people, to LOOK at a swan, while on a walk to clear my head before work on ICU next day Hope you enjoyed the garden party @BorisJohnson https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0 — Aoife Abbey (@WhistlingDixie4) December 20, 2021 ×

Boris garden party: Who leaked the photo? Amid Omicron crisis, UK govt to hunt the 'insider'

India's Kerala High Court has dismissed a plea on Tuesday (December 21) seeking removal of the country's PM Narendra Modi's photo from the coronavirus (COVID-19) immunisation certificates.&nbsp;

The petition was dismissed with a fine of $1320 (INR 100,000). The Court stated that it was "frivolous" and had "ulterior motives" and also called it "publicity oriented" and indicated that the petitioner probably also had a "political agenda".&nbsp;

Justice PV&nbsp;Kunhikrishnan said: "This is a frivolous petition filed with ulterior motives and I have a strong doubt that there is political agenda also to petitioner. According to me, this is a publicity oriented litigation. Therefore, this is a fit case that is to be dismissed with a heavy cost."

Kerala High Court also highlighted the point that during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccines are playing an important role in curbing the spread of the virus and boosting people's immunity against it.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-gradually-spreads-in-india-200-cases-detected-so-far-says-govt-438646">Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt</a>

The Court said that if the Prime Minister is sending a message with his photograph that with the help of jabs and strict control, India will defeat the virus, "what is wrong with it?"

"The citizens need not be ashamed to carry a vaccination certificate with the photograph of the Prime Minister with a morale boosting message, especially in this pandemic situation," the high court said as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-russian-president-putin-speak-on-phone-about-developing-bilateral-ties-438517">Indian PM Modi, Russian President Putin speak on phone about developing bilateral ties</a>

The court has also directed the petitioner, Peter Myaliparampil, to deposit the cost in favour of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) within six weeks.

If not done within the given time frame, the cost within the stipulated period, KeLSA shall recover the amount from his assets by initiating revenue recovery proceedings against him.

India's Kerala High Court has dismissed a plea on Tuesday (December 21) seeking removal of the country's PM Narendra Modi's photo from the coronavirus (COVID-19) immunisation certificates.

India's Kerala High Court has dismissed a plea on Tuesday (December 21) seeking removal of the country's PM Narendra Modi's photo from the coronavirus (COVID-19) immunisation certificates. The petition was dismissed with a fine of $1320 (INR 100,000). The Court stated that it was "frivolous" and had "ulterior motives" and also called it "publicity oriented" and indicated that the petitioner probably also had a "political agenda". Justice PV Kunhikrishnan said: "This is a frivolous petition filed with ulterior motives and I have a strong doubt that there is political agenda also to petitioner. According to me, this is a publicity oriented litigation. Therefore, this is a fit case that is to be dismissed with a heavy cost." Kerala High Court also highlighted the point that during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccines are playing an important role in curbing the spread of the virus and boosting people's immunity against it. ALSO READ | Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt The Court said that if the Prime Minister is sending a message with his photograph that with the help of jabs and strict control, India will defeat the virus, "what is wrong with it?" "The citizens need not be ashamed to carry a vaccination certificate with the photograph of the Prime Minister with a morale boosting message, especially in this pandemic situation," the high court said as quoted by news agency PTI. ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi, Russian President Putin speak on phone about developing bilateral ties The court has also directed the petitioner, Peter Myaliparampil, to deposit the cost in favour of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) within six weeks. If not done within the given time frame, the cost within the stipulated period, KeLSA shall recover the amount from his assets by initiating revenue recovery proceedings against him.

Indian court dismisses plea to remove PM Modi’s photo from vaccine certificates, imposes $1320 fine

As the coronavirus’ new variant, Omicron, is doubling up cases all around the world, China has also observed a surge in cases and has now started testing citizens.<o:p></o:p>

The Chinese city of Xi'an started a mass testing campaign on Tuesday after more than 40 new Covid cases were detected in the neighbouring areas. In order to ensure that the spread can be controlled in the upcoming festivities and a busy travel season, millions of locals were urged to come ahead and get tested for the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

Xi’an is a northwestern city that houses nearly 13 million people. The authorities reported 42 new cases on Tuesday, taking the tally of cases in December to 91. This prompted an immediate start of mass testing programmes in the city.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-lab-leak-most-likely-source-of-covid-19-british-mps-told-437529">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-lab-leak-most-likely-source-of-covid-19-british-mps-told-437529/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

To break the chain of local outbreaks, the authorities have also closed in-person classes for school children. In addition to this, all large and indoor entertainment and recreation venues have also bene ordered to stay shut till further notice. <o:p></o:p>

Authorities are also urging locals to stay indoors unless necessary and avoid large gatherings at all costs. Locals are also being encouraged to get fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible, with mobile clinics popping up in different areas of the country.<o:p></o:p>

COVID-19 is not the only disease going through the streets of China. Xi’an locals are also being haunted by a rodent-borne disease haemorrhagic fever. The deadly disease took over the city in the beginning of the winter season.<o:p></o:p>

Authorities have urged people to exercise caution and stay calm, stressing that this disease can be prevented through proper vaccination.<o:p></o:p>

As the coronavirus’ new variant, Omicron, is doubling up cases all around the world, China has also observed a surge in cases and has now started testing citizens.

As the coronavirus’ new variant, Omicron, is doubling up cases all around the world, China has also observed a surge in cases and has now started testing citizens. The Chinese city of Xi'an started a mass testing campaign on Tuesday after more than 40 new Covid cases were detected in the neighbouring areas. In order to ensure that the spread can be controlled in the upcoming festivities and a busy travel season, millions of locals were urged to come ahead and get tested for the deadly coronavirus. Xi’an is a northwestern city that houses nearly 13 million people. The authorities reported 42 new cases on Tuesday, taking the tally of cases in December to 91. This prompted an immediate start of mass testing programmes in the city. WATCH | To break the chain of local outbreaks, the authorities have also closed in-person classes for school children. In addition to this, all large and indoor entertainment and recreation venues have also bene ordered to stay shut till further notice. Authorities are also urging locals to stay indoors unless necessary and avoid large gatherings at all costs. Locals are also being encouraged to get fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible, with mobile clinics popping up in different areas of the country. COVID-19 is not the only disease going through the streets of China. Xi’an locals are also being haunted by a rodent-borne disease haemorrhagic fever. The deadly disease took over the city in the beginning of the winter season. Authorities have urged people to exercise caution and stay calm, stressing that this disease can be prevented through proper vaccination.

China's Xi'an starts testing for millions as Covid cases surge

The Omicron variant accounted for 73 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in the United States, up from about 3 per cent last week, according to the latest data available in federal estimats.

The highly modified coronavirus strain has been found across the country, according to a model updated weekly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The delta variant, which was the prevalent strain of the virus in the United States until last week, has now dropped to about 27&nbsp;per cent of sequenced cases.

The significant increase in Omicron's overall prevalence raises concerns that the rapidly spreading variant&nbsp;would cause a wave of infections, putting the US health-care system under strain. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-thailand-may-reintroduce-mandatory-quarantine-for-foreign-travellers-438554">Also read | Omicron: Thailand may reintroduce mandatory quarantine for foreign travellers</a>

While there is no evidence that Omicron causes more severe sickness than delta, a huge increase in infection numbers could overwhelm hospitals.&nbsp;

Despite evidence that it is not more severe than the Delta variant, early research suggests Omicron could be more infectious and possibly have higher vaccine resistance.

Since its discovery in South Africa in November, Omicron has been found in dozens of nations, putting an end to optimism that the pandemic's darkest days are behind it. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Omicron spooks Indian markets, investors lose over USD130 billion in a day

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-omicron-spooks-indian-markets-investors-lose-over-usd130-billion-in-a-day-438558/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, urged countries to redouble their efforts to help end the pandemic, urging for new year's celebrations to be cancelled since it was better to "celebrate later than to cry later."&nbsp;

The increase in Omicron was expected, according to the CDC, and is consistent with global tendencies.

Omicron is responsible for nearly all new infections in various parts of the United States.

According to the CDC, the variant&nbsp;was responsible for 92 percent of infections in New York and New Jersey, and 96 percent in Washington state.

To stave against Omicron, the US is advising anyone who are eligible to be vaccinated and get booster injections.

Moderna Inc. announced on Monday that a third dose of their vaccination increased antibody levels against the variant, and Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE have indicated that a third dose of their vaccine also helps neutralise Omicron in lab trials.

Other preventative measures, like as masking inside and at-home testing, can also help stop the virus from spreading, according to the CDC.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Omicron variant accounted for 73 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in the United States, up from about 3 per cent last week, according to the latest data available in federal estimats.

The Omicron variant accounted for 73 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in the United States, up from about 3 per cent last week, according to the latest data available in federal estimats. The highly modified coronavirus strain has been found across the country, according to a model updated weekly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The delta variant, which was the prevalent strain of the virus in the United States until last week, has now dropped to about 27 per cent of sequenced cases. The significant increase in Omicron's overall prevalence raises concerns that the rapidly spreading variant would cause a wave of infections, putting the US health-care system under strain. Also read | Omicron: Thailand may reintroduce mandatory quarantine for foreign travellers While there is no evidence that Omicron causes more severe sickness than delta, a huge increase in infection numbers could overwhelm hospitals. Despite evidence that it is not more severe than the Delta variant, early research suggests Omicron could be more infectious and possibly have higher vaccine resistance. Since its discovery in South Africa in November, Omicron has been found in dozens of nations, putting an end to optimism that the pandemic's darkest days are behind it. Watch | Gravitas: Omicron spooks Indian markets, investors lose over USD130 billion in a day Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, urged countries to redouble their efforts to help end the pandemic, urging for new year's celebrations to be cancelled since it was better to "celebrate later than to cry later." The increase in Omicron was expected, according to the CDC, and is consistent with global tendencies. Omicron is responsible for nearly all new infections in various parts of the United States. According to the CDC, the variant was responsible for 92 percent of infections in New York and New Jersey, and 96 percent in Washington state. To stave against Omicron, the US is advising anyone who are eligible to be vaccinated and get booster injections. Moderna Inc. announced on Monday that a third dose of their vaccination increased antibody levels against the variant, and Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE have indicated that a third dose of their vaccine also helps neutralise Omicron in lab trials. Other preventative measures, like as masking inside and at-home testing, can also help stop the virus from spreading, according to the CDC. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron: Within a week, the strain increased from 3% to 73% of US COVID-19 cases

With the COVID-19 Omicron variant continuing to spread and relatives and friends intending to get together over the holidays, the head of the World Health Organization has cautioned that celebrations may need to be cancelled.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking in Geneva, remarked, "An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled. It’s better to cancel now and celebrate later, than to celebrate now and grieve later."

