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;

While writing a column in Sunday Telegraph he&nbsp;said, "We have to be clear-eyed about the challenge Omicron presents. Our strategy since it emerged has been and remains to buy time for our scientists to assess the threat and build up our defences."

"Once that trend leads to a clear outcome, it may be too late to react to it," he said.&nbsp;

He further wrote, "Standing in Parliament this week and arguing for Plan B brought me no joy – promoting individual freedom and opportunity is one of the reasons I got into politics."&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-cases-surge-in-uk-hinting-towards-a-new-wave-438151">Omicron cases surge in UK hinting towards a new wave</a>

The UK has been hardest hit by the threats of the Omicron variant as the country registered another 90,418 daily Covid cases on Saturday. It has been confirmed that more than 10,000 new Omicron cases have been detected, which is fueling the Covid surge in the country.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the health secretary appeared on BBC's The Andrew Marr Show, where he suggested that the government needs to learn from things that have gone wrong and resulted in a continuous rise in virus cases of late.&nbsp;

"We need to learn lessons from those things that have gone wrong, and keep focusing on those things that everyone wants to see, that have gone very well," Javid said on the show.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-more-infected-with-omicron-variant-than-reported-say-uk-scientists-438070">Many more infected with Omicron variant than reported, say UK scientists</a>

During the show, he also said that new restrictions in England are "inevitable". While speaking about the rise in cases, he said, "If we don't bring in restrictions sooner rather than later you are going to see even more positive cases and potentially public services like the NHS (National Health Service) on the verge of collapsing if not collapsing."

As reported by The Guardian, some scientists have warned that the daily number of Covid cases could reach between 600,000 and 2 million by the end of the month if new restrictions are not brought in immediately.&nbsp;

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'Major incident' in London

London mayor Sadiq Khan declared a "major incident" in the British capital due to the spread of the Omicron variant on Saturday as 26,418 cases reported in the last 24 hours, a rapid surge.&nbsp;A major incident is defined as an event with a range of serious consequences which requires special arrangements to be implemented.

"The surge in cases of the Omicron variant across our capital is hugely concerning, so we are once again declaring a major incident because of the threat of COVID-19 to our city," said Khan.

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.

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. While writing a column in Sunday Telegraph he said, "We have to be clear-eyed about the challenge Omicron presents. Our strategy since it emerged has been and remains to buy time for our scientists to assess the threat and build up our defences." "Once that trend leads to a clear outcome, it may be too late to react to it," he said. He further wrote, "Standing in Parliament this week and arguing for Plan B brought me no joy – promoting individual freedom and opportunity is one of the reasons I got into politics." ALSO READ | Omicron cases surge in UK hinting towards a new wave The UK has been hardest hit by the threats of the Omicron variant as the country registered another 90,418 daily Covid cases on Saturday. It has been confirmed that more than 10,000 new Omicron cases have been detected, which is fueling the Covid surge in the country. On Sunday, the health secretary appeared on BBC's The Andrew Marr Show, where he suggested that the government needs to learn from things that have gone wrong and resulted in a continuous rise in virus cases of late. "We need to learn lessons from those things that have gone wrong, and keep focusing on those things that everyone wants to see, that have gone very well," Javid said on the show. ALSO READ | Many more infected with Omicron variant than reported, say UK scientists During the show, he also said that new restrictions in England are "inevitable". While speaking about the rise in cases, he said, "If we don't bring in restrictions sooner rather than later you are going to see even more positive cases and potentially public services like the NHS (National Health Service) on the verge of collapsing if not collapsing." As reported by The Guardian, some scientists have warned that the daily number of Covid cases could reach between 600,000 and 2 million by the end of the month if new restrictions are not brought in immediately. × 'Major incident' in London London mayor Sadiq Khan declared a "major incident" in the British capital due to the spread of the Omicron variant on Saturday as 26,418 cases reported in the last 24 hours, a rapid surge. A major incident is defined as an event with a range of serious consequences which requires special arrangements to be implemented. "The surge in cases of the Omicron variant across our capital is hugely concerning, so we are once again declaring a major incident because of the threat of COVID-19 to our city," said Khan.

UK health minister says it may be 'too late to react' to Omicron as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

While the Omicron variant of coronavirus continues to rapidly spread all over the world, scientists are still struggling to identify the symptoms of this new variant. However, the experts believe they might have identified at least one symptom.<o:p></o:p>

The new variant has been reported in at least 77 countries all over the world, and majority of the Omicron patients around the globe have scratchy throat common as a symptom of this new variant.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-france-fears-dominance-of-omicron-covid-variant-in-2022-canada-lifts-travel-ban-437815">As France fears dominance of Omicron Covid variant in 2022, Canada lifts travel ban</a></o:p>

While scientists are still trying to understand the symptoms for the new variant, the chief executive of South Africa-based Discovery Health, Ryan Noach, said that majority of the patients all over the world have reported scratchy throat as an early symptom of Omicron variant.<o:p></o:p>

Scratchy throat is usually followed by nasal congestion, dry cough and myalgia manifesting in lower back pain. While doctors have noted some other different symptoms in many other patients, scratchy throat has been a common one in majority.<o:p></o:p>

He also stressed that even though these symptoms look and are mild at this point, it cannot be concluded that the variant is less severe or virulent.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-variant-spreads-across-the-world-with-uk-covid-19-cases-surging-to-a-record-high-437816">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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Following on the warning by Noach, Sir John Bell, a leading British medical expert, also warned that the Omicron variant has been behaving strangely as compared to other strains of coronavirus. "The symptoms people get from this particular virus are different to the previous variants," Sir John Bell told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p>

He also named stuffy nose, sore throat, loose stool and myalgia are the usual symptoms that have been reported in Omicron patients till now.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Omicron variant has been spreading rapidly around the world. French Prime Minister Jean Castex has warned locals that the new variant may become dominant in the country by the start of 2022. However, he also added that "it does not seem to be more dangerous than the Delta variant and the data available to us indicate that complete vaccination coverage with the booster dose protects well against severe forms of the disease".

<o:p>(With inputs from agencies)</o:p>

While the Omicron variant of coronavirus continues to rapidly spread all over the world, scientists are still struggling to identify the symptoms of this new variant.

While the Omicron variant of coronavirus continues to rapidly spread all over the world, scientists are still struggling to identify the symptoms of this new variant. However, the experts believe they might have identified at least one symptom. The new variant has been reported in at least 77 countries all over the world, and majority of the Omicron patients around the globe have scratchy throat common as a symptom of this new variant. Also read | As France fears dominance of Omicron Covid variant in 2022, Canada lifts travel ban While scientists are still trying to understand the symptoms for the new variant, the chief executive of South Africa-based Discovery Health, Ryan Noach, said that majority of the patients all over the world have reported scratchy throat as an early symptom of Omicron variant. Scratchy throat is usually followed by nasal congestion, dry cough and myalgia manifesting in lower back pain. While doctors have noted some other different symptoms in many other patients, scratchy throat has been a common one in majority. He also stressed that even though these symptoms look and are mild at this point, it cannot be concluded that the variant is less severe or virulent. WATCH | Following on the warning by Noach, Sir John Bell, a leading British medical expert, also warned that the Omicron variant has been behaving strangely as compared to other strains of coronavirus. "The symptoms people get from this particular virus are different to the previous variants," Sir John Bell told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Tuesday. He also named stuffy nose, sore throat, loose stool and myalgia are the usual symptoms that have been reported in Omicron patients till now. Meanwhile, Omicron variant has been spreading rapidly around the world. French Prime Minister Jean Castex has warned locals that the new variant may become dominant in the country by the start of 2022. However, he also added that "it does not seem to be more dangerous than the Delta variant and the data available to us indicate that complete vaccination coverage with the booster dose protects well against severe forms of the disease". (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Experts name one common symptom of Omicron variant

As the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic wreaked havoc across the world in the past two years, scientists and researchers are busy developing ways to counter the threat efficiently and curb the spread of the virus in the community.&nbsp;

Safety measures such as face masks, social distancing, sanitising are still in place in the areas where the cases are rising, owing to new variants and community spread.&nbsp;

COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the virus but their effect sometimes varies in case of the mutations of the virus, the complexity of vaccination strategies, etc.&nbsp;

New research, published in&nbsp;Nature Communications, has revealed that antibody-like proteins found in a shark's immune system can also be a counter to the Covid. The proteins could also prevent different variants – such as Delta, Omicron.&nbsp;

"This study highlights the utility of VNARs as effective therapeutics against coronaviruses and may serve as a critical milestone for nearing a paradigm shift of the greater biologic landscape," abstract of the study read.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-seek-better-care-for-covid-19-patients-in-thailand-jail-inmates-riot-set-fire-437754">To seek better care for COVID-19 patients in Thailand jail, inmates riot, set fire</a>

Aaron LeBeau, a pathologist from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a co-author of the new study, said in a statement, "These small antibody-like proteins can get into nooks and crannies that human antibodies cannot access."

"They can form these very unique geometries. This allows them to recognize structures in [coronavirus] proteins that our human antibodies cannot," he added.&nbsp;

The study mentioned that the single-domain Variable New Antigen Receptors (VNARs) from the immune system of sharks are the smallest naturally occurring binding domains found in nature.

As per the study, the ability of the VNARs to neutralise the Covid virus rivalled or exceeded that of full-length immunoglobulins and other single-domain antibodies.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-highest-number-of-covid-19-cases-for-the-third-consecutive-day-437786">UK reports highest number of COVID-19 cases for the third consecutive day</a>

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Crystallographic analysis of two VNARs found that they recognised separate epitopes on the RBD and had distinctly different mechanisms of virus neutralisation unique to VNARs.&nbsp;

Structural and biochemical data suggest that VNARs would be effective therapeutic agents against emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutants, including the Delta variant.&nbsp;

"The big issue is there are a number of coronaviruses that are poised for emergence in humans," said LeBeau.&nbsp;

"What we're doing is preparing an arsenal of shark VNAR therapeutics that could be used down the road for future SARS outbreaks. It's a kind of insurance against the future," he added.

As the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic wreaked havoc across the world in the past two years, scientists and researchers are busy developing ways to counter the threat efficiently and curb the spread of the virus in the community.

As the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic wreaked havoc across the world in the past two years, scientists and researchers are busy developing ways to counter the threat efficiently and curb the spread of the virus in the community. Safety measures such as face masks, social distancing, sanitising are still in place in the areas where the cases are rising, owing to new variants and community spread. COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the virus but their effect sometimes varies in case of the mutations of the virus, the complexity of vaccination strategies, etc. New research, published in Nature Communications, has revealed that antibody-like proteins found in a shark's immune system can also be a counter to the Covid. The proteins could also prevent different variants – such as Delta, Omicron. "This study highlights the utility of VNARs as effective therapeutics against coronaviruses and may serve as a critical milestone for nearing a paradigm shift of the greater biologic landscape," abstract of the study read. ALSO READ | To seek better care for COVID-19 patients in Thailand jail, inmates riot, set fire Aaron LeBeau, a pathologist from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a co-author of the new study, said in a statement, "These small antibody-like proteins can get into nooks and crannies that human antibodies cannot access." "They can form these very unique geometries. This allows them to recognize structures in [coronavirus] proteins that our human antibodies cannot," he added. The study mentioned that the single-domain Variable New Antigen Receptors (VNARs) from the immune system of sharks are the smallest naturally occurring binding domains found in nature. As per the study, the ability of the VNARs to neutralise the Covid virus rivalled or exceeded that of full-length immunoglobulins and other single-domain antibodies. ALSO READ | UK reports highest number of COVID-19 cases for the third consecutive day × Crystallographic analysis of two VNARs found that they recognised separate epitopes on the RBD and had distinctly different mechanisms of virus neutralisation unique to VNARs. Structural and biochemical data suggest that VNARs would be effective therapeutic agents against emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutants, including the Delta variant. "The big issue is there are a number of coronaviruses that are poised for emergence in humans," said LeBeau. "What we're doing is preparing an arsenal of shark VNAR therapeutics that could be used down the road for future SARS outbreaks. It's a kind of insurance against the future," he added.

Study reveals that proteins taken from shark immune systems can neutralise COVID-19 and its variants

Hundreds of prisoners set fire to a Thai jail during a two-day riot over the handling of a coronavirus cluster, with some inmates wounded as officers sought to restore order.

Riots over COVID-19 medical facilities, Thailand prison set on fire

From updates on the Russia-Ukraine situation to the latest on COVID-19 cases worldwide. Also read why Tesla has been hit by a lawsuit. And do not miss our explainer on what is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees. Clicks on the links to read the full report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-admits-biden-admin-failed-to-see-omicron-variant-coming-437918">US Vice President Kamala Harris admits Biden admin ‘failed to see Omicron variant coming’</a> 
US Vice President Kamala Harris has acknowledged that the Biden administration couldn’t anticipate the emergence of variants like Omicron and Delta. Speaking to Los Angeles Times newspaper on the Covid situation in the country, Harris on Friday said, “We didn't see Delta coming…We didn't see Omicron coming. And that's the nature of what this, this awful virus has been, which as it turns out, has mutations and variants.”