"There can be no doubt that increased social mixing over the holiday period in many countries will lead to increased cases, overwhelmed health systems, and more deaths,", he said. 
 
"All of us are sick of this pandemic. All of us want to spend time with friends and family. All of us want to get back to normal." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-within-a-week-the-strain-increased-from-3-to-73-of-us-covid-19-cases-438597">Also read | Omicron: Within a week, the strain increased from 3% to 73% of US COVID-19 cases</a> 
 
"The fastest way to do that is for all of us—leaders and individuals—to make the difficult decisions that must be made to protect ourselves and others." 
 
Watch | Europe weighs Christmas restrictions amid Omicron scare

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europe-weighs-christmas-restrictions-amid-omicron-scare-438518/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Tedros, the Omicron form is spreading quicker than the Delta variant and is infecting patients who have already been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 illness. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-lot-of-uncertainty-covid-19-surge-puts-many-americans-on-edge-about-travelling-438572">‘A lot of uncertainty’: COVID-19 surge puts many Americans on edge about travelling</a>

According to experts, the variant is able to evade some immune responses, implying that the booster programmes being implemented in many nations should target people with weakened immune systems.&nbsp;

COVID-19 has claimed the lives of almost 3.3 million people this year, more than HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined in 2020, and Africa is now facing a sharp wave of infections, mostly driven by the Omicron variant. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-thailand-may-reintroduce-mandatory-quarantine-for-foreign-travellers-438554">Omicron: Thailand may reintroduce mandatory quarantine for foreign travellers</a>

Tedros reminded reporters that just a month ago, Africa was reporting its lowest number of cases in 18 months, while this week it reported the fourth-highest number of cases in a single week so far.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With the COVID-19 Omicron variant continuing to spread and relatives and friends intending to get together over the holidays, the head of the World Health Organization has cautioned that celebrations may need to be cancelled.

With the COVID-19 Omicron variant continuing to spread and relatives and friends intending to get together over the holidays, the head of the World Health Organization has cautioned that celebrations may need to be cancelled. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking in Geneva, remarked, "An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled. It’s better to cancel now and celebrate later, than to celebrate now and grieve later." "There can be no doubt that increased social mixing over the holiday period in many countries will lead to increased cases, overwhelmed health systems, and more deaths,", he said. "All of us are sick of this pandemic. All of us want to spend time with friends and family. All of us want to get back to normal." Also read | Omicron: Within a week, the strain increased from 3% to 73% of US COVID-19 cases "The fastest way to do that is for all of us—leaders and individuals—to make the difficult decisions that must be made to protect ourselves and others." Watch | Europe weighs Christmas restrictions amid Omicron scare According to Tedros, the Omicron form is spreading quicker than the Delta variant and is infecting patients who have already been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 illness. ALSO READ | ‘A lot of uncertainty’: COVID-19 surge puts many Americans on edge about travelling According to experts, the variant is able to evade some immune responses, implying that the booster programmes being implemented in many nations should target people with weakened immune systems. COVID-19 has claimed the lives of almost 3.3 million people this year, more than HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined in 2020, and Africa is now facing a sharp wave of infections, mostly driven by the Omicron variant. ALSO READ | Omicron: Thailand may reintroduce mandatory quarantine for foreign travellers Tedros reminded reporters that just a month ago, Africa was reporting its lowest number of cases in 18 months, while this week it reported the fourth-highest number of cases in a single week so far. (With inputs from agencies)

'An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled': WHO chief

Across the nation, COVID-19 cases are surging and the omicron variant is spreading, throwing the scheduling of schools, concerts and sports leagues into question. Just days away from a holiday weekend, Americans are also grappling with whether to change their traveling or gathering plans.

Millions are forging ahead, but, for many, a sense of unease has crept in.

“My entire family is pretty uncertain about what to do there, what the rules should be,” said Max Farmer, 24, who lives in San Francisco. “With omicron, there’s just a lot of uncertainty.”

Farmer has plans to go to Minnesota this month and see his family for the first time in three years. But he said he was worried about the possibility of getting them sick, particularly a sister who was pregnant.

“It’s definitely something that goes through your head while you’re travelling,” he said.

More than 109 million Americans are expected to travel between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, a 34% increase from last year, according to AAA. The number of airline passengers alone is projected to rise 184% from last year.

On Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said that it was OK for Americans to travel and gather, but he strongly emphasised that people take precautions.

“If you’re vaccinated and you’re boosted, and you take care when you go into congregate settings like airports to make sure you continually wear your mask, you should be OK,” Fauci said on “Meet the Press” on NBC. He urged air travellers to remain masked during flights.

Caiden Nason, a political campaigner in San Francisco, said he would be flying to see family in rural Southern California. “I’m a little nervous,” he said. But he added: “I just got tested today. My parents will all get tested, too. I will double mask on the aeroplane.”

Sally Avery, a native of Columbus, Ohio, who now lives in France, was in Cleveland to visit her daughter. She said the uncertainty over the COVID-19 surge caused her to leave early and miss the holidays with her daughter. If France went into lockdown, she said at Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland, “I could be here for a long time, and I can’t do that.”

Monica Neal of Smyrna, Georgia, took a trip to South Africa on Thanksgiving, but she said she ended up getting stuck there for days because of the omicron variant. She cancelled a trip to Europe this month.

“I have travelled internationally twice this year, and I’ve fortunately been very safe and very healthy,” she said. “I didn’t want to push that luck.”

Many others said they had no plans to adjust. Blake Howe, a software engineer in Roswell, Georgia, said he was going on a cruise in January for his 30th birthday. He planned the trip months ago and received his shots and the booster.

Howe said he knew that cruise liners had been breeding grounds for COVID-19 in the past, but he’s not concerned this time. “They’re requiring full vaccination, as well as the booster,” he said, adding that “they’re at reduced capacity on the ship.”

Some who were interviewed weren’t planning to travel anywhere — and were happy to stay put.

“I wouldn’t want to go anywhere right now,” said Monica Rokes, a 69-year-old retired bank teller in Camden, Maine, who was shopping in the town of Rockland. She said she had started taking more precautions in recent days — washing her hands more often, using hand sanitiser, avoiding large crowds and groups of people, and wearing her mask.

“It’s very frightening,” she said of the recent surge. “I’m doing everything I can do to stay safe.”

For those planning to attend large gatherings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still recommending that everyone get vaccinated before getting together with multiple generations of the same family. For indoor gatherings, the CDC is asking people to consider taking an at-home rapid test beforehand.

Eugene DeMarco, 35, who has a bakery stand at the West Side Market in Cleveland, said that his family typically had a big holiday get-together and that this year would be no different.

“We aren’t concerned at all,” said DeMarco, who is unvaccinated and was not wearing a mask. “About 60 or so of our family will be getting together. The COVID-19 infections are the reality, and you have to get used to it. Can’t be driven by fear.”

J’Rycee Johnson, a 20-year-old in Baltimore who works for a T-shirt company, said that he didn’t have extensive plans but that nothing was changing for him, either, adding that he was unconcerned by the virus.

“I don’t take vaccines at all,” he said, citing his spiritual belief that God heals. “That’s basically what it comes down to for me.”

In Springfield, Missouri, Mary Ann Johnson, 57, is looking forward to celebrating with her family on Christmas Eve, even though she’s aware that the omicron variant is spreading quickly.

She worries about contracting the virus from the general public or from clients at her workplace; she works with individuals who have been arrested in connection with impaired driving. But she said she felt comfortable with just her family: “all three of my kids, all five of the grandsons and two foster grandsons.”

Still, Johnson is making one adjustment: No hugs or kisses, she said.

“My daughter-in-law has lupus, so we are extremely cautious with her,” Johnson said. She added: “We all know how we feel. With the virus, that’s good enough.”

Across the nation, COVID-19 cases are surging and the omicron variant is spreading, throwing the scheduling of schools, concerts and sports leagues into question.

Across the nation, COVID-19 cases are surging and the omicron variant is spreading, throwing the scheduling of schools, concerts and sports leagues into question. Just days away from a holiday weekend, Americans are also grappling with whether to change their traveling or gathering plans. Millions are forging ahead, but, for many, a sense of unease has crept in. “My entire family is pretty uncertain about what to do there, what the rules should be,” said Max Farmer, 24, who lives in San Francisco. “With omicron, there’s just a lot of uncertainty.” Farmer has plans to go to Minnesota this month and see his family for the first time in three years. But he said he was worried about the possibility of getting them sick, particularly a sister who was pregnant. “It’s definitely something that goes through your head while you’re travelling,” he said. More than 109 million Americans are expected to travel between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, a 34% increase from last year, according to AAA. The number of airline passengers alone is projected to rise 184% from last year. On Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said that it was OK for Americans to travel and gather, but he strongly emphasised that people take precautions. “If you’re vaccinated and you’re boosted, and you take care when you go into congregate settings like airports to make sure you continually wear your mask, you should be OK,” Fauci said on “Meet the Press” on NBC. He urged air travellers to remain masked during flights. Caiden Nason, a political campaigner in San Francisco, said he would be flying to see family in rural Southern California. “I’m a little nervous,” he said. But he added: “I just got tested today. My parents will all get tested, too. I will double mask on the aeroplane.” Sally Avery, a native of Columbus, Ohio, who now lives in France, was in Cleveland to visit her daughter. She said the uncertainty over the COVID-19 surge caused her to leave early and miss the holidays with her daughter. If France went into lockdown, she said at Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland, “I could be here for a long time, and I can’t do that.” Monica Neal of Smyrna, Georgia, took a trip to South Africa on Thanksgiving, but she said she ended up getting stuck there for days because of the omicron variant. She cancelled a trip to Europe this month. “I have travelled internationally twice this year, and I’ve fortunately been very safe and very healthy,” she said. “I didn’t want to push that luck.” Many others said they had no plans to adjust. Blake Howe, a software engineer in Roswell, Georgia, said he was going on a cruise in January for his 30th birthday. He planned the trip months ago and received his shots and the booster. Howe said he knew that cruise liners had been breeding grounds for COVID-19 in the past, but he’s not concerned this time. “They’re requiring full vaccination, as well as the booster,” he said, adding that “they’re at reduced capacity on the ship.” Some who were interviewed weren’t planning to travel anywhere — and were happy to stay put. “I wouldn’t want to go anywhere right now,” said Monica Rokes, a 69-year-old retired bank teller in Camden, Maine, who was shopping in the town of Rockland. She said she had started taking more precautions in recent days — washing her hands more often, using hand sanitiser, avoiding large crowds and groups of people, and wearing her mask. “It’s very frightening,” she said of the recent surge. “I’m doing everything I can do to stay safe.” For those planning to attend large gatherings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still recommending that everyone get vaccinated before getting together with multiple generations of the same family. For indoor gatherings, the CDC is asking people to consider taking an at-home rapid test beforehand. Eugene DeMarco, 35, who has a bakery stand at the West Side Market in Cleveland, said that his family typically had a big holiday get-together and that this year would be no different. “We aren’t concerned at all,” said DeMarco, who is unvaccinated and was not wearing a mask. “About 60 or so of our family will be getting together. The COVID-19 infections are the reality, and you have to get used to it. Can’t be driven by fear.” J’Rycee Johnson, a 20-year-old in Baltimore who works for a T-shirt company, said that he didn’t have extensive plans but that nothing was changing for him, either, adding that he was unconcerned by the virus. “I don’t take vaccines at all,” he said, citing his spiritual belief that God heals. “That’s basically what it comes down to for me.” In Springfield, Missouri, Mary Ann Johnson, 57, is looking forward to celebrating with her family on Christmas Eve, even though she’s aware that the omicron variant is spreading quickly. She worries about contracting the virus from the general public or from clients at her workplace; she works with individuals who have been arrested in connection with impaired driving. But she said she felt comfortable with just her family: “all three of my kids, all five of the grandsons and two foster grandsons.” Still, Johnson is making one adjustment: No hugs or kisses, she said. “My daughter-in-law has lupus, so we are extremely cautious with her,” Johnson said. She added: “We all know how we feel. With the virus, that’s good enough.”

‘A lot of uncertainty’: COVID-19 surge puts many Americans on edge about travelling

From the US reporting its first death due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 to Pakistan's Supreme Court slamming the country's military establishment, pointing out that land meant for defence purposes was being misused for commercial activities. Here are the top 10 news headlines at this hour, click on the links to read the full report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-reports-first-death-due-to-omicron-variant-an-unvaccinated-man-in-his-50s-438710">US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s</a> 
United States has reported its first death due to Omicron variant of COVID-19, health officials said. The deceased is a man in his 50s from Texas and was reportedly unvaccinated. He was previously infected with COVID-19, according to a release from Harris County Public Health.

<img alt="Omicron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b9322bb9-6aad-47b5-b6e0-ffd550de6547" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omicron%20%283%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-variants-properties-keep-surprising-experts-claim-438696">Omicron variant's properties keep 'surprising', experts claim</a> 
Several nations across the world are struggling to control the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. While some countries are reimplementing Covid regulations, others are hoping it would pass away by vaccination. Amid all this chaos, scientists are still 'surprised' by properties of Omicron variant.

<img alt="Omicron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f992b5a8-769e-4cae-9d31-852716b5a664" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omicron%20%284%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mall-on-defence-land-how-pak-military-misused-land-for-commercial-purposes-438773">Mall on defence land: How Pak military misused land for commercial purposes</a> 
Pakistan's Supreme Court has come down heavily on the country's military establishment, pointing out that land meant for defence purposes was being misused for commercial activities. The three-judge bench belonging to the country's top court was hearing a case relating to the illegal use of cantonment board lands in Karachi.

<img alt="Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6f42c33-f65e-4af4-b85a-8a5b0c695e4e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pakistan_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-500mn-free-tests-deploy-military-personnel-to-fight-covid-19-surge-438722">US to send 500mn free tests, deploy military personnel to fight COVID-19 surge</a> 
According to a White House official, the US will distribute 500 million free COVID-19 tests and mobilise military medical practitioners and push ahead with vaccination amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the country. Reports say the US government is ready to provide 1,000 doctors, nurses and military medical staff including emergency equipment for hospitals across the country.

<img alt="United States" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24b022ee-116e-4243-89ea-0ed473f83e5e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/United%20States%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-injectable-medication-for-prevention-from-hiv-gets-fda-nod-in-us-438778">In a first, injectable medication for prevention from HIV gets FDA nod in US</a> 
The fight against the HIV has been raging around the world for quite some time. As a huge respite, an injectable medication has been approved for prevention against HIV by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. It is the first long-acting drug for use as pre-exposure prevention or PrEP, the agency announced on Monday.&nbsp;

<img alt="HIV" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0c65ef7-733f-4c49-948f-03add16e147e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HIV.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-companies-individuals-indicted-for-illegally-selling-cruise-missiles-to-china-report-438749">Israeli companies, individuals indicted for illegally selling cruise missiles to China: Report</a> 
According to reports, Israeli companies have been found guilty of illegally exporting cruise missiles to China. The Israeli state attorney office connected to the finance department said ten Israeli suspects including three companies committed security violations to sell the missiles to China.

<img alt="Israel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="327861e9-d3ca-4733-8b94-41eca0ba2ae6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Israel.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-tank-platoons-conduct-combat-firing-exercises-to-strengthen-defence-abilities-438712">Taiwan tank platoons conduct combat firing exercises to strengthen defence abilities</a> 
To strengthen its defence capabilities, Taiwan's army on Tuesday (December 21) conducted specialised training for its tank platoons at the Kengzikou training ground in Hsinchu, as reported by CNA. As per the report, Taiwan's army battle tanks showed off their fighting capability at a combat firing exercise as two platoons of M-60 Patton and CM-11 Brave Tiger battle tanks open fire at invading forces in a mock attack.

<img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="29667ea0-2e75-47a9-b521-83cc1ac0aa29" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Taiwan.jpg" />&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ryanair-ceo-for-allowing-only-vaccinated-passengers-to-fly-says-report-438803">Ryanair CEO for allowing only vaccinated passengers to fly, says report</a> 
Only passengers, who are vaccinated, should be allowed to board a plane, said Ryanair Holdings Plc’s Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary, as per a report by Telegraph. The governments around the world should “make life difficult” for people, who are refusing to take the vaccines without any good reason, the European airline chief seems to have proposed in an interaction with the newspaper. &nbsp;

<img alt="Ryanair" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75f98892-d035-453e-b092-1d343c159fe6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ryanair.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-sales-of-electric-vehicles-beat-diesel-cars-in-europe-438795">For the first time, sales of electric vehicles beat diesel cars in Europe</a> 
Europe has been increasingly adopting vehicles, which run on cleaner fuel. This has proven true as the sales of electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrids have outpaced the diesel cars in the continent last month. The Tesla, Renault Zoe and Dacia Spring seems to have been becoming highly popular among motorists.

<img alt="Car" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3cbf2cb7-76dc-4937-b569-420639a969f4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/car.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petition-seeking-clemency-for-truck-driver-sentenced-to-110-yr-jail-for-crash-gets-over-44-mn-signatories-438707">Petition seeking clemency for truck driver sentenced to 110-yr-jail for crash gets over 4.4 mn signatories</a> 
An online petition seeking clemency for a truck driver sentenced to 110 years in jail for a deadly 2019 crash has got over 4.4 million signatories in the United States. The crash, which had occurred on Colorado’s I-70, had led to death of four persons.

<img alt="truck driver" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba4c0bbf-484f-441c-a9e5-2e7cfebea272" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/truck%20driver.jpg" />

From the US reporting its first death due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 to Pakistan's Supreme Court slamming the country's military establishment, pointing out that land meant for defence purposes was being misused for commercial activities.

From the US reporting its first death due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 to Pakistan's Supreme Court slamming the country's military establishment, pointing out that land meant for defence purposes was being misused for commercial activities. Here are the top 10 news headlines at this hour, click on the links to read the full report. US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s United States has reported its first death due to Omicron variant of COVID-19, health officials said. The deceased is a man in his 50s from Texas and was reportedly unvaccinated. He was previously infected with COVID-19, according to a release from Harris County Public Health. Omicron variant's properties keep 'surprising', experts claim Several nations across the world are struggling to control the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. While some countries are reimplementing Covid regulations, others are hoping it would pass away by vaccination. Amid all this chaos, scientists are still 'surprised' by properties of Omicron variant. Mall on defence land: How Pak military misused land for commercial purposes Pakistan's Supreme Court has come down heavily on the country's military establishment, pointing out that land meant for defence purposes was being misused for commercial activities. The three-judge bench belonging to the country's top court was hearing a case relating to the illegal use of cantonment board lands in Karachi. US to send 500mn free tests, deploy military personnel to fight COVID-19 surge According to a White House official, the US will distribute 500 million free COVID-19 tests and mobilise military medical practitioners and push ahead with vaccination amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the country. Reports say the US government is ready to provide 1,000 doctors, nurses and military medical staff including emergency equipment for hospitals across the country. In a first, injectable medication for prevention from HIV gets FDA nod in US The fight against the HIV has been raging around the world for quite some time. As a huge respite, an injectable medication has been approved for prevention against HIV by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. It is the first long-acting drug for use as pre-exposure prevention or PrEP, the agency announced on Monday. Israeli companies, individuals indicted for illegally selling cruise missiles to China: Report According to reports, Israeli companies have been found guilty of illegally exporting cruise missiles to China. The Israeli state attorney office connected to the finance department said ten Israeli suspects including three companies committed security violations to sell the missiles to China. Taiwan tank platoons conduct combat firing exercises to strengthen defence abilities To strengthen its defence capabilities, Taiwan's army on Tuesday (December 21) conducted specialised training for its tank platoons at the Kengzikou training ground in Hsinchu, as reported by CNA. As per the report, Taiwan's army battle tanks showed off their fighting capability at a combat firing exercise as two platoons of M-60 Patton and CM-11 Brave Tiger battle tanks open fire at invading forces in a mock attack. Ryanair CEO for allowing only vaccinated passengers to fly, says report Only passengers, who are vaccinated, should be allowed to board a plane, said Ryanair Holdings Plc’s Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary, as per a report by Telegraph. The governments around the world should “make life difficult” for people, who are refusing to take the vaccines without any good reason, the European airline chief seems to have proposed in an interaction with the newspaper. For the first time, sales of electric vehicles beat diesel cars in Europe Europe has been increasingly adopting vehicles, which run on cleaner fuel. This has proven true as the sales of electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrids have outpaced the diesel cars in the continent last month. The Tesla, Renault Zoe and Dacia Spring seems to have been becoming highly popular among motorists. Petition seeking clemency for truck driver sentenced to 110-yr-jail for crash gets over 4.4 mn signatories An online petition seeking clemency for a truck driver sentenced to 110 years in jail for a deadly 2019 crash has got over 4.4 million signatories in the United States. The crash, which had occurred on Colorado’s I-70, had led to death of four persons.