<img alt="Kamala Harris" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="00a4b064-2ed2-4e30-851b-170de7b8dc8d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kamala%20Harris_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-crisis-kremlin-says-tensions-between-russia-and-us-not-at-lowest-point-yet-437956">Amid Ukraine crisis, Kremlin says tensions between Russia and US not at lowest point yet</a> 
Despite tensions simmering between the US-led NATO allies and Russia over Ukraine, Moscow believes that their relations with Washington are not at their lowest point yet. According to Interfax news agency, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Saturday said that Kremlin needed stable and predictable relations with Washington.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-at-least-14-people-dead-several-injured-in-powerful-gas-explosion-in-karachi-437932">Pakistan: At least 14 people dead, several injured in powerful gas explosion in Karachi</a> 
At least fourteen people were killed and several others were injured in a powerful gas explosion in Pakistan's Sindh province on Saturday (December 18) as reported by DAWN, citing a statement issued by Sindh Home Department Secretary Qazi Shahid Pervaiz. The blast took place near Karachi's Paracha Chowk in the Shershah area.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-putins-red-line-what-is-russias-draft-treaty-on-security-guarantees-437995">Explainer: Putin's red line-What is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees?</a> 
Russia submitted a draft document on legal security guarantees to the Biden administration to "ensure the security of the Russian Federation and member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)." The Russian foreign ministry said it "provided detailed explanations regarding the logic of the Russian approach."

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/electric-car-making-company-tesla-hit-by-lawsuit-over-tweets-by-ceo-elon-musk-437910">Electric car making company Tesla hit by lawsuit over tweets by CEO Elon Musk</a> 
Electric car producer Tesla has been hit by a lawsuit because of tweets by CEO Elon Musk. Famous for making eye-popping statements on social media, Musk had asked in a poll on Twitter if people thought he should sell 10 percent of his stake in Tesla.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-aircraft-carrier-enters-pacific-amid-tensions-with-taiwan-437904">Chinese aircraft carrier enters Pacific amid tensions with Taiwan</a> 
According to reports, China sent an aircraft carrier battle group through the Pacific Ocean amid tensions with Taiwan. Japan's defence ministry had said China had sent the Liaoning aircraft carrier along with Nanchang destroyer including a supply ship.

<img alt="Pacific Ocean" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78aa0496-a19c-4201-989c-4dc9100d74f4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pacific%20Ocean.jpg" />

<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> 
The world has already faced the lethal Delta variant and is currently facing the latest Omicron variant, which is quite new for the scientists to understand its nature and mutations. But what if the Delta and Omicron variants combine? Will it create a super strain of COVID-19?&nbsp;

<img alt="COVID-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72cc4291-92cd-4456-afd4-0baac3b719e5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omicron%20Variant%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-introduces-drastic-changes-in-hong-kongs-election-437988">China introduces drastic changes in Hong Kong's election</a> 
China has introduced drastic changes in elections for Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. Voters in the Chinese finance hub will pick new lawmakers under rules that have cut the number of directly elected seats in the legislature to 20 from a total of 90 seats.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-cabinet-secretary-simon-case-distances-himself-from-christmas-party-investigation-437958">UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case distances himself from Christmas party investigation</a> 
UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case has removed himself from the role of the head of the committee that is probing the alleged claims of parties held in Downing Street during last Christmas. "To ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence the cabinet secretary has recused himself for the remainder of the process," said a statement from the office.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/49-year-old-italian-man-nabbed-with-1-mn-child-pornography-files-437959">49-year-old Italian man nabbed with 1 mn child pornography files</a> 
In a bizarre incident, a 49-year-old man has been arrested by Italian police on Saturday for possession of over one million files of child pornography. The man, who is a musician in the coastal city of Ancona in Italy's Marche region, had numerous photographs and videos, depicting children in objectionable acts with adults. &nbsp;

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From updates on the Russia-Ukraine situation to the latest on COVID-19 cases worldwide. Also read why Tesla has been hit by a lawsuit. And do not miss our explainer on what is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees.

From updates on the Russia-Ukraine situation to the latest on COVID-19 cases worldwide. Also read why Tesla has been hit by a lawsuit. And do not miss our explainer on what is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees. Clicks on the links to read the full report US Vice President Kamala Harris admits Biden admin ‘failed to see Omicron variant coming’ US Vice President Kamala Harris has acknowledged that the Biden administration couldn’t anticipate the emergence of variants like Omicron and Delta. Speaking to Los Angeles Times newspaper on the Covid situation in the country, Harris on Friday said, “We didn't see Delta coming…We didn't see Omicron coming. And that's the nature of what this, this awful virus has been, which as it turns out, has mutations and variants.” Amid Ukraine crisis, Kremlin says tensions between Russia and US not at lowest point yet Despite tensions simmering between the US-led NATO allies and Russia over Ukraine, Moscow believes that their relations with Washington are not at their lowest point yet. According to Interfax news agency, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Saturday said that Kremlin needed stable and predictable relations with Washington. Pakistan: At least 14 people dead, several injured in powerful gas explosion in Karachi At least fourteen people were killed and several others were injured in a powerful gas explosion in Pakistan's Sindh province on Saturday (December 18) as reported by DAWN, citing a statement issued by Sindh Home Department Secretary Qazi Shahid Pervaiz. The blast took place near Karachi's Paracha Chowk in the Shershah area. Explainer: Putin's red line-What is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees? Russia submitted a draft document on legal security guarantees to the Biden administration to "ensure the security of the Russian Federation and member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)." The Russian foreign ministry said it "provided detailed explanations regarding the logic of the Russian approach." Electric car making company Tesla hit by lawsuit over tweets by CEO Elon Musk Electric car producer Tesla has been hit by a lawsuit because of tweets by CEO Elon Musk. Famous for making eye-popping statements on social media, Musk had asked in a poll on Twitter if people thought he should sell 10 percent of his stake in Tesla. Chinese aircraft carrier enters Pacific amid tensions with Taiwan According to reports, China sent an aircraft carrier battle group through the Pacific Ocean amid tensions with Taiwan. Japan's defence ministry had said China had sent the Liaoning aircraft carrier along with Nanchang destroyer including a supply ship. Can Omicron and Delta unite to create an even worse COVID-19 variant? Expert has the answer The world has already faced the lethal Delta variant and is currently facing the latest Omicron variant, which is quite new for the scientists to understand its nature and mutations. But what if the Delta and Omicron variants combine? Will it create a super strain of COVID-19? China introduces drastic changes in Hong Kong's election China has introduced drastic changes in elections for Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. Voters in the Chinese finance hub will pick new lawmakers under rules that have cut the number of directly elected seats in the legislature to 20 from a total of 90 seats. UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case distances himself from Christmas party investigation UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case has removed himself from the role of the head of the committee that is probing the alleged claims of parties held in Downing Street during last Christmas. "To ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence the cabinet secretary has recused himself for the remainder of the process," said a statement from the office. 49-year-old Italian man nabbed with 1 mn child pornography files In a bizarre incident, a 49-year-old man has been arrested by Italian police on Saturday for possession of over one million files of child pornography. The man, who is a musician in the coastal city of Ancona in Italy's Marche region, had numerous photographs and videos, depicting children in objectionable acts with adults.

Top 10 World News: Biden admin 'failed to see' Omicron variant, Kremlin on Russia-US tensions

The current situation of the United Kingdom is a grim picture of the country where the Omicron variant of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly. It is also a warning to the world to not neglect the safety measures such as using face masks, social distancing, vaccination, sanitisation, etc.&nbsp;

The UK is one of the hardest-hit countries as the British government reported 93,045 new coronavirus cases on Friday (December 17), a third consecutive record daily tally, as the Omicron Covid variant fuels a surge in infections.&nbsp;

Fearing the spread of the Omicron variant, the United States President Joe Biden warned of a "winter of severe illness and death" for those unvaccinated against Covid. The G7 called the Omicron variant the biggest threat to global public health.

ALSO READ | <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>

The world has already faced the lethal Delta variant and is currently facing the latest Omicron variant, which is quite new for the scientists to understand its nature and mutations. But what if the Delta and Omicron variants combine? Will it create a super strain of COVID-19?&nbsp;

Early data on Omicron variant suggests it can be more resistant to vaccines and is more transmissible than the Delta variant.&nbsp;Countries worldwide have begun advising against foreign travel.&nbsp;

Recently, Moderna chief medical officer Paul Burton&nbsp;said it was "certainly" possible Omicron and Delta could team up and create a more dangerous strain. His remark came when he was speaking to the UK Parliament's science and technology committee this week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-threatens-disclosing-names-of-officials-who-approved-covid-jabs-for-children-437875">Bolsonaro threatens disclosing names of officials who approved Covid jabs for children</a>

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Our fourth panel has started. We're hearing from: 
 
• Dr Paul Burton, Chief Medical Officer, Moderna 
 
Watch live below or here: <a href="https://t.co/oZQKcw47By">https://t.co/oZQKcw47By</a> <a href="https://t.co/gvKl2Xz7KK">https://t.co/gvKl2Xz7KK</a>
— Science and Technology Committee (@CommonsSTC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CommonsSTC/status/1470712356904783881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"There's certainly data, there have been some papers published again from South Africa earlier from the pandemic when people - and certainly immunocompromised people - can harbour both viruses," he was quoted as saying by Daily Mail. "That would be possible here, particularly given the number of infections that we were seeing," he added.&nbsp;

He said that there is possible that Delta and Omicron could swap genes and trigger a variant, which is even more lethal. These events are scientifically called 'recombination events'. Researchers have warned that recombination is possible but it requires very specific conditions and the coincidence of mostly uncontrollable events.

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New Zealand's genomics scientist Mike Bunce of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research said recombination could result in a mutant combo virus. "Using genomics, there remains a lot of scrutiny of Omicron and Delta including the possibility of the variants 'merging'… which can occur if infected with both variants at the same time," he said as quoted by Newshub.&nbsp;

"The genomics of Omicron came as a surprise to many working in the field as it looks as if the Alpha variant went into hiding (for about 12 months) and then reappeared with a new game plan," Dr Bunce added.&nbsp;

Virologist Sarah Palmer of Sydney's Westmead Institute recently tol ABC News that the Omicron shows signs of being the result of the Alpha and Delta strains sharing genes. "We're very, very concerned,"&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The current situation of the United Kingdom is a grim picture of the country where the Omicron variant of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly. It is also a warning to the world to not neglect the safety measures such as using face masks, social distancing, vaccination, sanitisation, etc.

The current situation of the United Kingdom is a grim picture of the country where the Omicron variant of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly. It is also a warning to the world to not neglect the safety measures such as using face masks, social distancing, vaccination, sanitisation, etc. The UK is one of the hardest-hit countries as the British government reported 93,045 new coronavirus cases on Friday (December 17), a third consecutive record daily tally, as the Omicron Covid variant fuels a surge in infections. Fearing the spread of the Omicron variant, the United States President Joe Biden warned of a "winter of severe illness and death" for those unvaccinated against Covid. The G7 called the Omicron variant the biggest threat to global public health. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Experts name one common symptom of Omicron variant The world has already faced the lethal Delta variant and is currently facing the latest Omicron variant, which is quite new for the scientists to understand its nature and mutations. But what if the Delta and Omicron variants combine? Will it create a super strain of COVID-19? Early data on Omicron variant suggests it can be more resistant to vaccines and is more transmissible than the Delta variant. Countries worldwide have begun advising against foreign travel. Recently, Moderna chief medical officer Paul Burton said it was "certainly" possible Omicron and Delta could team up and create a more dangerous strain. His remark came when he was speaking to the UK Parliament's science and technology committee this week. ALSO READ | Bolsonaro threatens disclosing names of officials who approved Covid jabs for children Our fourth panel has started. We're hearing from: • Dr Paul Burton, Chief Medical Officer, Moderna Watch live below or here: https://t.co/oZQKcw47By https://t.co/gvKl2Xz7KK — Science and Technology Committee (@CommonsSTC) December 14, 2021 × "There's certainly data, there have been some papers published again from South Africa earlier from the pandemic when people - and certainly immunocompromised people - can harbour both viruses," he was quoted as saying by Daily Mail. "That would be possible here, particularly given the number of infections that we were seeing," he added. He said that there is possible that Delta and Omicron could swap genes and trigger a variant, which is even more lethal. These events are scientifically called 'recombination events'. Researchers have warned that recombination is possible but it requires very specific conditions and the coincidence of mostly uncontrollable events. × New Zealand's genomics scientist Mike Bunce of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research said recombination could result in a mutant combo virus. "Using genomics, there remains a lot of scrutiny of Omicron and Delta including the possibility of the variants 'merging'… which can occur if infected with both variants at the same time," he said as quoted by Newshub. "The genomics of Omicron came as a surprise to many working in the field as it looks as if the Alpha variant went into hiding (for about 12 months) and then reappeared with a new game plan," Dr Bunce added. Virologist Sarah Palmer of Sydney's Westmead Institute recently tol ABC News that the Omicron shows signs of being the result of the Alpha and Delta strains sharing genes. "We're very, very concerned," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Can Omicron and Delta unite to create an even worse COVID-19 variant? Expert has the answer

There is a possibility that the COVID-19 virus was "most likely" leaked from a lab in China,&nbsp;British MPs were informed on Thursday.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Harvard scientist Dr Alina Chan, while testifying&nbsp;before the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, said that it was reasonable to hypothesise and investigate whether the Covid virus was modified in the lab.&nbsp;

The first cases were linked to a seafood market in Wuhan, which is located across&nbsp;the Yangtze river&nbsp;where a virology lab is located.