Top 10 World News: US to deploy military personnel to fight Covid, update on Omicron variant and more

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to wreak havoc across the world after the emergence of new variants, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday (December 20) opined about taking strict measures to end it.&nbsp;

He urged the world to pull together and make difficult decisions needed within the next year as he said that "2022 must be the year we end the pandemic."

Ahead of the end-of-year festivities, he told the reporters in Geneva that it's better to cancel events "now and celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later" and urged the countries to avoid crowd gatherings as it would be a "perfect platform" for Omicron to spread.&nbsp;

"An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-thailand-may-reintroduce-mandatory-quarantine-for-foreign-travellers-438554">Omicron: Thailand may reintroduce mandatory quarantine for foreign travellers</a>

WHO on Omicron threat

It's almost been a month since the first case of Omicron was detected. The early evidence suggested that the variant has a large number of mutations.&nbsp;

It has already started fueling new waves of COVID-19 in a few countries like the United Kingdom. Since it was first reported in South Africa in November, Omicron has been identified in dozens of countries.

The scientists have said that there's a possible increased risk of reinfection. However, the indications are mere speculations as experts are probing the immune escape potential of the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-lot-of-uncertainty-covid-19-surge-puts-many-americans-on-edge-about-travelling-438572">‘A lot of uncertainty’: COVID-19 surge puts many Americans on edge about travelling</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Omicron is a variant of the virus that causes <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. To protect yourself and others: 
 
💉 Get vaccinated as soon as it's your turn 
😷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WearAMask?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WearAMask</a> 
↔️ Keep physical distance and avoid crowds 
🪟 Open windows 
💪 Cough/sneeze into your elbow 
👐 Clean your hands
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1472955653677146117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The WHO has said the heavily mutated variant is spreading at an unprecedented rate. "There is now consistent evidence that Omicron is spreading significantly faster than the Delta variant," Tedros said, warning that an increase in the number of cases... may overwhelm the health system and more people could die.

More than 5.3 million people have died since the start of the pandemic, though the true toll is believed to be several times higher.

WHO chief also highlighted the point that there should be equity across the world as many vulnerable people are still waiting for a first vaccine dose. &nbsp;

"If we are to end the pandemic in the coming year, we must end inequity," Tedros said.

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(With inputs from agencies)

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to wreak havoc across the world after the emergence of new variants, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday (December 20) opined about taking strict measures to end it.

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to wreak havoc across the world after the emergence of new variants, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday (December 20) opined about taking strict measures to end it. He urged the world to pull together and make difficult decisions needed within the next year as he said that "2022 must be the year we end the pandemic." Ahead of the end-of-year festivities, he told the reporters in Geneva that it's better to cancel events "now and celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later" and urged the countries to avoid crowd gatherings as it would be a "perfect platform" for Omicron to spread. "An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled," he said. ALSO READ | Omicron: Thailand may reintroduce mandatory quarantine for foreign travellers WHO on Omicron threat It's almost been a month since the first case of Omicron was detected. The early evidence suggested that the variant has a large number of mutations. It has already started fueling new waves of COVID-19 in a few countries like the United Kingdom. Since it was first reported in South Africa in November, Omicron has been identified in dozens of countries. The scientists have said that there's a possible increased risk of reinfection. However, the indications are mere speculations as experts are probing the immune escape potential of the Omicron variant. ALSO READ | ‘A lot of uncertainty’: COVID-19 surge puts many Americans on edge about travelling Omicron is a variant of the virus that causes #COVID19. To protect yourself and others: 💉 Get vaccinated as soon as it's your turn 😷 #WearAMask ↔️ Keep physical distance and avoid crowds 🪟 Open windows 💪 Cough/sneeze into your elbow 👐 Clean your hands — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 20, 2021 × The WHO has said the heavily mutated variant is spreading at an unprecedented rate. "There is now consistent evidence that Omicron is spreading significantly faster than the Delta variant," Tedros said, warning that an increase in the number of cases... may overwhelm the health system and more people could die. More than 5.3 million people have died since the start of the pandemic, though the true toll is believed to be several times higher. WHO chief also highlighted the point that there should be equity across the world as many vulnerable people are still waiting for a first vaccine dose. "If we are to end the pandemic in the coming year, we must end inequity," Tedros said. × (With inputs from agencies)

'We must end Covid pandemic in 2022': WHO chief's stern warning, urges world to pull together

As the Omicron variant spreads across the world, experts are warning people to stay indoors rather than travelling during the Christmas festival. Adding to these warnings, Anthony Fauci has also warned against that Christmas travelling can spread the virus more severely.<o:p></o:p>

Chief Medical Advisor to the President of United States, Anthony Fauci, said that as the Omicron variant is "raging through the world", there is a huge chance that the variant can spread rapidly across the globe as people are travelling during the Christmas break.

"There's no doubt about this, [Omicron] has an extraordinary capability of spreading," Dr Anthony Fauci told NBC's Meet the Press programme on Sunday.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-experts-urge-people-to-stay-home-if-one-person-tests-covid-positive-in-a-house-438279">Experts urge people to stay home if one person tests Covid positive in a house</a></o:p>

Fauci has also urged people to go back to wearing face masks and practice social distancing whenever they step outdoors. People are being advised to avoid going outdoors much and avoid unnecessary gatherings and travel.<o:p></o:p>

He also added that if people do not pay heed to these warnings, the cases will soon double up at an alarming rate, just like it has happened in several European countries. He also added that if the current situation does not get any better, the rapid spread of Omicron can have a serious impact on health services.<o:p></o:p>

"Our hospitals, if things look like they're looking now, are going to be very stressed," he warned.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-fresh-travel-restrictions-have-led-to-a-spark-in-hotel-booking-cancellations-437005">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-fresh-travel-restrictions-have-led-to-a-spark-in-hotel-booking-cancellations-437005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mainly, Fauci is urging everyone to get fully vaccinated and also get a booster shot as soon as possible, as he believes that booster shots are one way of being protected against Omicron to some extent.<o:p></o:p>

"The difference between a vaccinated and boosted person who has an infection, and someone who has an infection who has never been vaccinated - it's a major difference with regard to the risk of severity," he said.<o:p></o:p>

As the Omicron variant spreads across the world, experts are warning people to stay indoors rather than travelling during the Christmas festival. Adding to these warnings, Anthony Fauci has also warned against that Christmas travelling can spread the virus more severely.

As the Omicron variant spreads across the world, experts are warning people to stay indoors rather than travelling during the Christmas festival. Adding to these warnings, Anthony Fauci has also warned against that Christmas travelling can spread the virus more severely. Chief Medical Advisor to the President of United States, Anthony Fauci, said that as the Omicron variant is "raging through the world", there is a huge chance that the variant can spread rapidly across the globe as people are travelling during the Christmas break. "There's no doubt about this, [Omicron] has an extraordinary capability of spreading," Dr Anthony Fauci told NBC's Meet the Press programme on Sunday. Also read | Experts urge people to stay home if one person tests Covid positive in a house Fauci has also urged people to go back to wearing face masks and practice social distancing whenever they step outdoors. People are being advised to avoid going outdoors much and avoid unnecessary gatherings and travel. He also added that if people do not pay heed to these warnings, the cases will soon double up at an alarming rate, just like it has happened in several European countries. He also added that if the current situation does not get any better, the rapid spread of Omicron can have a serious impact on health services. "Our hospitals, if things look like they're looking now, are going to be very stressed," he warned. WATCH | Mainly, Fauci is urging everyone to get fully vaccinated and also get a booster shot as soon as possible, as he believes that booster shots are one way of being protected against Omicron to some extent. "The difference between a vaccinated and boosted person who has an infection, and someone who has an infection who has never been vaccinated - it's a major difference with regard to the risk of severity," he said.

Christmas travel can lead to doubling of Omicron cases: Fauci

Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats in a tit-for-tat move,&nbsp;Taiwan has slammed China over Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remark and the World Economic Forum (WEF) said that it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. Here are top news stories from across the world. Click on the links to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/berlin-park-murder-now-russia-expels-german-diplomats-438523">Berlin park murder: Now, Russia expels German diplomats</a> 
Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats after Berlin ordered two Russian&nbsp;diplomats&nbsp;to leave the country over the German court verdict last week which said Russian authorities were involved in the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in a Berlin park two years ago.

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a043acea-4a2d-4d77-a8ac-1f270b7764f1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%20%285%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neither-a-wanderer-nor-a-chess-piece-taiwan-slams-china-over-wang-yis-remark-438450">'Neither a wanderer nor a chess piece': Taiwan slams China over Wang Yi's remark</a> 
Taiwan has slammed China after Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home". Re-emphasising on the unification of China, the country's top diplomat also said that Taiwan "should not be used as a pawn".&nbsp;

<img alt="Wang Yi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b9e2bb1-4ee4-4f7b-9b22-dc62dd463f03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Wang%20Yi.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-witnesses-rare-anti-government-protest-after-execution-of-kurdish-prisoner-438428">Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner</a> 
Iran witnessed a rare anti-government protest and sloganeering after authorities executed a Kurdish man. The crowd gathered in the hometown of Heidar Ghorbani, the executed man and raised anti-government slogans.

<img alt="Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="049dbd73-8dde-457e-96b9-9c1826742a74" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran_2.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-faces-online-flak-for-defending-talibans-mistreatment-of-women-438358">Watch | Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces online flak for defending Taliban's mistreatment of women</a> 
Imran Khan, the Pakistani Prime Minister, has done it again, as he has been doing for several years: Supporting the Taliban and their actions while rationalising all forms of discrimination, especially against women.

<img alt="Imran Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="522781f0-ae18-4563-a2b2-a82321030f8d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Imran%20Khan.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-northwest-region-hit-with-hemorrhagic-fever-438362">China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever</a> 
According to China's state-run Global Times, the country's northwest Shaanxi province has witnessed several cases of hemorrhagic fever. The Chinese newspaper said it is a "natural epidemic disease with high fatality rate". However, there is no confirmation on the exact number of fatalities.

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8dac0a98-402f-435a-9d80-20267a2f27d0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-also-move-away-from-fear-australian-pm-wants-sensible-approach-to-fight-virus-438508">'Need to also move away from fear': Australian PM wants 'sensible' approach to fight virus</a> 
Amid new coronavirus cases, New South Wales leader Dominic Perrottet asserted that people "need to also move away from fear". "There will always be new variants of this virus," Dominic Perrottet said. New South Wales has been hit hard due to the virus even as the state recorded 2,501 new coronavirus cases on Monday. On Sunday, the state had recorded 2,566 new COVID-19 cases.

<img alt="New South Wales" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a180cbb8-6d20-4bf1-97da-ed59bb829e0d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20South%20Wales.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-meeting-deferred-over-omicron-uncertainty-world-economic-forum-438480">Davos meeting deferred over Omicron uncertainty: World Economic Forum</a> 
The World Economic Forum (WEF) said Monday it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. The high-powered meeting scheduled for January 17-21, which usually draws leading figures from business, politics and diplomacy, will instead be held in "early summer", the organisers said.

<img alt="World Economic Forum" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42d65ddc-94e8-4df8-9bb7-da0124f6f18a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/World%20Economic%20Forum.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reacts-after-joe-manchin-says-he-wont-vote-for-joe-bidens-build-back-better-bill-438390">White House reacts after Joe Manchin says he won't vote for Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill</a> 
The White House has issued a statement after Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia said that he could not support the legislation's passage of the massive social spending bill. It is a big blow to United States President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion Build Back Better plans as Manchin's vote is deemed crucial to getting the bill through the Senate. It is understood that Democrats have spent weeks trying to secure his support.&nbsp;

<img alt="Joe Manchin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b7f7f81-bb80-4e2a-a0a6-099f59b74b54" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Manchin.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-surges-to-375-as-typhoon-rai-causes-destruction-in-philippines-438442">Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines</a> 
The death toll from Typhoon Rai in the Philippines has reached 375 with over 50 people missing. A "complete carnage" situation has been reported by the Red Cross society as hospitals and schools have been "ripped to shreds."&nbsp;

<img alt="Typhoon Rai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f1b1a66-e2fd-40df-8760-a23ab761d77d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Typhoon%20Rai%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-says-its-booster-shot-is-effective-against-omicron-variant-438395">Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant</a> 
Moderna Inc has claimed that its vaccine helps prevent the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. First discovered in South Africa, the new Covid variant has now spread into 89 countries in total. The company further said that the current version of the vaccine would &nbsp;be Moderna’s "first line of defence against Omicron."

<img alt="Moderna" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7174eca9-4bad-4b07-9e59-d692cc684995" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Moderna.jpg" />

Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats in a tit-for-tat move, Taiwan has slammed China over Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remark and the World Economic Forum (WEF) said that it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos.

Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats in a tit-for-tat move, Taiwan has slammed China over Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remark and the World Economic Forum (WEF) said that it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. Here are top news stories from across the world. Click on the links to read more. Berlin park murder: Now, Russia expels German diplomats Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats after Berlin ordered two Russian diplomats to leave the country over the German court verdict last week which said Russian authorities were involved in the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in a Berlin park two years ago. 'Neither a wanderer nor a chess piece': Taiwan slams China over Wang Yi's remark Taiwan has slammed China after Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home". Re-emphasising on the unification of China, the country's top diplomat also said that Taiwan "should not be used as a pawn". Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner Iran witnessed a rare anti-government protest and sloganeering after authorities executed a Kurdish man. The crowd gathered in the hometown of Heidar Ghorbani, the executed man and raised anti-government slogans. Watch | Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces online flak for defending Taliban's mistreatment of women Imran Khan, the Pakistani Prime Minister, has done it again, as he has been doing for several years: Supporting the Taliban and their actions while rationalising all forms of discrimination, especially against women. China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever According to China's state-run Global Times, the country's northwest Shaanxi province has witnessed several cases of hemorrhagic fever. The Chinese newspaper said it is a "natural epidemic disease with high fatality rate". However, there is no confirmation on the exact number of fatalities. 'Need to also move away from fear': Australian PM wants 'sensible' approach to fight virus Amid new coronavirus cases, New South Wales leader Dominic Perrottet asserted that people "need to also move away from fear". "There will always be new variants of this virus," Dominic Perrottet said. New South Wales has been hit hard due to the virus even as the state recorded 2,501 new coronavirus cases on Monday. On Sunday, the state had recorded 2,566 new COVID-19 cases. Davos meeting deferred over Omicron uncertainty: World Economic Forum The World Economic Forum (WEF) said Monday it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. The high-powered meeting scheduled for January 17-21, which usually draws leading figures from business, politics and diplomacy, will instead be held in "early summer", the organisers said. White House reacts after Joe Manchin says he won't vote for Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill The White House has issued a statement after Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia said that he could not support the legislation's passage of the massive social spending bill. It is a big blow to United States President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion Build Back Better plans as Manchin's vote is deemed crucial to getting the bill through the Senate. It is understood that Democrats have spent weeks trying to secure his support. Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines The death toll from Typhoon Rai in the Philippines has reached 375 with over 50 people missing. A "complete carnage" situation has been reported by the Red Cross society as hospitals and schools have been "ripped to shreds." Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant Moderna Inc has claimed that its vaccine helps prevent the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. First discovered in South Africa, the new Covid variant has now spread into 89 countries in total. The company further said that the current version of the vaccine would be Moderna’s "first line of defence against Omicron."

Top 10 World News: Russia expels German diplomats, Taiwan slams China and more

Dozens of passengers and crew members aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship tested positive for COVID-19 last week, according to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean International said in a statement that the ship, the Symphony of the Seas, was carrying more than 6,000 guests and crew members when 48 people onboard tested positive.

The ship departed Dec. 11 for a seven-night Caribbean cruise and returned to port in Miami on Saturday, the company said.

The cases were identified because of contact tracing after a guest tested positive, the cruise line said.

“Each person quickly went into quarantine,” the statement said. “Everyone who tested positive was asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, and we continuously monitored their health.”

The cruise line said that the ship sailed with 95% of its guests aboard fully vaccinated and that 98% of the people who tested positive were fully vaccinated. It was not immediately clear whether any of the people who tested positive had received a booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-witnesses-rare-anti-government-protest-after-execution-of-kurdish-prisoner-438428">Also read |&nbsp;Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner</a>

Royal Caribbean requires travelers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and test negative before boarding the ship. Children who are not yet vaccinated must provide a negative PCR test result before sailing and test negative at the terminal before boarding.

The company said that all its crew members were full vaccinated against COVID-19 and were tested weekly.

During the early days of the pandemic in 2020, outbreaks on cruise ships sickened hundreds of people and upended the tourism industry, as officials and companies struggled to keep crews and passengers safe.

For months, cruise ships were barred from sailing to many ports. Even after vaccinations became more widely available in the United States in April, allowing much of the travel industry to ramp up again, cruise ships remained docked in ports, costing the industry billions of dollars each month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-northwest-region-hit-with-hemorrhagic-fever-438362">Also read |&nbsp;China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever</a>

The cruise industry rebounded in the summer, with many companies reporting an increase in bookings and a better handle on COVID-19 protocols.

But a recent spike in COVID cases in parts of the United States and Europe and growing concerns over the omicron variant may hinder that momentum.

This month, at least 17 coronavirus cases were identified on a Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship that docked in New Orleans, including a case of the new omicron variant.

Dozens of passengers and crew members aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship tested positive for COVID-19 last week, according to the cruise line. Royal Caribbean International said in a statement that the ship, the Symphony of the Seas, was carrying more than 6,000 guests and crew members when 48 people onboard tested positive.

Dozens of passengers and crew members aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship tested positive for COVID-19 last week, according to the cruise line. Royal Caribbean International said in a statement that the ship, the Symphony of the Seas, was carrying more than 6,000 guests and crew members when 48 people onboard tested positive. The ship departed Dec. 11 for a seven-night Caribbean cruise and returned to port in Miami on Saturday, the company said. The cases were identified because of contact tracing after a guest tested positive, the cruise line said. “Each person quickly went into quarantine,” the statement said. “Everyone who tested positive was asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, and we continuously monitored their health.” The cruise line said that the ship sailed with 95% of its guests aboard fully vaccinated and that 98% of the people who tested positive were fully vaccinated. It was not immediately clear whether any of the people who tested positive had received a booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Also read | Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner Royal Caribbean requires travelers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and test negative before boarding the ship. Children who are not yet vaccinated must provide a negative PCR test result before sailing and test negative at the terminal before boarding. The company said that all its crew members were full vaccinated against COVID-19 and were tested weekly. During the early days of the pandemic in 2020, outbreaks on cruise ships sickened hundreds of people and upended the tourism industry, as officials and companies struggled to keep crews and passengers safe. For months, cruise ships were barred from sailing to many ports. Even after vaccinations became more widely available in the United States in April, allowing much of the travel industry to ramp up again, cruise ships remained docked in ports, costing the industry billions of dollars each month. Also read | China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever The cruise industry rebounded in the summer, with many companies reporting an increase in bookings and a better handle on COVID-19 protocols. But a recent spike in COVID cases in parts of the United States and Europe and growing concerns over the omicron variant may hinder that momentum. This month, at least 17 coronavirus cases were identified on a Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship that docked in New Orleans, including a case of the new omicron variant.

Cruise ship returns to Miami with 48 cases of COVID-19

As Santa rode the cherry picker - the fire truck's hydraulic crane with a railed platform to carry people - accompanied by a firefighter, he delivered gift-wrapped presents to children.

Christmas: Santa's sweet gift to COVID infected kids in Peru

A growing body of preliminary research suggests the COVID vaccines used in most of the world offer almost no defense against becoming infected by the highly contagious omicron variant.

All vaccines still seem to provide a significant degree of protection against serious illness from omicron, which is the most crucial goal. But only the Pfizer and Moderna shots, when reinforced by a booster, appear to have initial success at stopping infections, and these vaccines are unavailable in most of the world.

The other shots — including those from AstraZeneca, Johnson &amp; Johnson and vaccines manufactured in China and Russia — do little to nothing to stop the spread of omicron, early research shows. And because most countries have built their inoculation programs around these vaccines, the gap could have a profound impact on the course of the pandemic.

A global surge of infections in a world where billions of people remain unvaccinated not only threatens the health of vulnerable individuals but also increases the opportunity for the emergence of yet more variants. The disparity in the ability of countries to weather the pandemic will almost certainly deepen. And the news about limited vaccine efficacy against omicron infection could depress demand for vaccination throughout the developing world, where many people are already hesitant or preoccupied with other health problems.

Most evidence so far is based on laboratory experiments, which do not capture the full range of the body’s immune response, and not from tracking the effect on real-world populations. The results are striking, however.

The Pfizer and Moderna shots use the new mRNA technology, which has consistently offered the best protection against infection with every variant. All of the other vaccines are based on older methods of triggering an immune response.

The Chinese vaccines Sinopharm and Sinovac — which make up almost half of all shots delivered globally — offer almost zero protection from omicron infection. The great majority of people in China have received these shots, which are also widely used in low- and middle-income countries such as Mexico and Brazil.