When asked by the panel about the probability of a lab leak as the origin of the pandemic, Chan said a “lab origin is more likely than natural origin at this point”.

“We all agree that there was a critical event at the Huanan Seafood Market, that was a superspreader event caused by humans. There is no evidence pointing to a natural animal origin of the virus at that market,” she noted.

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Wuhan lab leak 'now the most likely origin of Covid' Dr Alina Chan tells MPs: "you find these scientists who said in early 2018 ‘I’m going to put horns on horses’ and at the end of 2019 a unicorn turns up in Wuhan city" <a href="https://t.co/4Tg3CUssZF">pic.twitter.com/4Tg3CUssZF</a>
— BenHurst (@BenHurst) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenHurst/status/1471125844177391625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Speaking on the possibility of the&nbsp;virus being engineered in the lab before a leak, Chan said: "We have heard from many top virologists that a genetically engineered origin of this virus is reasonable...and this includes virologists who themselves have made modifications to the first SARS virus."

On the question of her level of confidence that the world would eventually be able to establish the true origins of COVID-19, Chan said it was simply a matter of time.

"Right now it's not safe for people who know about the origin of this pandemic to come forward. It might be five years from now, it might be 50 years from now, but we live in an era where there's so much data being collected and stored...we just need a credible, systematic investigation," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-working-on-covid-origin-notice-timeline-discrepancies-1st-case-was-a-vendor-at-wuhan-market-430452">Also read | Scientists working on Covid origin notice timeline discrepancies; 1st case was a vendor at Wuhan market</a>

"We know now that this virus has a very unique feature, called the furin cleavage site that makes it the pandemic pathogen it is. So, without this feature, there's no way this would be causing this pandemic."

"Only recently in September did a proposal get leaked showing that scientists from the EcoHealth Alliance were in collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology developing this pipeline for inserting novel furin cleavage sites, these genetic modifications, into SARS-like viruses in the lab," Chan said.

According to Tory lord Lord Ridley, who has co-authored a book on the virus's origins with Dr Chan, the fact that experts have still not located the animal host that would support a natural origin despite two years of investigation, supports the notion that COVID-19 emerged from a lab.Recent discoveries of China's attempted cover-up have compelled British and US intelligence agencies to investigate the lab-leak idea seriously, which was previously regarded as a lunatic conspiracy theory.

 
 
Watch |&nbsp; Gravitas: Lab leak "most likely" source of Covid-19, British MPs told

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The explosive charges, on the other hand, are expected to put pressure on the UK government to question Beijing's assertions that the virus originated in nature.

They're also expected to raise more questions about Chinese President Xi Jinping's connection with the WHO, which was accused last year of issuing a whitewash report on the outbreak.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

There is a possibility that the COVID-19 virus was "most likely" leaked from a lab in China, British MPs were informed on Thursday. Harvard scientist Dr Alina Chan, while testifying before the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, said that it was reasonable to hypothesise and investigate whether the Covid virus was modified in the lab.

There is a possibility that the COVID-19 virus was "most likely" leaked from a lab in China, British MPs were informed on Thursday. Harvard scientist Dr Alina Chan, while testifying before the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, said that it was reasonable to hypothesise and investigate whether the Covid virus was modified in the lab. The first cases were linked to a seafood market in Wuhan, which is located across the Yangtze river where a virology lab is located. When asked by the panel about the probability of a lab leak as the origin of the pandemic, Chan said a “lab origin is more likely than natural origin at this point”. “We all agree that there was a critical event at the Huanan Seafood Market, that was a superspreader event caused by humans. There is no evidence pointing to a natural animal origin of the virus at that market,” she noted. Wuhan lab leak 'now the most likely origin of Covid' Dr Alina Chan tells MPs: "you find these scientists who said in early 2018 ‘I’m going to put horns on horses’ and at the end of 2019 a unicorn turns up in Wuhan city" pic.twitter.com/4Tg3CUssZF — BenHurst (@BenHurst) December 15, 2021 × Speaking on the possibility of the virus being engineered in the lab before a leak, Chan said: "We have heard from many top virologists that a genetically engineered origin of this virus is reasonable...and this includes virologists who themselves have made modifications to the first SARS virus." On the question of her level of confidence that the world would eventually be able to establish the true origins of COVID-19, Chan said it was simply a matter of time. "Right now it's not safe for people who know about the origin of this pandemic to come forward. It might be five years from now, it might be 50 years from now, but we live in an era where there's so much data being collected and stored...we just need a credible, systematic investigation," she said. Also read | Scientists working on Covid origin notice timeline discrepancies; 1st case was a vendor at Wuhan market "We know now that this virus has a very unique feature, called the furin cleavage site that makes it the pandemic pathogen it is. So, without this feature, there's no way this would be causing this pandemic." "Only recently in September did a proposal get leaked showing that scientists from the EcoHealth Alliance were in collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology developing this pipeline for inserting novel furin cleavage sites, these genetic modifications, into SARS-like viruses in the lab," Chan said. According to Tory lord Lord Ridley, who has co-authored a book on the virus's origins with Dr Chan, the fact that experts have still not located the animal host that would support a natural origin despite two years of investigation, supports the notion that COVID-19 emerged from a lab.Recent discoveries of China's attempted cover-up have compelled British and US intelligence agencies to investigate the lab-leak idea seriously, which was previously regarded as a lunatic conspiracy theory. Watch | Gravitas: Lab leak "most likely" source of Covid-19, British MPs told The explosive charges, on the other hand, are expected to put pressure on the UK government to question Beijing's assertions that the virus originated in nature. They're also expected to raise more questions about Chinese President Xi Jinping's connection with the WHO, which was accused last year of issuing a whitewash report on the outbreak. (With input from agencies)

Reasonable to hypothesise Covid virus is genetically engineered: Expert

In order to seek better medical care for COVID-19 patients in jail, numerous inmates rioted and set fire at a prison in southern Thailand, the officials said on Friday. &nbsp;

As per Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, around 400 inmates at main provincial prison at Krabi went violent on Thursday night. It happened when a core group demanded that inmates infected with coronavirus be removed from the facility for better treatment. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-threat-of-omicron-wave-americans-rush-to-get-covid-19-boosters-437648" hreflang="en">Amid threat of Omicron wave, Americans rush to get COVID-19 boosters</a>

Police Maj Gen Chaiwat Ouikham said that they began destroying property in sleeping area and setting fire, as per the ‘Bangkok Post’ newspaper. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As the riot escalated, around 300 police and other security personnel were sent to the facility. &nbsp;

After overnight negotiations, provincial Governor Puthipong Sirimat finally agreed to send 14 inmates with severe Covid symptoms for treatment. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-warns-of-massive-fifth-wave-as-omicron-cases-surge-in-europe-437731" hreflang="en">Germany warns of 'massive fifth wave' as Omicron cases surge in Europe</a>

The three inmates, who had tried to climb over the prison wall, were injured after being hit with rubber bullets. No deaths were reported in the incident. &nbsp;

After calm was restored on Friday, provincial heath staff provided ATK tests for inmates and found that around 200 were infected, said Puthipong. &nbsp;

In an attempt to ease overcrowding, female inmates were being sent to other prisons. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In order to seek better medical care for COVID-19 patients in jail, numerous inmates rioted and set fire at a prison in southern Thailand, the officials said on Friday.

In order to seek better medical care for COVID-19 patients in jail, numerous inmates rioted and set fire at a prison in southern Thailand, the officials said on Friday. As per Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, around 400 inmates at main provincial prison at Krabi went violent on Thursday night. It happened when a core group demanded that inmates infected with coronavirus be removed from the facility for better treatment. Also Read: Amid threat of Omicron wave, Americans rush to get COVID-19 boosters Police Maj Gen Chaiwat Ouikham said that they began destroying property in sleeping area and setting fire, as per the ‘Bangkok Post’ newspaper. As the riot escalated, around 300 police and other security personnel were sent to the facility. After overnight negotiations, provincial Governor Puthipong Sirimat finally agreed to send 14 inmates with severe Covid symptoms for treatment. Also Read: Germany warns of 'massive fifth wave' as Omicron cases surge in Europe The three inmates, who had tried to climb over the prison wall, were injured after being hit with rubber bullets. No deaths were reported in the incident. After calm was restored on Friday, provincial heath staff provided ATK tests for inmates and found that around 200 were infected, said Puthipong. In an attempt to ease overcrowding, female inmates were being sent to other prisons. (With inputs from agencies)

To seek better care for COVID-19 patients in Thailand jail, inmates riot, set fire

From US State Department report on global terrorism to coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world, here are top news headlines. Click on the links to read the respective report.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-didnt-take-action-against-terrorists-as-groups-targeting-india-continue-to-operate-us-report-437657">Pakistan didn't take action against terrorists as groups targeting India continue to operate: US Report</a> 
US State Department report on global terrorism revealed that Pakistan made "limited progress" on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism as it had pledged to dismantle terrorist organisations operating inside the country without "delay or discrimination".&nbsp;

<img alt="Masood Azhar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c8ef212-972a-46c6-aa2a-1f6fc2894532" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Masood%20Azhar.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-warns-of-massive-fifth-wave-as-omicron-cases-surge-in-europe-437731">Germany warns of 'massive fifth wave' as Omicron cases surge in Europe</a> 
As Europe continues to battle against the virus, Germany's health minister Karl Lauterbach said the country is facing a "massive fifth wave" due to the Omicron variant. Lauterbach added that Germany is facing a "challenge" it hadn't witnessed earlier. Germany has moved to clamp down on public gatherings in sports stadiums due to the daily death toll rising in the country.&nbsp;

<img alt="Germany" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="959e2fcf-2626-480a-91e2-817c215eefd0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Germany.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/who-gives-approval-to-novavax-serum-institutes-covavax-covid-vaccine-for-emergency-use-437737">WHO gives approval to Novavax-Serum Institute's Covavax Covid vaccine for emergency use</a> 
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday gave emergency approval to Covovax, Serum Institute of India’s version of Novavax Inc`s COVID-19 vaccine. CEO of the Pune-based world's largest manufacturer Adar Poonawalla shared the news on Twitter.

<img alt="World Health Organisation" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e98976fa-d892-4eeb-ab36-7be92655cef3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/World%20Health%20Organisation.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreans-presidential-nominee-sorry-after-wife-is-accused-of-fabricating-resume-for-teaching-job-437650">South Korean’s presidential nominee sorry after wife is accused of fabricating resume for teaching job</a> 
South Korean opposition party’s presidential nominee apologised on Friday following allegations that his wife lied on her resume to land a teaching job several years ago. Yoon Suk-yeol, the candidate from the main conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP), is facing off against the ruling Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung.

<img alt="South Korea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dfd10f6-8f03-4009-a888-68a5ea215a5b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/South%20Korea.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-first-lady-melania-trump-unveils-parler-powered-nft-platform-437646">Former first lady Melania Trump unveils Parler-powered NFT platform</a> 
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) seem to be on everyone’s mind nowadays. The craze is such that former first lady Melania Trump has launched a new platform, which will release NFTs regularly. The platform, which is powered by Parler, will sell an NFT titled 'Melania's Vision' as the first offering, Melania Trump announced on Thursday. &nbsp;

<img alt="Melania Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3970ce0-416e-4505-92ae-cce5a4641b38" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Melania%20Trump.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-threat-of-omicron-wave-americans-rush-to-get-covid-19-boosters-437648">Amid threat of Omicron wave, Americans rush to get COVID-19 boosters</a> 
Reports claim there has been a rush for booster doses in Ameican amid warning of an Omicron wave. US President Joe Biden had warned about "winter of severe illness and death" due to the rise in Omicron cases. The White House had also insisted on booster doses as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

<img alt="COVID-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4aaec1b5-0d14-4314-b7dd-6b6b36f17ec5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/COVID-19.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/by-the-time-they-find-an-antidote-russia-targets-new-hypersonic-missile-systems-437698">'By the time they find an antidote': Russia targets new hypersonic missile systems</a> 
Russia's commander of strategic missile forces has said the country's defence forces are developing new hypersonic strategic systems as the US moves to find an "antidote" for the sophisticated missiles. "We must understand this and do it and go further in hypersonic weapons. By the time they find an antidote, we must have found another solution to this," Colonel-General Sergei Karakaev told Russia's TASS news agency.

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a48584-d8ba-4d70-93ac-5a9ad6c5d285" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/101-cases-of-omicron-variant-detected-in-india-so-far-says-health-department-official-437703">101 cases of Omicron variant detected in India so far, says health department official</a> 
India has detected 101 cases of Omicron variant of the Covid virus, the health authorities said on Friday, while asking people to keep new year celebrations a low-key affair. While addressing reporters on the daily bulletin, join secretary of the health department, Lav Agarwal, said that the Omicron cases have been recorded in 11 states and union territories so far.&nbsp;

<img alt="Omicron variant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f9fa04a-502e-449a-bb54-24d8f8a9ac97" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omicron%20variant.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preference-for-russia-india-china-in-person-summit-russian-envoy-nikolay-kudashev-437712">Preference for Russia, India, China in-person summit: Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev</a> 
Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future. This is my professional and personal expectations" with preference for in-person meet.

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e26c785d-a547-421b-8b9b-06490fe47c36" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-bans-array-of-cyber-mercenary-groups-warns-50000-people-that-were-targeted-437600">Meta bans array of 'cyber mercenary' groups, warns 50,000 people that were targeted</a> 
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, banned an array of "cyber mercenary" groups on Thursday, alerting 50,000 users who may have been targeted by firms that spy on activists, dissidents, and journalists. Meta shut down 1,500 Facebook and Instagram webpages linked to groups with services ranging from snooping up public information online to building trust with targets with fake personas to performing digital snooping via hacking attacks.

<img alt="Meta" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="980d31d2-efd0-4cfb-a759-cd455d56a23b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Meta.jpg" />

From US State Department report on global terrorism to coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world, here are top news headlines. Click on the links to read the respective report.

From US State Department report on global terrorism to coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world, here are top news headlines. Click on the links to read the respective report. Pakistan didn't take action against terrorists as groups targeting India continue to operate: US Report US State Department report on global terrorism revealed that Pakistan made "limited progress" on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism as it had pledged to dismantle terrorist organisations operating inside the country without "delay or discrimination". Germany warns of 'massive fifth wave' as Omicron cases surge in Europe As Europe continues to battle against the virus, Germany's health minister Karl Lauterbach said the country is facing a "massive fifth wave" due to the Omicron variant. Lauterbach added that Germany is facing a "challenge" it hadn't witnessed earlier. Germany has moved to clamp down on public gatherings in sports stadiums due to the daily death toll rising in the country. WHO gives approval to Novavax-Serum Institute's Covavax Covid vaccine for emergency use The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday gave emergency approval to Covovax, Serum Institute of India’s version of Novavax Inc`s COVID-19 vaccine. CEO of the Pune-based world's largest manufacturer Adar Poonawalla shared the news on Twitter. South Korean’s presidential nominee sorry after wife is accused of fabricating resume for teaching job South Korean opposition party’s presidential nominee apologised on Friday following allegations that his wife lied on her resume to land a teaching job several years ago. Yoon Suk-yeol, the candidate from the main conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP), is facing off against the ruling Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung. Former first lady Melania Trump unveils Parler-powered NFT platform Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) seem to be on everyone’s mind nowadays. The craze is such that former first lady Melania Trump has launched a new platform, which will release NFTs regularly. The platform, which is powered by Parler, will sell an NFT titled 'Melania's Vision' as the first offering, Melania Trump announced on Thursday. Amid threat of Omicron wave, Americans rush to get COVID-19 boosters Reports claim there has been a rush for booster doses in Ameican amid warning of an Omicron wave. US President Joe Biden had warned about "winter of severe illness and death" due to the rise in Omicron cases. The White House had also insisted on booster doses as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. 'By the time they find an antidote': Russia targets new hypersonic missile systems Russia's commander of strategic missile forces has said the country's defence forces are developing new hypersonic strategic systems as the US moves to find an "antidote" for the sophisticated missiles. "We must understand this and do it and go further in hypersonic weapons. By the time they find an antidote, we must have found another solution to this," Colonel-General Sergei Karakaev told Russia's TASS news agency. 101 cases of Omicron variant detected in India so far, says health department official India has detected 101 cases of Omicron variant of the Covid virus, the health authorities said on Friday, while asking people to keep new year celebrations a low-key affair. While addressing reporters on the daily bulletin, join secretary of the health department, Lav Agarwal, said that the Omicron cases have been recorded in 11 states and union territories so far. Preference for Russia, India, China in-person summit: Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future. This is my professional and personal expectations" with preference for in-person meet. Meta bans array of 'cyber mercenary' groups, warns 50,000 people that were targeted Meta, the parent company of Facebook, banned an array of "cyber mercenary" groups on Thursday, alerting 50,000 users who may have been targeted by firms that spy on activists, dissidents, and journalists. Meta shut down 1,500 Facebook and Instagram webpages linked to groups with services ranging from snooping up public information online to building trust with targets with fake personas to performing digital snooping via hacking attacks.

Top 10 World News: Germany warns of 'massive' fifth wave, WHO approves Covavax jab for emergency use and more

From Victory Day (Vijay Divas) celebrations in Bangladesh to the United States blacklisting Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority and top Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world. Here's a compilation of top 10 world news:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-bangladesh-celebrates-50-years-of-victory-437277">India and Bangladesh celebrate 50 years of victory against Pakistan</a>&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh are celebrating Victory Day (Vijay Divas) today. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country following a nine-month-long bloodstained War of Liberation against the Pakistani forces.&nbsp;

<img alt="India and Bangladesh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91472ace-2f68-4a24-ae4f-39a4d32c649b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India%20and%20Bangladesh.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/purported-brain-control-weaponry-us-blacklists-chinese-biotech-firms-over-uyghur-surveillance-437470">'Purported brain-control weaponry': US blacklists Chinese biotech firms over Uyghur surveillance</a>

The United States has blacklisted Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority. Trade with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and 11 of its research institutes has been restricted by the US Commerce Department over its biotechnology work including "purported brain-control weaponry."

<img alt="US-China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50f41952-73ea-4b25-97fc-b514cc2567b4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US-China.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-more-than-78000-covid-cases-highest-daily-since-pandemic-began-437395">UK reports more than 78,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began</a>

The UK has reported 78,610 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest daily since the pandemic began. The previous highest daily spike was on January 8 this year, when 68,053 cases were recorded.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-tightens-travel-curbs-for-uk-travellers-amid-omicron-surge-437463">France tightens travel curbs for UK travellers amid Omicron surge</a>

France has banned non-essential travel to and from UK, which has been reporting a spike in Covid cases ever since it reported the first case of the Omicron variant. Only those with “compelling reasons” will be allowed to travel between the two countries, the French government said in a statement.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccines-likely-to-be-less-effective-against-omicron-variant-who-437383">Covid vaccines likely to be less effective against Omicron variant: WHO</a>

Based on a preliminary study, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective against the Omicron variant— which has a higher chance of reinfection. The WHO said further research is required to get a clearer sense of how the omicron variant may penetrate immunity gained from the vaccines, which have generally proved effective against the coronavirus, Reuters reported.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-strong-winds-to-raging-floodwaters-typhoon-rai-hits-philippines-437420#category-5-storm-437408">From strong winds to raging floodwaters: Typhoon Rai hits Philippines</a>&nbsp;

Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding were seen across parts of central and southern Philippines as Typhoon Rai rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm, forcing mass evacuations and flight cancellations.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrific-tragedy-five-children-die-after-jumping-castle-blown-into-air-at-australian-school-437373">'Horrific tragedy': Five children die after jumping castle blown into air at Australian school</a>&nbsp;

At least five school children were killed and some were badly injured in an accident in Australia as their jumping castle was thrown into the air after a gust of wind picked it up. The heartbreaking incident happened on Thursday (December 16) during an end-of-year party when they were celebrating the last week of class before Christmas break in a primary school in Devonport, northern Tasmania.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-ask-people-to-avoid-international-travel-amid-concerns-of-omicron-437353">Canada to ask people to avoid international travel amid concerns of Omicron</a>

To battle the growing Covid cases, Canada will be advising its population to avoid international travel as much as possible. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is expected to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel, claims a report by Reuters. As of now, Canada has travel bans on 10 African countries due to the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/photos-lost-in-kentucky-tornado-found-in-town-225-kms-away-437446">Photos lost in Kentucky tornado found in town 225 kms away</a>

A natural calamity brings destruction to any community. People are always helpless when the elements decide to turn from their nurturing selves to destructing ones. It's recovery from troubles that defines human spirit and small things give a boost to the communities which are holding hands to stand up again after a calamity.

The state of Kentucky is US is gathering itself after it was hit by a tornado. The storm was deadliest in Kentucky's history. As people recover from damage to their property and things, some unbelievable stories are coming to light.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-highest-court-rejects-campaigner-christie-elan-canes-appeal-of-gender-neutral-passports-437449">UK's highest court rejects campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of gender-neutral passports</a>&nbsp;

The Supreme of the United Kingdom has rejected British campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of granting approval to ''genderless'' passports. Elan-Cane, who identifies as "non-gendered," has accused Britain's passport application process of being "inherently discriminatory".

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From Victory Day (Vijay Divas) celebrations in Bangladesh to the United States blacklisting Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority and top Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world.

From Victory Day (Vijay Divas) celebrations in Bangladesh to the United States blacklisting Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority and top Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world. Here's a compilation of top 10 world news: India and Bangladesh celebrate 50 years of victory against Pakistan India and Bangladesh are celebrating Victory Day (Vijay Divas) today. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country following a nine-month-long bloodstained War of Liberation against the Pakistani forces. 'Purported brain-control weaponry': US blacklists Chinese biotech firms over Uyghur surveillance The United States has blacklisted Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority. Trade with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and 11 of its research institutes has been restricted by the US Commerce Department over its biotechnology work including "purported brain-control weaponry." UK reports more than 78,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began The UK has reported 78,610 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest daily since the pandemic began. The previous highest daily spike was on January 8 this year, when 68,053 cases were recorded. France tightens travel curbs for UK travellers amid Omicron surge France has banned non-essential travel to and from UK, which has been reporting a spike in Covid cases ever since it reported the first case of the Omicron variant. Only those with “compelling reasons” will be allowed to travel between the two countries, the French government said in a statement. Covid vaccines likely to be less effective against Omicron variant: WHO Based on a preliminary study, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective against the Omicron variant— which has a higher chance of reinfection. The WHO said further research is required to get a clearer sense of how the omicron variant may penetrate immunity gained from the vaccines, which have generally proved effective against the coronavirus, Reuters reported. From strong winds to raging floodwaters: Typhoon Rai hits Philippines Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding were seen across parts of central and southern Philippines as Typhoon Rai rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm, forcing mass evacuations and flight cancellations. 'Horrific tragedy': Five children die after jumping castle blown into air at Australian school At least five school children were killed and some were badly injured in an accident in Australia as their jumping castle was thrown into the air after a gust of wind picked it up. The heartbreaking incident happened on Thursday (December 16) during an end-of-year party when they were celebrating the last week of class before Christmas break in a primary school in Devonport, northern Tasmania. Canada to ask people to avoid international travel amid concerns of Omicron To battle the growing Covid cases, Canada will be advising its population to avoid international travel as much as possible. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is expected to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel, claims a report by Reuters. As of now, Canada has travel bans on 10 African countries due to the Omicron variant. Photos lost in Kentucky tornado found in town 225 kms away A natural calamity brings destruction to any community. People are always helpless when the elements decide to turn from their nurturing selves to destructing ones. It's recovery from troubles that defines human spirit and small things give a boost to the communities which are holding hands to stand up again after a calamity. The state of Kentucky is US is gathering itself after it was hit by a tornado. The storm was deadliest in Kentucky's history. As people recover from damage to their property and things, some unbelievable stories are coming to light. UK's highest court rejects campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of gender-neutral passports The Supreme of the United Kingdom has rejected British campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of granting approval to ''genderless'' passports. Elan-Cane, who identifies as "non-gendered," has accused Britain's passport application process of being "inherently discriminatory".

Top 10 World News: US blacklists Chinese biotech firms, rise in Covid cases in UK and more

UK PM Boris Johnson faced a tough time during a session in the house of commons. Just before the parliament heads for a Christmas recess period. Johnson received a lot of flak for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic once again.

UK PM Boris Johnson grilled over handling of covid-19

New Zealand has reported the first case of the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) as the authorities informed on Thursday (December 16).&nbsp;

The case has been detected at a state-run isolation facility in Christchurch in a person, who came to New Zealand from Germany via Dubai.&nbsp;

New Zealand's Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said that the infected person arrived in Auckland before travelling to Christchurch on a charter flight.&nbsp;

The travel took place after following the usual health protocols and measures as the person was tested for COVID-19 positive, the test result was confirmed on December 12, as mentioned by&nbsp;newshub.co.nz.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-more-than-78000-covid-cases-highest-daily-since-pandemic-began-437395">UK reports more than 78,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began</a>

During a press conference on Thursday, Bloomfield indicated that there's a possibility of lockdowns or strict measures if Omicron is found in the community.&nbsp;

During the press conference, he said, "Even under the current framework, there is a provision for local restrictions or lockdowns. And so whether it's Omicron or Delta, that's available there as a response if there is an outbreak where we think that might be necessary to help get control and reduce the impact, particularly on health services."

He added, "Again, it probably doesn't matter if it's Delta or Omicron, but at this point in time we're intent on keeping Omicron out of the community."