A preliminary effectiveness study in Britain found that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine showed no ability to stop omicron infection six months after vaccination. Ninety percent of vaccinated people in India received this shot, under the brand name Covishield; it has also been widely used across much of sub-Saharan Africa, where COVAX, the global COVID vaccine program, has distributed 67 million doses of it to 44 countries.

Researchers predict that Russia’s Sputnik vaccine, which is also being used in Africa and Latin America, will show similarly dismal rates of protection against omicron.

Demand for the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine had been surging in Africa, because its single-shot delivery regimen makes it easy to deliver in low-resource settings. But it too has shown a negligible ability to block omicron infection.

Antibodies are the first line of defense induced by vaccines. But the shots also stimulate the growth of T cells, and preliminary studies suggest that these T cells still recognize the omicron variant, which is important in preventing severe disease.

“What you lose first is protection against asymptomatic mild infection, what you retain much better is protection against severe disease and death,” said John Moore, a virus expert at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. He called it “a silver lining” that omicron so far appears less lethal than the delta variant.

But this protection will not be enough to prevent omicron from causing global disruption, said J. Stephen Morrison, director of the Global Health Policy Center at the Center for International and Strategic Studies.

“The sheer scale of infection will overwhelm health systems, simply because the denominator will be potentially so big,” he said. “If you have a burst of infection worldwide, a shock, what does the world look like on other side of it? Is it, ‘The war is over,’ or, ‘The war has just entered another phase’? We haven’t begun thinking about any of that.”

People with breakthrough cases may experience only asymptomatic infection or mild illness, but they can pass the virus to unvaccinated people, who could fall more severely ill, and become a source of new variants.

Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, said that more data was needed before drawing conclusions about vaccines’ effectiveness against omicron — and that accelerated vaccination should continue to be the focus of pandemic response.

Preliminary data from South Africa suggest that with omicron, there is a much higher chance of people who already had COVID getting reinfected than there was with the original virus and previous variants. But some public health experts say they believe that countries that have already been through brutal waves of COVID, such as Brazil and India, may have a buffer against omicron, and vaccination after infection produces high antibody levels.

“The combination of vaccination and exposure to the virus seems to be stronger than only having the vaccine,” said Ramanan Laxminarayan, a public health researcher in New Delhi. India, he noted, has an adult vaccination rate of only about 40% but 90% exposure to the virus in some areas.

“Without a doubt omicron is going to flood through India,” he said. “But hopefully India is protected to some extent because of vaccination and exposure.”

China does not have this layer of protection to back up its weak vaccines. Because of China’s aggressive efforts to stop spread of the virus within its borders, relatively few people have previous exposure. Only an estimated 7% of people in Wuhan, where the pandemic began, were infected.

Much of Latin America has relied on the Chinese and Russian vaccines, and on AstraZeneca. Mario Rosemblatt, a professor of immunology at the University of Chile, said that more than 90% of Chileans had had two doses of one vaccine, but the great majority of these were Coronavac, the Sinovac shot. High vaccination coverage combined with early reports that omicron does not cause serious illness is leading to a false sense of security in the country, he said.

“We have to get people to understand that it doesn’t work like that: If you get high transmissibility you’re going to have the health system saturated because the number of people getting ill will be higher,” he said.

Brazil has recommended that all vaccinated people get a third dose, and it started using Pfizer’s vaccine for all boosters, but only 40% of the vaccinated have turned up to get the extra shot. Dr. Amilcar Tanuri, a virus expert at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, said with cautious optimism that the high levels of previous COVID exposure might blunt omicron’s impact but noted that the most vulnerable Brazilians, vaccinated first, got Coronavac, and tens of millions more were given AstraZeneca.

Morrison called omicron’s ability to evade the protection of vaccination “a massive setback” for low- and middle-income countries, where, far from any discussion of boosters, the focus is still on delivering first shots.

“The world gets cleaved into two parts, right?” he said. “It’s those that have a quick path toward boosters versus those who have had very limited progress and suddenly they’re subject to this new lashing.”

Just 13% of people in Africa have received a least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

Laxminarayan said the Indian government, to which he is an occasional adviser, was considering booster shots, but the delta variant still poses a significant threat in India, and two vaccine doses offers protection against delta. That presents the government with a difficult choice between focusing on getting people who remain unvaccinated, or only partly vaccinated, to two doses, or trying to gets boosters to older people and those with high-risk medical conditions as protection against omicron.

The news that the non-mRNA vaccines offer little protection against infection from omicron may further erode demand for shots in countries already struggling to build demand, Morrison said.

“This challenges the whole value of vaccines,” he said. “If you’re so far behind and then you suffer this, it’s going to feed anti-vaccine sentiment and weaken confidence.”

Tolbert Nyenswah, a senior researcher with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said the emerging threat to countries in the global south that have relied on non-mRNA vaccines was an indictment of wealthy countries’ failure to share that technology or help build production points in low- and middle-income countries.

As a consequence, dangerous variants will continue to emerge from areas with low vaccination coverage and will prolong the pandemic, predicted Nyenswah, who was deputy minister of health in Liberia through that country’s worst Ebola outbreak.

Berkley at Gavi said it would be a serious mistake for countries to ease up on their vaccination push or to assume that only mRNA vaccines are worth distributing.

“We may be seeing a situation where countries say, ‘If developed countries don’t want these vaccines, then we don’t want these vaccines,’” he said. “That, of course, would be the wrong interpretation, if it turns out that these vaccines prevent against severe disease and death.”

A growing body of preliminary research suggests the COVID vaccines used in most of the world offer almost no defense against becoming infected by the highly contagious omicron variant.

A growing body of preliminary research suggests the COVID vaccines used in most of the world offer almost no defense against becoming infected by the highly contagious omicron variant. All vaccines still seem to provide a significant degree of protection against serious illness from omicron, which is the most crucial goal. But only the Pfizer and Moderna shots, when reinforced by a booster, appear to have initial success at stopping infections, and these vaccines are unavailable in most of the world. The other shots — including those from AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and vaccines manufactured in China and Russia — do little to nothing to stop the spread of omicron, early research shows. And because most countries have built their inoculation programs around these vaccines, the gap could have a profound impact on the course of the pandemic. A global surge of infections in a world where billions of people remain unvaccinated not only threatens the health of vulnerable individuals but also increases the opportunity for the emergence of yet more variants. The disparity in the ability of countries to weather the pandemic will almost certainly deepen. And the news about limited vaccine efficacy against omicron infection could depress demand for vaccination throughout the developing world, where many people are already hesitant or preoccupied with other health problems. Most evidence so far is based on laboratory experiments, which do not capture the full range of the body’s immune response, and not from tracking the effect on real-world populations. The results are striking, however. The Pfizer and Moderna shots use the new mRNA technology, which has consistently offered the best protection against infection with every variant. All of the other vaccines are based on older methods of triggering an immune response. The Chinese vaccines Sinopharm and Sinovac — which make up almost half of all shots delivered globally — offer almost zero protection from omicron infection. The great majority of people in China have received these shots, which are also widely used in low- and middle-income countries such as Mexico and Brazil. A preliminary effectiveness study in Britain found that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine showed no ability to stop omicron infection six months after vaccination. Ninety percent of vaccinated people in India received this shot, under the brand name Covishield; it has also been widely used across much of sub-Saharan Africa, where COVAX, the global COVID vaccine program, has distributed 67 million doses of it to 44 countries. Researchers predict that Russia’s Sputnik vaccine, which is also being used in Africa and Latin America, will show similarly dismal rates of protection against omicron. Demand for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had been surging in Africa, because its single-shot delivery regimen makes it easy to deliver in low-resource settings. But it too has shown a negligible ability to block omicron infection. Antibodies are the first line of defense induced by vaccines. But the shots also stimulate the growth of T cells, and preliminary studies suggest that these T cells still recognize the omicron variant, which is important in preventing severe disease. “What you lose first is protection against asymptomatic mild infection, what you retain much better is protection against severe disease and death,” said John Moore, a virus expert at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. He called it “a silver lining” that omicron so far appears less lethal than the delta variant. But this protection will not be enough to prevent omicron from causing global disruption, said J. Stephen Morrison, director of the Global Health Policy Center at the Center for International and Strategic Studies. “The sheer scale of infection will overwhelm health systems, simply because the denominator will be potentially so big,” he said. “If you have a burst of infection worldwide, a shock, what does the world look like on other side of it? Is it, ‘The war is over,’ or, ‘The war has just entered another phase’? We haven’t begun thinking about any of that.” People with breakthrough cases may experience only asymptomatic infection or mild illness, but they can pass the virus to unvaccinated people, who could fall more severely ill, and become a source of new variants. Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, said that more data was needed before drawing conclusions about vaccines’ effectiveness against omicron — and that accelerated vaccination should continue to be the focus of pandemic response. Preliminary data from South Africa suggest that with omicron, there is a much higher chance of people who already had COVID getting reinfected than there was with the original virus and previous variants. But some public health experts say they believe that countries that have already been through brutal waves of COVID, such as Brazil and India, may have a buffer against omicron, and vaccination after infection produces high antibody levels. “The combination of vaccination and exposure to the virus seems to be stronger than only having the vaccine,” said Ramanan Laxminarayan, a public health researcher in New Delhi. India, he noted, has an adult vaccination rate of only about 40% but 90% exposure to the virus in some areas. “Without a doubt omicron is going to flood through India,” he said. “But hopefully India is protected to some extent because of vaccination and exposure.” China does not have this layer of protection to back up its weak vaccines. Because of China’s aggressive efforts to stop spread of the virus within its borders, relatively few people have previous exposure. Only an estimated 7% of people in Wuhan, where the pandemic began, were infected. Much of Latin America has relied on the Chinese and Russian vaccines, and on AstraZeneca. Mario Rosemblatt, a professor of immunology at the University of Chile, said that more than 90% of Chileans had had two doses of one vaccine, but the great majority of these were Coronavac, the Sinovac shot. High vaccination coverage combined with early reports that omicron does not cause serious illness is leading to a false sense of security in the country, he said. “We have to get people to understand that it doesn’t work like that: If you get high transmissibility you’re going to have the health system saturated because the number of people getting ill will be higher,” he said. Brazil has recommended that all vaccinated people get a third dose, and it started using Pfizer’s vaccine for all boosters, but only 40% of the vaccinated have turned up to get the extra shot. Dr. Amilcar Tanuri, a virus expert at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, said with cautious optimism that the high levels of previous COVID exposure might blunt omicron’s impact but noted that the most vulnerable Brazilians, vaccinated first, got Coronavac, and tens of millions more were given AstraZeneca. Morrison called omicron’s ability to evade the protection of vaccination “a massive setback” for low- and middle-income countries, where, far from any discussion of boosters, the focus is still on delivering first shots. “The world gets cleaved into two parts, right?” he said. “It’s those that have a quick path toward boosters versus those who have had very limited progress and suddenly they’re subject to this new lashing.” Just 13% of people in Africa have received a least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Laxminarayan said the Indian government, to which he is an occasional adviser, was considering booster shots, but the delta variant still poses a significant threat in India, and two vaccine doses offers protection against delta. That presents the government with a difficult choice between focusing on getting people who remain unvaccinated, or only partly vaccinated, to two doses, or trying to gets boosters to older people and those with high-risk medical conditions as protection against omicron. The news that the non-mRNA vaccines offer little protection against infection from omicron may further erode demand for shots in countries already struggling to build demand, Morrison said. “This challenges the whole value of vaccines,” he said. “If you’re so far behind and then you suffer this, it’s going to feed anti-vaccine sentiment and weaken confidence.” Tolbert Nyenswah, a senior researcher with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said the emerging threat to countries in the global south that have relied on non-mRNA vaccines was an indictment of wealthy countries’ failure to share that technology or help build production points in low- and middle-income countries. As a consequence, dangerous variants will continue to emerge from areas with low vaccination coverage and will prolong the pandemic, predicted Nyenswah, who was deputy minister of health in Liberia through that country’s worst Ebola outbreak. Berkley at Gavi said it would be a serious mistake for countries to ease up on their vaccination push or to assume that only mRNA vaccines are worth distributing. “We may be seeing a situation where countries say, ‘If developed countries don’t want these vaccines, then we don’t want these vaccines,’” he said. “That, of course, would be the wrong interpretation, if it turns out that these vaccines prevent against severe disease and death.”