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New Zealand approves vaccines for kids

Meanwhile, New Zealand has given provisional approval for the Pfizer Inc COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old.&nbsp;

New Zealand's health ministry said in a statement that the approval is for two doses of the paediatric Pfizer vaccine against the deadly virus, given at least 21 days apart.&nbsp;

If approved by the cabinet, the introduction of the paediatric Pfizer vaccine is expected to start in New Zealand no later than the end of January 2022, the ministry said.&nbsp;

New Zealand has reported the first case of the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) as the authorities informed on Thursday (December 16). The case has been detected at a state-run isolation facility in Christchurch in a person, who came to New Zealand from Germany via Dubai.

New Zealand has reported the first case of the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) as the authorities informed on Thursday (December 16). The case has been detected at a state-run isolation facility in Christchurch in a person, who came to New Zealand from Germany via Dubai. New Zealand's Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said that the infected person arrived in Auckland before travelling to Christchurch on a charter flight. The travel took place after following the usual health protocols and measures as the person was tested for COVID-19 positive, the test result was confirmed on December 12, as mentioned by newshub.co.nz. ALSO READ | UK reports more than 78,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began During a press conference on Thursday, Bloomfield indicated that there's a possibility of lockdowns or strict measures if Omicron is found in the community. During the press conference, he said, "Even under the current framework, there is a provision for local restrictions or lockdowns. And so whether it's Omicron or Delta, that's available there as a response if there is an outbreak where we think that might be necessary to help get control and reduce the impact, particularly on health services." He added, "Again, it probably doesn't matter if it's Delta or Omicron, but at this point in time we're intent on keeping Omicron out of the community." × New Zealand approves vaccines for kids Meanwhile, New Zealand has given provisional approval for the Pfizer Inc COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old. New Zealand's health ministry said in a statement that the approval is for two doses of the paediatric Pfizer vaccine against the deadly virus, given at least 21 days apart. If approved by the cabinet, the introduction of the paediatric Pfizer vaccine is expected to start in New Zealand no later than the end of January 2022, the ministry said.

COVID-19: First Omicron case detected in New Zealand; infected person arrived in country from Germany

Australia and England have locked horns with each other in the second Test of Ashes 2021/22 edition, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Thursday (December 16). After Australia thrashed England by 9 wickets in the series opener at The Gabba, Brisbane, the hosts are hot favourites to win the second Test, which is a day-night contest at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, but were dealt with a major blow with skipper Pat Cummins being ruled out.

Cummins isn't injured but had to miss out after being identified as a&nbsp;close contact of a Covid case.&nbsp;Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the reports and said in a statement, "(He) did not breach any biosecurity protocols. He isolated as soon as he became aware of the situation and has since had a PCR test, which produced a negative result. SA Health has confirmed that Cummins is a close contact and will be required to isolate for seven days."

For the unversed, CA claimed that pacer Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon were dining at the same restaurant as Cummins, however, were at a separate table outdoors. Hence, they have been deemed casual contacts and are part of the 2nd Test.

Thus, Steve Smith has replaced Cummins as the Aussie skipper for the day-night contest.&nbsp;Smith is leading the national side for the first time ever since he was removed from the top post after the infamous sandpaper gate fiasco in early 2018.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-australian-cricketer-michael-slater-arrested-and-charged-in-case-of-stalking-and-harassment-437165">Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater arrested and charged in case of stalking and harassment</a>

Cummins tweeted saying, "Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green. He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along!"

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Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green. He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along!
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravindra-jadeja-shuns-test-retirement-rumours-in-style-courtesy-a-fitting-post-on-twitter-437162">Ravindra Jadeja shuns Test retirement rumours in style courtesy a fitting post on Twitter</a>

Meanwhile, Smith said at the coin toss, "We are going to have a bat. I think you can control the game if you bat first. Huge honour (to lead Australia again). Feel for Patty for missing this game. Hopefully we can have a good week. He just wished me good luck and said it's your team go well. Excited for Jhye and Michael Neser."

Cummins had led from the front in his maiden outing as the full-time Test captain in the series opener, with a seven-wicket haul in the contest. He will be gutted to miss out but hope for the Aussies to make it 2-0 before he returns to action in the upcoming Tests.

Australia and England have locked horns with each other in the second Test of Ashes 2021/22 edition, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Thursday (December 16). After Australia thrashed England by 9 wickets in the series opener at The Gabba, Brisbane, the hosts are hot favourites to win the second Test, which is a day-night contest at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, but were dealt with a major blow with skipper Pat Cummins being ruled out.

Australia and England have locked horns with each other in the second Test of Ashes 2021/22 edition, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Thursday (December 16). After Australia thrashed England by 9 wickets in the series opener at The Gabba, Brisbane, the hosts are hot favourites to win the second Test, which is a day-night contest at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, but were dealt with a major blow with skipper Pat Cummins being ruled out. Cummins isn't injured but had to miss out after being identified as a close contact of a Covid case. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the reports and said in a statement, "(He) did not breach any biosecurity protocols. He isolated as soon as he became aware of the situation and has since had a PCR test, which produced a negative result. SA Health has confirmed that Cummins is a close contact and will be required to isolate for seven days." For the unversed, CA claimed that pacer Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon were dining at the same restaurant as Cummins, however, were at a separate table outdoors. Hence, they have been deemed casual contacts and are part of the 2nd Test. Thus, Steve Smith has replaced Cummins as the Aussie skipper for the day-night contest. Smith is leading the national side for the first time ever since he was removed from the top post after the infamous sandpaper gate fiasco in early 2018. ALSO READ | Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater arrested and charged in case of stalking and harassment Cummins tweeted saying, "Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green. He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along!" Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green. He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along! — Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) December 16, 2021 × ALSO READ | Ravindra Jadeja shuns Test retirement rumours in style courtesy a fitting post on Twitter Meanwhile, Smith said at the coin toss, "We are going to have a bat. I think you can control the game if you bat first. Huge honour (to lead Australia again). Feel for Patty for missing this game. Hopefully we can have a good week. He just wished me good luck and said it's your team go well. Excited for Jhye and Michael Neser." Cummins had led from the front in his maiden outing as the full-time Test captain in the series opener, with a seven-wicket haul in the contest. He will be gutted to miss out but hope for the Aussies to make it 2-0 before he returns to action in the upcoming Tests.

EXPLAINED! Why is Pat Cummins is out of 2nd Ashes Test as Steve Smith leads Aussies in D/N contest

COVID-19 cases in Canada may rapidly rise in the coming days due to community spread of the Omicron variant, mirroring the situation in the country's most populous province, of Ontario, Canada's top health official said on Monday.

The surge of COVID-19 cases in Ontario, which accounts for almost 40% of Canada's population of 39 million people, has prompted the provincial government to suspend the easing of restrictions that were planned to be lifted ahead of the holiday season.

The province reported 1,536 cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a more-than 70% jump from a week ago, including 80 cases of the Omicron variant, which has spread across over 60 countries since being first detected last month.

The World Health Organization has said that the Omicron coronavirus variant poses a "very high" global risk, with some evidence that it evades vaccine protection, but clinical data on its severity is limited.

At least one patient has died in the United Kingdom after contracting the Omicron variant, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Ontario has directed government staff, who started gradually returning to their offices in November, to go back to working from home at least until early-February, CTV news reported Monday.

"So what we're seeing in Ontario, I expect to be seen in other areas of the country, as has been seen in Europe and other areas of the world," chief public health officer Theresa Tam told a news conference.

"But for sure, we are seeing community transmission, possibly in its early stages, but this can rapidly escalate in the days to come," she added, responding to questions from reporters after she announced recommendations to improve the Canadian public health system in a report to the parliament.

Canada needs to hire of more health workers, improve technology and governance, as well as provide more stable funding, she said in the report.

"Canada's public health system is not perfect, and significant work lies ahead in terms of our transformation process, we must get ready to roll our sleeves up," Tam said.

COVID-19 cases in Canada may rapidly rise in the coming days due to community spread of the Omicron variant, mirroring the situation in the country's most populous province, of Ontario, Canada's top health official said on Monday.

COVID-19 cases in Canada may rapidly rise in the coming days due to community spread of the Omicron variant, mirroring the situation in the country's most populous province, of Ontario, Canada's top health official said on Monday. The surge of COVID-19 cases in Ontario, which accounts for almost 40% of Canada's population of 39 million people, has prompted the provincial government to suspend the easing of restrictions that were planned to be lifted ahead of the holiday season. The province reported 1,536 cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a more-than 70% jump from a week ago, including 80 cases of the Omicron variant, which has spread across over 60 countries since being first detected last month. The World Health Organization has said that the Omicron coronavirus variant poses a "very high" global risk, with some evidence that it evades vaccine protection, but clinical data on its severity is limited. At least one patient has died in the United Kingdom after contracting the Omicron variant, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. Ontario has directed government staff, who started gradually returning to their offices in November, to go back to working from home at least until early-February, CTV news reported Monday. "So what we're seeing in Ontario, I expect to be seen in other areas of the country, as has been seen in Europe and other areas of the world," chief public health officer Theresa Tam told a news conference. "But for sure, we are seeing community transmission, possibly in its early stages, but this can rapidly escalate in the days to come," she added, responding to questions from reporters after she announced recommendations to improve the Canadian public health system in a report to the parliament. Canada needs to hire of more health workers, improve technology and governance, as well as provide more stable funding, she said in the report. "Canada's public health system is not perfect, and significant work lies ahead in terms of our transformation process, we must get ready to roll our sleeves up," Tam said.

Canada could soon see a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases as Omicron spreads locally 

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data related to the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) variant Omicron, which has a large number of mutations, said to be posing a bigger threat than previous variants.&nbsp;

In a report published by CDC, an analysis of Omicron-led Covid cases in the country has been done. Data revealed the situation in the first week after the emergence of the first Omicron case in the US was detected.&nbsp;

The reports mentioned that on December 1, the first case attributed to the Omicron variant was reported in the United States. As of December 8, a total of 22 states identified at least one Omicron variant case.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chronic-diseases-documents-reveal-nearly-160000-adverse-effects-of-pfizer-covid-vaccine-436459">Chronic diseases: Documents reveal nearly 160,000 adverse effects of Pfizer Covid vaccine</a>

The report mentioned that among 43 cases with initial follow-up, one was hospitalised and none of the patients died due to the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that among 43 cases with initial follow-up, one was hospitalised due to Omicron variant. Out of total cases, 34 were fully vaccinated and 14 took their booster shots, revealed the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).&nbsp;

The report summarised US surveillance for variants, characteristics of the initial persons investigated with COVID-19 attributed to the Omicron variant and public health measures implemented to slow the spread of Omicron in the United States.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that implementation of current preventive measures, such as vaccination, masking, increased ventilation, testing, quarantine and isolation are recommended against the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

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As per CDC data, the most common symptoms were cough, fatigue and congestion or a runny nose. The first cases appeared to be mild, but the report warned that "as with all variants, a lag exists between infection and more severe outcomes".

"Even if most infections are mild, a highly transmissible variant could result in enough cases to overwhelm health systems. The clinical severity of infection with the Omicron variant will become better understood as additional cases are identified and investigated," the authors warned.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the data on the severity of Omicron is still limited but preliminary findings from South Africa suggest it may be less severe than Delta.&nbsp;

But the initial probe suggests a reduction in vaccine efficacy against infection and transmission associated with Omicron.&nbsp;

As per the report, from August 13 to November 19, 18.7 million older adults have received a booster or additional primary dose of Covid in the US.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, scientists have urged Americans to get vaccinated and take a booster dose if eligible.&nbsp;

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data related to the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) variant Omicron, which has a large number of mutations, said to be posing a bigger threat than previous variants.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data related to the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) variant Omicron, which has a large number of mutations, said to be posing a bigger threat than previous variants. In a report published by CDC, an analysis of Omicron-led Covid cases in the country has been done. Data revealed the situation in the first week after the emergence of the first Omicron case in the US was detected. The reports mentioned that on December 1, the first case attributed to the Omicron variant was reported in the United States. As of December 8, a total of 22 states identified at least one Omicron variant case. ALSO READ | Chronic diseases: Documents reveal nearly 160,000 adverse effects of Pfizer Covid vaccine The report mentioned that among 43 cases with initial follow-up, one was hospitalised and none of the patients died due to the Omicron variant. The report mentioned that among 43 cases with initial follow-up, one was hospitalised due to Omicron variant. Out of total cases, 34 were fully vaccinated and 14 took their booster shots, revealed the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The report summarised US surveillance for variants, characteristics of the initial persons investigated with COVID-19 attributed to the Omicron variant and public health measures implemented to slow the spread of Omicron in the United States. The report mentioned that implementation of current preventive measures, such as vaccination, masking, increased ventilation, testing, quarantine and isolation are recommended against the Omicron variant. × As per CDC data, the most common symptoms were cough, fatigue and congestion or a runny nose. The first cases appeared to be mild, but the report warned that "as with all variants, a lag exists between infection and more severe outcomes". "Even if most infections are mild, a highly transmissible variant could result in enough cases to overwhelm health systems. The clinical severity of infection with the Omicron variant will become better understood as additional cases are identified and investigated," the authors warned. Meanwhile, the data on the severity of Omicron is still limited but preliminary findings from South Africa suggest it may be less severe than Delta. But the initial probe suggests a reduction in vaccine efficacy against infection and transmission associated with Omicron. As per the report, from August 13 to November 19, 18.7 million older adults have received a booster or additional primary dose of Covid in the US. Meanwhile, scientists have urged Americans to get vaccinated and take a booster dose if eligible.

CDC report on COVID-19 situation after initial detection of Omicron variant in the United States

Following a positive test result on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently undergoing treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms.

Mondli Gungubele, Minister in the Presidency, verified this hours after Ramaphosa delivered his eulogy at FW de Klerk's state memorial in Cape Town on Sunday.&nbsp;

"The president began to feel unwell after leaving the state memorial service in Cape Town earlier today [Sunday] in honour of former deputy president FW de Klerk," Gungubele said.

The procedures in Cape Town today were conducted in accordance with health regulations governing hand hygiene, face mask use, and social distance.&nbsp;

According to a statement released just after 10 pm, Deputy President David Mabuza will be taking up "all responsibilities" for the following week.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | United Kingdom reports rapid spread of the Omicron variant

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Last month, the highly mutated Omicron variant was discovered in South Africa, causing widespread concern that it was more contagious than other versions. 
 
Watch | Ramaphosa slams West on 'travel bans' calls them hypocrite

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According to the statement, the president and the entire South African group were tested for COVID-19 during a recent tour to four West African countries.&nbsp;

"I am very sorry to hear you tested positive for COVID-19, my brother Cyril Ramaphosa. I wish you a swift recovery. Stay strong! Together!," World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted.

Despite the fact that Omicron has been detected in countries all over the world, it is still unclear whether it produces more severe sickness or if, and to what degree, it can resist vaccines.

After the WHO reported earlier in the week that there was some evidence that Omicron causes less severe disease than Delta, the currently dominant variation, the EU Medicines Agency said on Thursday that Omicron may cause milder symptoms.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following a positive test result on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently undergoing treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms. Mondli Gungubele, Minister in the Presidency, verified this hours after Ramaphosa delivered his eulogy at FW de Klerk's state memorial in Cape Town on Sunday.

Following a positive test result on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently undergoing treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms. Mondli Gungubele, Minister in the Presidency, verified this hours after Ramaphosa delivered his eulogy at FW de Klerk's state memorial in Cape Town on Sunday. "The president began to feel unwell after leaving the state memorial service in Cape Town earlier today [Sunday] in honour of former deputy president FW de Klerk," Gungubele said. The procedures in Cape Town today were conducted in accordance with health regulations governing hand hygiene, face mask use, and social distance. According to a statement released just after 10 pm, Deputy President David Mabuza will be taking up "all responsibilities" for the following week. Watch | United Kingdom reports rapid spread of the Omicron variant Last month, the highly mutated Omicron variant was discovered in South Africa, causing widespread concern that it was more contagious than other versions. Watch | Ramaphosa slams West on 'travel bans' calls them hypocrite According to the statement, the president and the entire South African group were tested for COVID-19 during a recent tour to four West African countries. "I am very sorry to hear you tested positive for COVID-19, my brother Cyril Ramaphosa. I wish you a swift recovery. Stay strong! Together!," World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted. Despite the fact that Omicron has been detected in countries all over the world, it is still unclear whether it produces more severe sickness or if, and to what degree, it can resist vaccines. After the WHO reported earlier in the week that there was some evidence that Omicron causes less severe disease than Delta, the currently dominant variation, the EU Medicines Agency said on Thursday that Omicron may cause milder symptoms. (With inputs from agencies)

Vaccinated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tests positive for COVID-19, isolates himself

Doja Cat will no longer perform at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.&nbsp; 
 
On Friday, the songstress revealed that has cancelled her two tour stops in Boston and New York after "a few members" of her team tested positive for covid. 
 
The 26-year-old singer shared an update on her social media just hours before NYC’s Jingle Ball was set to start at Madison Square Garden. 
 
''We recently learned that a few members on my production team have tested positive for Covid 19 and are now on quarantine,” reads the message. “For the health and wellbeing of the rest of our crew, we are following all the appropriate safety measurements and necessary precautions, which means I won’t be able to perform at iHeartRadio’s New York Z100 and Boston KISS FM Jingle Ball. I’m extremely disappointed, Jingle Ball has a great lineup for you all, wish I could be there,'' she wrote.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-marvels-eternals-coming-to-disney-plus-next-year-check-out-the-date-435972" hreflang="en">Marvel's Eternals coming to Disney Plus next year, check out the date</a> 
 
''Much love to all my fans'', she added.&nbsp; 
 
Doja did not reveal whether she was quarantined as well.&nbsp; 
 
Check out her tweet below:

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iHeart update…I love you guys so much and I’m so sad this is happening but I will see you all soon 😔💕 <a href="https://t.co/kwcmdGJTe4">pic.twitter.com/kwcmdGJTe4</a>
— my ass (@DojaCat) <a href="https://twitter.com/DojaCat/status/1469370656609509384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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She captioned her statement: ''iHeart update...I love you guys so much and I'm so sad this is happening but I will see you all soon.''&nbsp; 
The singer had performed at several holiday concerts over the past week, including at the Dallas and Los Angeles' stops of Jingle Ball and others.&nbsp;Doja contracted covid-19 in July 2020,&nbsp;weeks after mocking the virus and saying she&nbsp;wasn't afraid of it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/films-that-will-make-you-feel-old-harry-potter-to-the-lord-of-the-rings-movies-that-turned-20-in-2021-435818" hreflang="en">Films that will make you feel old! 'Harry Potter' to 'The Lord of The Rings': Movies that turned 20 in 2021</a> 
 
Other performers at Jingle Ball NYC include Lil Nas X, Jonas Brothers, Ed Sheeran, Saweetie, AJR, Kane Brown, Tate McRae, Bazzi among others.&nbsp;

Doja Cat will no longer perform at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball. On Friday, the songstress revealed that has cancelled her two tour stops in Boston and New York after "a few members" of her team tested positive for covid.

Doja Cat will no longer perform at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball. On Friday, the songstress revealed that has cancelled her two tour stops in Boston and New York after "a few members" of her team tested positive for covid. The 26-year-old singer shared an update on her social media just hours before NYC’s Jingle Ball was set to start at Madison Square Garden. ''We recently learned that a few members on my production team have tested positive for Covid 19 and are now on quarantine,” reads the message. “For the health and wellbeing of the rest of our crew, we are following all the appropriate safety measurements and necessary precautions, which means I won’t be able to perform at iHeartRadio’s New York Z100 and Boston KISS FM Jingle Ball. I’m extremely disappointed, Jingle Ball has a great lineup for you all, wish I could be there,'' she wrote. Marvel's Eternals coming to Disney Plus next year, check out the date ''Much love to all my fans'', she added. Doja did not reveal whether she was quarantined as well. Check out her tweet below: iHeart update…I love you guys so much and I’m so sad this is happening but I will see you all soon 😔💕 pic.twitter.com/kwcmdGJTe4 — my ass (@DojaCat) December 10, 2021 × She captioned her statement: ''iHeart update...I love you guys so much and I'm so sad this is happening but I will see you all soon.'' The singer had performed at several holiday concerts over the past week, including at the Dallas and Los Angeles' stops of Jingle Ball and others. Doja contracted covid-19 in July 2020, weeks after mocking the virus and saying she wasn't afraid of it. Films that will make you feel old! 'Harry Potter' to 'The Lord of The Rings': Movies that turned 20 in 2021 Other performers at Jingle Ball NYC include Lil Nas X, Jonas Brothers, Ed Sheeran, Saweetie, AJR, Kane Brown, Tate McRae, Bazzi among others.

Doja Cat cancels two big performances after her team members tests Covid-19 positive

First plastic and now, face mask. What’s common is that both have become a cause of concern due to excessive litter. &nbsp;

If a research data collected from 11 countries is to be believed, face mask pollution is the next big thing. &nbsp;

As per the research, the litter caused by face masks has increased by around 9,000%. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-variant-in-india-section-144-imposed-in-mumbai-second-confirmed-case-in-delhi-436012" hreflang="en">Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi</a>

The cause is simply the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the mask mandates rolled out by numerous governments worldwide. The researchers seem to have found an “exponential increase” in the new kind of pollution.&nbsp;

The study has been carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Portsmouth. It was published in ‘Nature Sustainability’ journal on Thursday. &nbsp;

A comprehensive study of personal protective equipment (PPE) was conducted by the group. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The findings have been based on data, which has been collected in 11 countries, such as Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Belgium, Sweden, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, with the help of a litter collection application Litterati. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-waste-crisis-looms-rome-asked-to-ignore-wrapping-gifts-this-christmas-435987" hreflang="en">As waste crisis looms, Rome asked to ignore wrapping gifts this Christmas</a>

Dr Keiron Roberts, lead researcher, University of Portsmouth said, “Overall, the study shows the impact that legislating the use of items, such as masks can have on their occurrence as litter. We found that littered masks had an exponential increase from March 2020, resulting in an 84-fold increase by October 2020.” &nbsp;

The nearly 9,000% hike in PPE litter indicates the enforcement of face mask-wearing “must be accompanied with education campaigns to limit their release into the environment,” Roberts added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

First plastic and now, face mask. What’s common is that both have become a cause of concern due to excessive litter. If a research data collected from 11 countries is to be believed, face mask pollution is the next big thing.

First plastic and now, face mask. What’s common is that both have become a cause of concern due to excessive litter. If a research data collected from 11 countries is to be believed, face mask pollution is the next big thing. As per the research, the litter caused by face masks has increased by around 9,000%. Also Read | Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi The cause is simply the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the mask mandates rolled out by numerous governments worldwide. The researchers seem to have found an “exponential increase” in the new kind of pollution. The study has been carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Portsmouth. It was published in ‘Nature Sustainability’ journal on Thursday. A comprehensive study of personal protective equipment (PPE) was conducted by the group. The findings have been based on data, which has been collected in 11 countries, such as Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Belgium, Sweden, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, with the help of a litter collection application Litterati. Also Read: As waste crisis looms, Rome asked to ignore wrapping gifts this Christmas Dr Keiron Roberts, lead researcher, University of Portsmouth said, “Overall, the study shows the impact that legislating the use of items, such as masks can have on their occurrence as litter. We found that littered masks had an exponential increase from March 2020, resulting in an 84-fold increase by October 2020.” The nearly 9,000% hike in PPE litter indicates the enforcement of face mask-wearing “must be accompanied with education campaigns to limit their release into the environment,” Roberts added. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 effect: Litter caused by face masks witnesses 9,000% rise, says study

It's the holiday season! And everyone wishes to be with their loved ones and enjoy the merriment from Christmas celebrations to the New Year. The same goes with an Australian couple, who is ready to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a private jet costing approximately US$32,000 to fly their pet dog home from New Zealand.

It's the holiday season! And everyone wishes to be with their loved ones and enjoy the merriment from Christmas celebrations to the New Year. The same goes with an Australian couple, who is ready to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a private jet costing approximately US$32,000 to fly their pet dog home from New Zealand. The story of Munchkin, a former Bali street dog is nothing short of a Hollywood movie. The journey started over five years ago when Sunshine Coast-based woman Natasha Corbin laid her eyes on the pooch when she was living in Bali with her fiancé David Daynes, as reported by ABC. ALSO READ | World's 'wealthiest' dog is selling a luxurious Miami mansion, which was once owned by Madonna - see pictures "When we decided to move to Bali, my partner had one rule for me because I'm such a dog lover and that was that I wasn't allowed to interact with any dog," Corbin said as quoted by ABC News. "I just ignored all of the dogs as best as I could and this dog, Munchkin, she was just a little tiny puppy, would follow us around because she had just somehow ended up near our villa," she added. Corbin further mentioned that the canine spent three years in Singapore with various foster families after failing medical tests to enter Australia, which has strict rules around importing pets. She explained that the reason why the couple was in New Zealand in 2019, as she said that they wanted to get the pet dog cleared to come to Australia. But Corbin eventually returned home alone for medical reasons. Meanwhile, Daynes waited for the green light from Australia. ALSO READ | Now, dogs can call their owners for a chat anytime After a five-month separation, Corbin is all set to take a drastic step as she is planning to hire a private jet to bring her fiancé and Munchkin home before Christmas as some flights operating between New Zealand's South Island and airports near the Sunshine Coast have been disrupted due to travel restriction due to COVID-19. "The money part is not the number one driver, it's about who can most certainly get them home before Christmas. Christmas is a really big deal for us... I just want us all to be together," she told AFP. "We stopped counting about three years ago when it got to Aus$40,000. We didn't ever at the start of this process expect that it would cost this much or take this long. We expected it to be Aus$10,000 and six weeks," she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tash Corbin (@tashcorbin) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Munchkin Corbin-Daynes (@milliondollarmunchkin) × "She's our family now and so I wouldn't change it for the world. I love her so much and she's such an amazing little creature," the owner added. The couple is also hoping to split the costs by recruiting passengers, offering to foot half of the jet bill while selling four remaining seats to other travellers, or perhaps hitching a ride on another private charter. The entire process has cost so much money that Corbin has christened the dog "Million Dollar Munchkin" on social media. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Munchkin Corbin-Daynes (@milliondollarmunchkin) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Munchkin Corbin-Daynes (@milliondollarmunchkin) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tash Corbin (@tashcorbin) × (With inputs from agencies)

'Million Dollar Munchkin': Australian couple plans to charter private jet for dog stranded by Covid rules

Just after Pakistani media reported that first case of Omicron had been found in the country, health authorities refuted the claim. National Institute of Health (NIH) said the sample taken from a 57-year-old woman was not confirmed to contain the Omicron variant. The institute said that whole-genome sequencing of the sample was yet to be done.