Most of the world's vaccines likely won't prevent infection from Omicron

The city of Xian in China's Shaanxi Province has been struck by incidences of deadly haemorrhagic fever and fresh COVID-19 outbreaks. The city located in northwestern China has ordered suspension of schools and has started citywide coronavirus tests, reported South China Morning Post citing local newspapers.

As per the report, the city detected 21 COVID-19 cases on Sunday. This has brought total number of infections during current wave to 57.

The city has also seen haemorrhagic fever epidemic since the start of the winter. It is a natural epidemic disease with high fatality rate.

Haemorrhagic fever is said to be a common infectious disease in the north. From October every year, some areas of Shaanxi Province enter the high incidence season of haemorrhagic fever.

In recent years, the virus institute of Shaanxi CDC confirmed the local infection of the virus in Xi`an city through a large number of field investigations and laboratory neutralization antibody detection and identification, the report said.

Experts said that haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, also known as epidemic haemorrhagic fever, is caused by Hantavirus, with rodents as the main source of infection.

It can be transmitted by a mouse bite, by eating food or water that a mouse has crawled over, or by contact with infected mouse blood, urine or faeces. The population is generally susceptible to the disease, and the incidence is high in farmers who often work in the field, or workers engaged in agricultural industry and food processing.

Hemorrhagic fever is an acute infectious disease characterised by fever, bleeding and renal damage, and can lead to death in serious cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

The city of Xian in China's Shaanxi Province has been struck by incidences of deadly haemorrhagic fever and fresh COVID-19 outbreaks. The city located in northwestern China has ordered suspension of schools and has started citywide coronavirus tests, reported South China Morning Post citing local newspapers.

The city of Xian in China's Shaanxi Province has been struck by incidences of deadly haemorrhagic fever and fresh COVID-19 outbreaks. The city located in northwestern China has ordered suspension of schools and has started citywide coronavirus tests, reported South China Morning Post citing local newspapers. As per the report, the city detected 21 COVID-19 cases on Sunday. This has brought total number of infections during current wave to 57. The city has also seen haemorrhagic fever epidemic since the start of the winter. It is a natural epidemic disease with high fatality rate. Haemorrhagic fever is said to be a common infectious disease in the north. From October every year, some areas of Shaanxi Province enter the high incidence season of haemorrhagic fever. In recent years, the virus institute of Shaanxi CDC confirmed the local infection of the virus in Xi`an city through a large number of field investigations and laboratory neutralization antibody detection and identification, the report said. Experts said that haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, also known as epidemic haemorrhagic fever, is caused by Hantavirus, with rodents as the main source of infection. It can be transmitted by a mouse bite, by eating food or water that a mouse has crawled over, or by contact with infected mouse blood, urine or faeces. The population is generally susceptible to the disease, and the incidence is high in farmers who often work in the field, or workers engaged in agricultural industry and food processing. Hemorrhagic fever is an acute infectious disease characterised by fever, bleeding and renal damage, and can lead to death in serious cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese city battles twin threats of Covid and haemorrhagic fever

Coronavirus: 'Variant of concern' Omicron raises fears globally; cases have been detected in these countries

Omicron travel chaos: Countries that imposed travel curbs over new Covid variant

Sports schedules go haywire due to Omicron Covid variant: What's cancelled, what's postponed

Amid growing concerns over the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) variant, Pfizer Inc said on Friday the pandemic could extend through next year. The vaccine making company also announced plans to come up with a three-dose vaccine regimen for children aged 2 to 16.&nbsp;

If we talk about the new variant, initial data suggests that Omicron is more transmissible than the Delta and can be resistant to available vaccines.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom is among the hardest-hit countries by Omicron variant as London mayor Sadiq Khan declared a "major incident" in the British capital (on saturday) owing to the spread of the new variant.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-omicron-and-delta-unite-to-create-an-even-worse-covid-19-variant-expert-has-the-answer-437905">Can Omicron and Delta unite to create an even worse COVID-19 variant? Expert has the answer</a>

Also, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced that the Netherlands will go into "lockdown" over the Christmas period to try to stop a surge of the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pfizer executives said the company believed that by 2024, the disease should be endemic around the globe, meaning it would no longer be a pandemic. The company projected that "COVID will transition to an endemic state potentially by 2024."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-experts-name-one-common-symptom-of-omicron-variant-437842">COVID-19: Experts name one common symptom of Omicron variant</a>

Announcing plans to develop a three-dose regimen for ages 2 to 16, Chief Scientific Officer Mikael Dolsten told a conference call that results of three doses among people older than 16 showed that the approach offered greater protection.

"Therefore, we have decided to modify each of the pediatric studies to incorporate a third dose to the series and seek licensure for a three-dose series rather than a two-dose series as originally anticipated," the company said.

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&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid growing concerns over the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) variant, Pfizer Inc said on Friday the pandemic could extend through next year. The vaccine making company also announced plans to come up with a three-dose vaccine regimen for children aged 2 to 16.

Amid growing concerns over the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) variant, Pfizer Inc said on Friday the pandemic could extend through next year. The vaccine making company also announced plans to come up with a three-dose vaccine regimen for children aged 2 to 16. If we talk about the new variant, initial data suggests that Omicron is more transmissible than the Delta and can be resistant to available vaccines. The United Kingdom is among the hardest-hit countries by Omicron variant as London mayor Sadiq Khan declared a "major incident" in the British capital (on saturday) owing to the spread of the new variant. ALSO READ | Can Omicron and Delta unite to create an even worse COVID-19 variant? Expert has the answer Also, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced that the Netherlands will go into "lockdown" over the Christmas period to try to stop a surge of the Omicron variant. Meanwhile, Pfizer executives said the company believed that by 2024, the disease should be endemic around the globe, meaning it would no longer be a pandemic. The company projected that "COVID will transition to an endemic state potentially by 2024." ALSO READ | COVID-19: Experts name one common symptom of Omicron variant Announcing plans to develop a three-dose regimen for ages 2 to 16, Chief Scientific Officer Mikael Dolsten told a conference call that results of three doses among people older than 16 showed that the approach offered greater protection. "Therefore, we have decided to modify each of the pediatric studies to incorporate a third dose to the series and seek licensure for a three-dose series rather than a two-dose series as originally anticipated," the company said. × (With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer says COVID-19 pandemic could extend to 2024

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its deadly variants have caused havoc across the world. Some health experts have claimed that the virus has been less lethal among Asians. A&nbsp;global data has shown that&nbsp;Pakistan's mortality rate is far higher than in many regions, a local media report stated.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 mortality rate of Pakistan was 2.24 per cent against 1.97 per cent globally, DAWN reported citing a document of the country's National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).&nbsp;

The report further included that 28,870 deaths were reported across the country so far, out of which 61 per cent were males and 39 per cent females.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-gone-bankrupt-govt-deceiving-people-says-former-tax-chief-shabbar-zaidi-437689">Pakistan has gone bankrupt, govt deceiving people, says former tax chief Shabbar Zaidi</a>

The report quoted a member of the Scientific Task Force on COVID-19 Dr Javed Akram, who noted that more Pakistanis died beca­use they visited hospitals only after complications emerged rather than the infection itself.&nbsp;

Dr Akram also highlighted the state of infrastructure as he blamed poor health and diagnostic facilities for the high number of casualties.&nbsp;

While speaking to DAWN, he accepted that far more patients lost their lives in Pakistan compared to the global percentage of deaths.

"Unfortunately in Pakistan people do not visit hospitals with COVID-19; rather they visit hospitals once they develop complications. We lack state-of-the-art health and diagnostic facilities," he said, as quoted by DAWN.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-health-minister-says-it-may-be-too-late-to-react-to-omicron-as-covid-19-cases-continue-to-rise-438158">UK health minister says it may be 'too late to react' to Omicron as COVID-19 cases continue to rise</a>

He also said that that country's intensive care units (ICUs) remained under pressure or were overburdened which was one of the reasons why the COVID-19 mortality ratio increased. Although, the Pakistani government had claimed that many ventilators were never occupied in the country.&nbsp;

As per the report, the minimum age of a Pakistani national who succumbed to the infection was two months and the maximum age was over 100 years, with the median age calculated at 62 years.&nbsp;

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Statistics 19 Dec 21: 
Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 42,640 
Positive Cases: 259 
Positivity %: 0.60% 
Deaths : 2 
Patients on Critical Care: 656
— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialNcoc/status/1472372260430221314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Omicron variant in Pakistan

On December 13, Pakistani health authorities confirmed the first case of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in the country.&nbsp;

"The National Institute of Health, Islamabad has been able to confirm that a recently suspected sample from Karachi is indeed the 'Omicron variant' of SARS-CoV2," said the statement.