"This is in response to media reports of a suspected case of Omicron variant being reported from Karachi. To clarify, the sample is not yet confirmed to be Omicron via whole-genome sequencing, which is to be performed after obtaining the sample," said the NIH in a tweet.&nbsp;

Earlier, a private hospital in Karachi reported the first case of the variant in a 57-year-old female patient who is unvaccinated, confirmed Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho.&nbsp;

Pechuho later said that it could not be said for sure whether the patient was suffering from the Omicron variant or not.

"We have not yet conducted a genome study but the way the virus is behaving, it seems likely that it is the Omicron variant," she said.

Dr Pechuho said it would take between one to two weeks for the genome study to take place, after which it can be said for sure whether the patient has contracted the Omicron variant of the coronavirus or not.&nbsp;

"The virus spreads [rapidly]. This lady is also not vaccinated, which is why I would like to appeal to you all to get both doses of the vaccine," said the minister.&nbsp;

"For those who are fully vaccinated and it has been six months since, please get yourselves a booster shot," she urged.&nbsp;

Omicron variant has been reported in 57 countries. World Health Organisation (WHO) is expecting the number to continue growing.

Features of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, including the extent to which it will spread, and the sheer number of mutations, suggest that it could have a major impact on the course of the pandemic, according to WHO.

(With inputs from agencies)

Just after Pakistani media reported that first case of Omicron had been found in the country, health authorities refuted the claim. National Institute of Health (NIH) said the sample taken from a 57-year-old woman was not confirmed to contain the Omicron variant.

Just after Pakistani media reported that first case of Omicron had been found in the country, health authorities refuted the claim. National Institute of Health (NIH) said the sample taken from a 57-year-old woman was not confirmed to contain the Omicron variant. The institute said that whole-genome sequencing of the sample was yet to be done. "This is in response to media reports of a suspected case of Omicron variant being reported from Karachi. To clarify, the sample is not yet confirmed to be Omicron via whole-genome sequencing, which is to be performed after obtaining the sample," said the NIH in a tweet. Earlier, a private hospital in Karachi reported the first case of the variant in a 57-year-old female patient who is unvaccinated, confirmed Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho. Pechuho later said that it could not be said for sure whether the patient was suffering from the Omicron variant or not. "We have not yet conducted a genome study but the way the virus is behaving, it seems likely that it is the Omicron variant," she said. Dr Pechuho said it would take between one to two weeks for the genome study to take place, after which it can be said for sure whether the patient has contracted the Omicron variant of the coronavirus or not. "The virus spreads [rapidly]. This lady is also not vaccinated, which is why I would like to appeal to you all to get both doses of the vaccine," said the minister. "For those who are fully vaccinated and it has been six months since, please get yourselves a booster shot," she urged. Omicron variant has been reported in 57 countries. World Health Organisation (WHO) is expecting the number to continue growing. Features of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, including the extent to which it will spread, and the sheer number of mutations, suggest that it could have a major impact on the course of the pandemic, according to WHO. (With inputs from agencies)

No case of Omicron in Pakistan, say health authorities refuting media claims

Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday that there were early indications that Covid-19 Omicron variant was not more severe than&nbsp;strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand full severity of the Omicron variant.

Speaking to AFP, President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor broke down the knowns and unknowns about Omicron into three major areas: transmissibility, how well it evades immunity from prior infection and vaccines, and severity of illness.

Fauci said that Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world.

Accumulating epidemiological data from around the world also indicates re-infections are higher with Omicron.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/early-indications-omicron-variant-more-transmissible-than-delta-uk-pm-johnson-434892">Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson</a>

Fauci, the long-time director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said results from lab experiments that tested the potency of antibodies from current vaccines against Omicron should come in the "next few days to a week."

On the question of severity, "it almost certainly is not more severe than Delta," said Fauci.

"There is some suggestion that it might even be less severe, because when you look at some of the cohorts that are being followed in South Africa, the ratio between the number of infections and the number of hospitalizations seems to be less than with Delta."

But he noted it was important to not over-interpret this data because the populations being followed skewed young and were less likely to become hospitalized. Severe disease can also take weeks to develop.

"I think that's going to take another couple of weeks at least" to confirm in South Africa, where the variant was first reported in November, he said.

"Then as we get more infections throughout the rest of the world, it might take longer to see what's the level of severity."

Fauci said a more transmissible virus that doesn't cause more severe illness and doesn't lead to a surge of hospitalizations and deaths was the "best-case scenario."

"The worst-case scenario is that it is not only highly transmissible, but it also causes severe disease and then you have another wave of infections that are not necessarily blunted by the vaccine or by people's prior infections," he added.

"I don't think that worst-case scenario is going to come about, but you never know."

(With inputs from agencies)

Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday that there were early indications that Covid-19 Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before.

Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday that there were early indications that Covid-19 Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand full severity of the Omicron variant. Speaking to AFP, President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor broke down the knowns and unknowns about Omicron into three major areas: transmissibility, how well it evades immunity from prior infection and vaccines, and severity of illness. Fauci said that Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world. Accumulating epidemiological data from around the world also indicates re-infections are higher with Omicron. Also Read | Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson Fauci, the long-time director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said results from lab experiments that tested the potency of antibodies from current vaccines against Omicron should come in the "next few days to a week." On the question of severity, "it almost certainly is not more severe than Delta," said Fauci. "There is some suggestion that it might even be less severe, because when you look at some of the cohorts that are being followed in South Africa, the ratio between the number of infections and the number of hospitalizations seems to be less than with Delta." But he noted it was important to not over-interpret this data because the populations being followed skewed young and were less likely to become hospitalized. Severe disease can also take weeks to develop. "I think that's going to take another couple of weeks at least" to confirm in South Africa, where the variant was first reported in November, he said. "Then as we get more infections throughout the rest of the world, it might take longer to see what's the level of severity." Fauci said a more transmissible virus that doesn't cause more severe illness and doesn't lead to a surge of hospitalizations and deaths was the "best-case scenario." "The worst-case scenario is that it is not only highly transmissible, but it also causes severe disease and then you have another wave of infections that are not necessarily blunted by the vaccine or by people's prior infections," he added. "I don't think that worst-case scenario is going to come about, but you never know." (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant 'almost certainly' not more severe than Delta: Top epidemiologist Anthony Fauci

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was exposed to the coronavirus Tuesday by a UN official who already had Covid-19 and is isolating for the next few days, diplomatic sources said.

Guterres, 72, has canceled his upcoming in-person engagements, sources told AFP.

The UN chief was due to be the guest of honor of the UN Press Association at its annual gala in Manhattan on Wednesday. On Thursday, he was to participate in a UN Security Council meeting on the challenges of terrorism and climate change, led by Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/early-indications-omicron-variant-more-transmissible-than-delta-uk-pm-johnson-434892">Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson</a>

Bazoum, whose country currently holds the council presidency, arrived in New York on Tuesday and is expected to stay until the end of the week, when he heads to Washington.

The spokesman for the secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric, declined to comment immediately on Guterres's condition. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-almost-certainly-not-severe-than-delta-top-epidemiologist-anthony-fauci-434951">Also read | Omicron variant 'almost certainly' not severe than Delta: Top epidemiologist Anthony Fauci</a>

Dujarric indicated a few days ago that Guterres had recently received his third dose of the anti-coronavirus vaccine, after having hesitated for a long time about the advisability of receiving booster shots while millions of people throughout the world have yet to receive their first jab.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was exposed to the coronavirus Tuesday by a UN official who already had Covid-19 and is isolating for the next few days, diplomatic sources said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was exposed to the coronavirus Tuesday by a UN official who already had Covid-19 and is isolating for the next few days, diplomatic sources said. Guterres, 72, has canceled his upcoming in-person engagements, sources told AFP. The UN chief was due to be the guest of honor of the UN Press Association at its annual gala in Manhattan on Wednesday. On Thursday, he was to participate in a UN Security Council meeting on the challenges of terrorism and climate change, led by Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum. Also Read | Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson Bazoum, whose country currently holds the council presidency, arrived in New York on Tuesday and is expected to stay until the end of the week, when he heads to Washington. The spokesman for the secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric, declined to comment immediately on Guterres's condition. Also read | Omicron variant 'almost certainly' not severe than Delta: Top epidemiologist Anthony Fauci Dujarric indicated a few days ago that Guterres had recently received his third dose of the anti-coronavirus vaccine, after having hesitated for a long time about the advisability of receiving booster shots while millions of people throughout the world have yet to receive their first jab.

UN chief cancels meetings, isolates after COVID-19 exposure: Report 

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 ahead of their final Champions League group game at Zenit St Petersburg while four other players are out injured, manager Thomas Tuchel said on Tuesday.

Kovacic, who has five league assists, was back in contention for the first time since October after a thigh injury ruled the Croatia international out of Chelsea`s last eight games in all competitions.

"Mateo was in training yesterday with a big smile and (it)was pure pleasure to have him back, but he tested positive today for COVID-19 and is isolating," Tuchel told reporters ahead of Wednesday`s game.

"I was aware that this (more COVID-19 cases) could happen and I`m not happy about it, not only as a manager but as a person. But this is what reality is at the moment, so we have to be ready to adapt and secure people`s health."

Ben Chilwell, N`Golo Kante (both knee), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh) and Jorginho (back problem) are also ruled out for Wednesday`s game.

Kai Havertz limped off at halftime during their 3-2 Premier League defeat at West Ham United at the weekend, but the German was back in training on Tuesday.

Tuchel said Chelsea have "an acute overload" due to injuries and a hectic schedule, with the team due to play six more matches in all competitions this month after they return from Russia.

"Due to injuries in some positions, like central midfield, we struggle, but the game tomorrow is not a problem in terms of being overloaded," Tuchel added.

"The problem is the next match on Saturday (against Leeds United) because we will lose time to sleep, arrive back very early on Thursday... Then we face an intense team in Leeds who have prepared to play this match."

Chelsea have already qualified for the Champions League`s knockout stages and are tied on 12 points with Juventus at the top of Group H. The London club can finish as group leaders if they match or better Juventus` result against Malmo.

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 ahead of their final Champions League group game at Zenit St Petersburg while four other players are out injured, manager Thomas Tuchel said on Tuesday.

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 ahead of their final Champions League group game at Zenit St Petersburg while four other players are out injured, manager Thomas Tuchel said on Tuesday. Kovacic, who has five league assists, was back in contention for the first time since October after a thigh injury ruled the Croatia international out of Chelsea`s last eight games in all competitions. "Mateo was in training yesterday with a big smile and (it)was pure pleasure to have him back, but he tested positive today for COVID-19 and is isolating," Tuchel told reporters ahead of Wednesday`s game. "I was aware that this (more COVID-19 cases) could happen and I`m not happy about it, not only as a manager but as a person. But this is what reality is at the moment, so we have to be ready to adapt and secure people`s health." Ben Chilwell, N`Golo Kante (both knee), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh) and Jorginho (back problem) are also ruled out for Wednesday`s game. Kai Havertz limped off at halftime during their 3-2 Premier League defeat at West Ham United at the weekend, but the German was back in training on Tuesday. Tuchel said Chelsea have "an acute overload" due to injuries and a hectic schedule, with the team due to play six more matches in all competitions this month after they return from Russia. "Due to injuries in some positions, like central midfield, we struggle, but the game tomorrow is not a problem in terms of being overloaded," Tuchel added. "The problem is the next match on Saturday (against Leeds United) because we will lose time to sleep, arrive back very early on Thursday... Then we face an intense team in Leeds who have prepared to play this match." Chelsea have already qualified for the Champions League`s knockout stages and are tied on 12 points with Juventus at the top of Group H. The London club can finish as group leaders if they match or better Juventus` result against Malmo.

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Zenit clash in Champions League

A major reason behind coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world is its high transmissibility. The virus can easily be spread from one person to another. Strict measures like lockdown and social distancing had to be introduced because of this. The world waited with bated breath as vaccines were being developed. Time before introduction of the vaccines was tough indeed.

But a team of researchers including those from University of Pennsylvania has developed a chewing gum that they say decreases transmission of coronavirus from a patient to other people.

Coronavirus gains access to bodily cells by attaching to a protein called ACE2. The chewing gum has a copy of ACE2 protein in it. So in a way, it mimics bodily cells. This tricks coronavirus into attaching with chewing gum chemicals thereby sparing body cells.