"This is the first confirmed case but continued surveillance of identified samples is in place to identify trends," it added.&nbsp;

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its deadly variants have caused havoc across the world. Some health experts have claimed that the virus has been less lethal among Asians.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its deadly variants have caused havoc across the world. Some health experts have claimed that the virus has been less lethal among Asians. A global data has shown that Pakistan's mortality rate is far higher than in many regions, a local media report stated. The COVID-19 mortality rate of Pakistan was 2.24 per cent against 1.97 per cent globally, DAWN reported citing a document of the country's National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). The report further included that 28,870 deaths were reported across the country so far, out of which 61 per cent were males and 39 per cent females. ALSO READ | Pakistan has gone bankrupt, govt deceiving people, says former tax chief Shabbar Zaidi The report quoted a member of the Scientific Task Force on COVID-19 Dr Javed Akram, who noted that more Pakistanis died because they visited hospitals only after complications emerged rather than the infection itself. Dr Akram also highlighted the state of infrastructure as he blamed poor health and diagnostic facilities for the high number of casualties. While speaking to DAWN, he accepted that far more patients lost their lives in Pakistan compared to the global percentage of deaths. "Unfortunately in Pakistan people do not visit hospitals with COVID-19; rather they visit hospitals once they develop complications. We lack state-of-the-art health and diagnostic facilities," he said, as quoted by DAWN. ALSO READ | UK health minister says it may be 'too late to react' to Omicron as COVID-19 cases continue to rise He also said that that country's intensive care units (ICUs) remained under pressure or were overburdened which was one of the reasons why the COVID-19 mortality ratio increased. Although, the Pakistani government had claimed that many ventilators were never occupied in the country. As per the report, the minimum age of a Pakistani national who succumbed to the infection was two months and the maximum age was over 100 years, with the median age calculated at 62 years. Statistics 19 Dec 21: Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 42,640 Positive Cases: 259 Positivity %: 0.60% Deaths : 2 Patients on Critical Care: 656 — NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) December 19, 2021 × Omicron variant in Pakistan On December 13, Pakistani health authorities confirmed the first case of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in the country. "The National Institute of Health, Islamabad has been able to confirm that a recently suspected sample from Karachi is indeed the 'Omicron variant' of SARS-CoV2," said the statement. "This is the first confirmed case but continued surveillance of identified samples is in place to identify trends," it added.

Is Pakistan's COVID-19 mortality rate much higher than global data? Here's a report

From updates on the summit of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) to Coronavirus trends across the world, read top 10 news headlines at this hour. Click on the links to read the full report.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghan-president-hamid-karzai-slams-pakistani-propaganda-on-afghanistan-438204">Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai slams Pakistani 'propaganda' on Afghanistan</a> 
Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai on Sunday lashed out at Pakistan and called out what he said was "obvious propaganda against Afghanistan". Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in his speech at the summit of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), said that Pakistan faced threat from Islamic State in Afghanistan.

<img alt="Hamid Karzai " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99531155-cbb4-4886-a180-cd1f040cec30" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Afg-Pak.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-cannot-dictate-to-nato-says-germany-438184">Russia cannot 'dictate' to NATO, says Germany</a> 
Germany came out strongly against Russia on Sunday and said that Moscow could not 'dictate' to Russia. German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht's statement came even as tensions are high between Russia and the West over conflict in Ukraine. Lambrecht spoke during a visit to Lithuania.

<img alt="Germany" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4578a478-209a-46e5-9566-c860a837218d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Germany%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-health-minister-says-it-may-be-too-late-to-react-to-omicron-as-covid-19-cases-continue-to-rise-438158">UK health minister says it may be 'too late to react' to Omicron as COVID-19 cases continue to rise</a> 
United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid said that there is much "we still don't know" about the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) and also warned that "it may be too late to react" as virus cases are rising in the country.&nbsp;

<img alt="COVID-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b88de9a3-bfd3-4373-bb91-25eb3cc37f83" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/COVID-19%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-pays-fine-in-russia-over-content-deemed-illegal-438157">Facebook pays fine in Russia over content deemed illegal</a> 
Facebook has paid USD 229,643 in fines in Russia over content Moscow deemed illegal, Interfax news agency has reported. There is looming threat of larger fines over the tech giant. Meta and Alphabet, parent companies of Facebook and Google respectively face a court case next week. &nbsp;They face allegations of violation of Russian legislation. A fine equal to their annual revenue in Russia may be imposed.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-bouncy-castle-tragedy-11-year-boy-dies-in-hospital-death-toll-reaches-six-438205">Australia's bouncy castle tragedy: 11-year-boy dies in hospital, death toll reaches six</a> 
Police have informed that the death toll from Australia's bouncy castle tragedy increased to six after an 11-year-boy died in hospital on Sunday (December 19) over three days after the accident. Two other children remain in critical condition in hospital and one is recovering at home.&nbsp;

<img alt="Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15b91930-42e7-4023-a499-4e66d892c5cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hillcrest%20Primary%20School.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-starts-omicron-lockdown-just-as-christmas-season-approaches-438175">Netherlands starts Omicron lockdown just as Christmas season approaches</a> 
The Netherlands began lockdown to prevent spread of Omicron variant on Sunday. The restrictions have come just as Christmas season approaches. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the sudden shut-down on Saturday evening, ordering the closure of all but the most essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public places from Sunday until at least Jan. 14.

<img alt="Netherlands" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b60eb3de-bd30-4fb1-9801-f314def5a0b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Netherlands.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-memo-us-air-force-gives-green-signal-to-gender-pronouns-use-for-internal-communication-438165">In memo, US Air Force gives green signal to gender pronouns’ use for internal communication</a> 
In what can open a can of worms, the United States Air Force has approved the usage of gender pronouns in electronic signature boxes for internal communication. On December 9, the US Air Force correspondence, said, "This guidance provides approval for the use of pronouns in electronic signature blocks and expands on written communication by providing official templates posted on e-publishing website available for download." &nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-an-example-and-role-model-for-religious-harmony-says-dalai-lama-438177">India an example and role model for religious harmony, says Dalai Lama</a> 
India is a role model of religious harmony in the world, said Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama during his address in a virtual event on 'Maha Satipatthana Sutta' for Theravada Sangha held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He said that when he came to exile in India as a refugee the practice of non-violence and religious harmony he found in Indian is "excellent".&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-pays-respects-on-first-wife-daughters-graves-on-crashs-49th-anniversary-438161">Biden pays respects on first wife, daughter’s graves on crash’s 49th anniversary</a> 
US President Joe Biden visited graves of first wife and infant daughter, who had died in a car crash, on Saturday. To pay respects to loved ones lost on the 49th anniversary of the mishap, Biden and family members thronged Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic church in Delaware, which is his home state. &nbsp;

<img alt="Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="989c3348-ec30-43dc-a208-7f23a558f924" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden_3.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abundance-of-caution-cnn-closes-us-offices-for-non-essential-workers-amid-a-surge-in-covid-cases-438154">'Abundance of caution': CNN closes US offices for non-essential workers amid a surge in Covid cases</a> 
CNN is closing its offices for all the non-essential workers in the United States amid a surge in Covid cases. Network President Jeff Zucker in a memo said, "Given the recent, sudden surge in Covid cases around the country, and within our teams at CNN, Turner Sports &amp; WarnerMedia Studios, as of tonight we are CLOSING our offices to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs."

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From updates on the summit of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) to Coronavirus trends across the world, read top 10 news headlines at this hour. Click on the links to read the full report.

From updates on the summit of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) to Coronavirus trends across the world, read top 10 news headlines at this hour. Click on the links to read the full report. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai slams Pakistani 'propaganda' on Afghanistan Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai on Sunday lashed out at Pakistan and called out what he said was "obvious propaganda against Afghanistan". Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in his speech at the summit of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), said that Pakistan faced threat from Islamic State in Afghanistan. Russia cannot 'dictate' to NATO, says Germany Germany came out strongly against Russia on Sunday and said that Moscow could not 'dictate' to Russia. German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht's statement came even as tensions are high between Russia and the West over conflict in Ukraine. Lambrecht spoke during a visit to Lithuania. UK health minister says it may be 'too late to react' to Omicron as COVID-19 cases continue to rise United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid said that there is much "we still don't know" about the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) and also warned that "it may be too late to react" as virus cases are rising in the country. Facebook pays fine in Russia over content deemed illegal Facebook has paid USD 229,643 in fines in Russia over content Moscow deemed illegal, Interfax news agency has reported. There is looming threat of larger fines over the tech giant. Meta and Alphabet, parent companies of Facebook and Google respectively face a court case next week. They face allegations of violation of Russian legislation. A fine equal to their annual revenue in Russia may be imposed. Australia's bouncy castle tragedy: 11-year-boy dies in hospital, death toll reaches six Police have informed that the death toll from Australia's bouncy castle tragedy increased to six after an 11-year-boy died in hospital on Sunday (December 19) over three days after the accident. Two other children remain in critical condition in hospital and one is recovering at home. Netherlands starts Omicron lockdown just as Christmas season approaches The Netherlands began lockdown to prevent spread of Omicron variant on Sunday. The restrictions have come just as Christmas season approaches. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the sudden shut-down on Saturday evening, ordering the closure of all but the most essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public places from Sunday until at least Jan. 14. In memo, US Air Force gives green signal to gender pronouns’ use for internal communication In what can open a can of worms, the United States Air Force has approved the usage of gender pronouns in electronic signature boxes for internal communication. On December 9, the US Air Force correspondence, said, "This guidance provides approval for the use of pronouns in electronic signature blocks and expands on written communication by providing official templates posted on e-publishing website available for download." India an example and role model for religious harmony, says Dalai Lama India is a role model of religious harmony in the world, said Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama during his address in a virtual event on 'Maha Satipatthana Sutta' for Theravada Sangha held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He said that when he came to exile in India as a refugee the practice of non-violence and religious harmony he found in Indian is "excellent". Biden pays respects on first wife, daughter’s graves on crash’s 49th anniversary US President Joe Biden visited graves of first wife and infant daughter, who had died in a car crash, on Saturday. To pay respects to loved ones lost on the 49th anniversary of the mishap, Biden and family members thronged Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic church in Delaware, which is his home state. 'Abundance of caution': CNN closes US offices for non-essential workers amid a surge in Covid cases CNN is closing its offices for all the non-essential workers in the United States amid a surge in Covid cases. Network President Jeff Zucker in a memo said, "Given the recent, sudden surge in Covid cases around the country, and within our teams at CNN, Turner Sports & WarnerMedia Studios, as of tonight we are CLOSING our offices to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs."

Top 10 World News: Hamid Karzai slams Pakistan, Netherlands starts Omicron lockdown and more

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