A Covid patient has high concentration of coronavirus in his saliva.

The researchers took saliva samples from Covid patients and mixed them with powdered form of the gum. It was found that the virus attached to the ACE2 receptors present in the gum. Th researchers say that 50 mg of the chewing gum reduced viral entry by 95 per cent.

Result of the study has been published in scientific journal 'Molecular Therapy'.

A major reason behind coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world is its high transmissibility. The virus can easily be spread from one person to another. Strict measures like lockdown and social distancing had to be introduced because of this.

A major reason behind coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world is its high transmissibility. The virus can easily be spread from one person to another. Strict measures like lockdown and social distancing had to be introduced because of this. The world waited with bated breath as vaccines were being developed. Time before introduction of the vaccines was tough indeed. But a team of researchers including those from University of Pennsylvania has developed a chewing gum that they say decreases transmission of coronavirus from a patient to other people. Coronavirus gains access to bodily cells by attaching to a protein called ACE2. The chewing gum has a copy of ACE2 protein in it. So in a way, it mimics bodily cells. This tricks coronavirus into attaching with chewing gum chemicals thereby sparing body cells. A Covid patient has high concentration of coronavirus in his saliva. The researchers took saliva samples from Covid patients and mixed them with powdered form of the gum. It was found that the virus attached to the ACE2 receptors present in the gum. Th researchers say that 50 mg of the chewing gum reduced viral entry by 95 per cent. Result of the study has been published in scientific journal 'Molecular Therapy'.

A special chewing gum to reduce Covid transmission? Scientists say yes

President Joe Biden is set to kick off a more urgent campaign for Americans to get COVID-19 booster shots Thursday as he unveils his winter plans for combating the coronavirus and its omicron variant.

President Biden set to kick off campaign for Americans to get COVID-19 booster shots

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that India's upcoming tour of South Africa this month is on despite the threat due to the new coronavirus variant - Omicron in the country. However, Shah said Team India will travel to South Africa only for three Tests and three ODIs while the four-match T20I series will be played at a later date.

There has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding India's upcoming tour of South Africa as COVID-19 cases have surged in the country after the emergence of the Omicron variant which has been labelled as a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The cases have gone up significantly in the Gauteng province where India and South Africa are scheduled to play the first two Tests of the three-match series.

However, after assurance from Cricket South Africa over the strict bio-bubble arrangements for the visitors, BCCI has decided to give a go-ahead to the Indian team for the tour. "BCCI has confirmed CSA that the Indian team will travel for three Tests and three ODIs. The remaining four T20Is will be played at a later date," Shah told ANI.

Omicron recently led to the suspension of all major sporting events in South Africa with the Netherlands cricket team also cutting short their tour of the country. A few golf and Rugby games also had to be postponed or called off in the wake of the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-r-ashwin-signals-for-drs-after-getting-bowled-gets-trolled-by-former-australian-cricketer-434047">WATCH: R Ashwin signals for DRS after getting bowled, gets trolled by former Australian cricketer</a>

The India A cricket team, however, has stayed back in South Africa for their three unofficial Test matches against the South Africa A side. While two games have concluded the third match is all set to get underway from Monday (December 06).

As per their original schedule, India had to leave for South Africa next week after the conclusion of the ongoing home Test series against New Zealand. The first Test between India and South Africa is set to get underway from December 17 as per the schedule. However, it remains to be seen if BCCI will stick with the old schedule or a new schedule will be followed.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that India's upcoming tour of South Africa this month is on despite the threat due to the new coronavirus variant - Omicron in the country.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that India's upcoming tour of South Africa this month is on despite the threat due to the new coronavirus variant - Omicron in the country. However, Shah said Team India will travel to South Africa only for three Tests and three ODIs while the four-match T20I series will be played at a later date. There has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding India's upcoming tour of South Africa as COVID-19 cases have surged in the country after the emergence of the Omicron variant which has been labelled as a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The cases have gone up significantly in the Gauteng province where India and South Africa are scheduled to play the first two Tests of the three-match series. However, after assurance from Cricket South Africa over the strict bio-bubble arrangements for the visitors, BCCI has decided to give a go-ahead to the Indian team for the tour. "BCCI has confirmed CSA that the Indian team will travel for three Tests and three ODIs. The remaining four T20Is will be played at a later date," Shah told ANI. Omicron recently led to the suspension of all major sporting events in South Africa with the Netherlands cricket team also cutting short their tour of the country. A few golf and Rugby games also had to be postponed or called off in the wake of the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country. Also Read: WATCH: R Ashwin signals for DRS after getting bowled, gets trolled by former Australian cricketer The India A cricket team, however, has stayed back in South Africa for their three unofficial Test matches against the South Africa A side. While two games have concluded the third match is all set to get underway from Monday (December 06). As per their original schedule, India had to leave for South Africa next week after the conclusion of the ongoing home Test series against New Zealand. The first Test between India and South Africa is set to get underway from December 17 as per the schedule. However, it remains to be seen if BCCI will stick with the old schedule or a new schedule will be followed.

India to tour South Africa for three Tests, three ODIs; T20Is to be played later: BCCI secretary Jay Shah

Germany imposed restrictions on the unvaccinated on Thursday in a bid to break dramatic surge in coronavirus cases and the latest Omicron&nbsp;scare.

Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel and her successor Olaf Scholz agreed with leaders of Germany's 16 states to bar the unvaccinated from access to all but the most essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and bakeries.

The leaders also passed legislation in national parliament to make vaccination compulsory.

Eager to avoid lockdowns that could derail a fragile recovery of Europe's biggest economy, they kept businesses open to the almost 69% of the population that is fully vaccinated as well as those with proof of having recovered from COVID-19.

"The situation is very serious," Merkel said during a news conference with Scholz, who is expected to be elected as chancellor by the Bundestag (lower house) next week. "The number of infections has stabilized, but on a far too high a level."

She further said that an ethics committee will be asked to draft legislation that will make vaccination mandatory.

Authorities fear the fourth wave of COVID-19 risks overwhelming intensive care units and on Thursday it resulted in more than 73,000 new infections and 388 deaths.

Virologists blame the renewed outbreak on resistance to vaccination by a significant section of society, and have criticised politicians for acting too late to rein in contagion.

Germany's vaccination rate of just under 70% is around the EU average but lower than countries like Portugal and Ireland.

There have been signs that the curve showing new infections is starting to flatten. The seven-day incidence among 100,000 residents fell for the third consecutive day to 439.2.

Merkel, who hailed the restrictions as a necessary "national act of solidarity," said that in regions where the 7-day incidence hits 350, steps such as closing nightclubs and music venues and limiting indoor events to 50 people would kick in.

(With inputs from agencies)

Germany imposed restrictions on the unvaccinated on Thursday in a bid to break dramatic surge in coronavirus cases and the latest Omicron scare. Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel and her successor Olaf Scholz agreed with leaders of Germany's 16 states to bar the unvaccinated from access to all but the most essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and bakeries.

Germany imposed restrictions on the unvaccinated on Thursday in a bid to break dramatic surge in coronavirus cases and the latest Omicron scare. Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel and her successor Olaf Scholz agreed with leaders of Germany's 16 states to bar the unvaccinated from access to all but the most essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and bakeries. The leaders also passed legislation in national parliament to make vaccination compulsory. Eager to avoid lockdowns that could derail a fragile recovery of Europe's biggest economy, they kept businesses open to the almost 69% of the population that is fully vaccinated as well as those with proof of having recovered from COVID-19. "The situation is very serious," Merkel said during a news conference with Scholz, who is expected to be elected as chancellor by the Bundestag (lower house) next week. "The number of infections has stabilized, but on a far too high a level." She further said that an ethics committee will be asked to draft legislation that will make vaccination mandatory. Authorities fear the fourth wave of COVID-19 risks overwhelming intensive care units and on Thursday it resulted in more than 73,000 new infections and 388 deaths. Virologists blame the renewed outbreak on resistance to vaccination by a significant section of society, and have criticised politicians for acting too late to rein in contagion. Germany's vaccination rate of just under 70% is around the EU average but lower than countries like Portugal and Ireland. There have been signs that the curve showing new infections is starting to flatten. The seven-day incidence among 100,000 residents fell for the third consecutive day to 439.2. Merkel, who hailed the restrictions as a necessary "national act of solidarity," said that in regions where the 7-day incidence hits 350, steps such as closing nightclubs and music venues and limiting indoor events to 50 people would kick in. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron scare: Germany gets tough on unvaccinated, imposes restrictions

A prominent conservative broadcaster and anti-vaxxer in US Marcus Lamb has died of Covid. Jonathan Lamb, son of Marcus Lamb described the Covid infection as "a spiritual attack from the enemy".

Marcus Lamb, the televangelist, launched his Christian conservative TV network name Daystar Television network in 1997. It has over 70 stations across the US and even broadcasts in other countries in the world.

“It's with a heavy heart we announce that Marcus Lamb, president and founder of Daystar Television Network, went home to be with the Lord this morning," the network said in a tweet onTuesday. "The family asks that their privacy be respected as they grieve this difficult loss. Please continue to lift them up in prayer."

Lamb's TV network had become a way for conspiracy theorists to spread misinformation about Covid pandemic. The network and the guest it featured held firmly that Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) cured Covid infection. Scientists have found no conclusive proof of this.

The network also resisted US President Joe Biden's calls for mandatory vaccination. Daystar Television Network joined forces with Mississippi-based Christian fundamentalist organisation, American Family Association to move court against Biden administration's vaccine mandate.

A prominent conservative broadcaster and anti-vaxxer in US Marcus Lamb has died of Covid. Jonathan Lamb, son of Marcus Lamb described the Covid infection as "a spiritual attack from the enemy".

A prominent conservative broadcaster and anti-vaxxer in US Marcus Lamb has died of Covid. Jonathan Lamb, son of Marcus Lamb described the Covid infection as "a spiritual attack from the enemy". Marcus Lamb, the televangelist, launched his Christian conservative TV network name Daystar Television network in 1997. It has over 70 stations across the US and even broadcasts in other countries in the world. “It's with a heavy heart we announce that Marcus Lamb, president and founder of Daystar Television Network, went home to be with the Lord this morning," the network said in a tweet onTuesday. "The family asks that their privacy be respected as they grieve this difficult loss. Please continue to lift them up in prayer." Lamb's TV network had become a way for conspiracy theorists to spread misinformation about Covid pandemic. The network and the guest it featured held firmly that Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) cured Covid infection. Scientists have found no conclusive proof of this. The network also resisted US President Joe Biden's calls for mandatory vaccination. Daystar Television Network joined forces with Mississippi-based Christian fundamentalist organisation, American Family Association to move court against Biden administration's vaccine mandate.

Conservative anti-vaxxer broadcaster Marcus Lamb dies of Covid

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has lavished huge praise on Narendra Modi and India's spirits as the country is ready to extend their support to African countries reeling under the new Covid variant named Omicron.&nbsp;

As the world was trying to move on from the COVID-19 pandemic and its severe effects, another new variant has been found, named Omicron by World Health Organisation (WHO).&nbsp;

Hence, there is panic worldwide as many countries are looking to impose strict travel restrictions. Amid all this, the first Covid case erupted from the new variant in South Africa as reportedly the African nations are being affected most severely. Hence, India has now geared up to provide help in such a crisis situation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/omicron-hits-portugal-as-13-members-of-lisbon-football-club-belenenses-sad-test-positive-432762">Omicron hits Portugal as 13 members of Lisbon football club Belenenses SAD test positive</a>

To this, Pietersen lauded India and tweeted, "That caring spirit once again shown by India! The most fabulous country with so many warm hearted people! Thank you! cc Narendra Modi."

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That caring spirit once again shown by India! 
The most fabulous country with so many warm hearted people! 
Thank you! 
cc <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> 🙏🏽 <a href="https://t.co/r05631jNBD">https://t.co/r05631jNBD</a>
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1465353928816664577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shane-warne-left-baffled-points-out-indias-strange-tactic-during-day-5-of-drawn-kanpur-test-432837">Shane Warne left baffled, points out India's 'strange tactic' during Day 5 of drawn Kanpur Test</a>

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have already announced their commitment to supply 'made-in India' vaccines to African nations, who are facing the adverse effects due to the newly-found Covid variant. "Government of India stands ready to support the countries affected in Africa in dealing with the Omicron Variant, including by supplies of Made-in-India vaccines. Supplies can be undertaken through COVAX or bilaterally," said the MEA in a statement as quoted by&nbsp;ANI.&nbsp;

The world dealt with a severe second wave of Covid-19 pandemic early this year. Hence, there is scare in all parts of the globe once again with the advent of the new Covid variant. One would hope that its threat gets minimised as soon as possible and&nbsp;countries doesn't have to deal with another strict set of restrictions.&nbsp;

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has lavished huge praise on Narendra Modi and India's spirits as the country is ready to extend their support to African countries reeling under the new Covid variant named Omicron.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has lavished huge praise on Narendra Modi and India's spirits as the country is ready to extend their support to African countries reeling under the new Covid variant named Omicron. As the world was trying to move on from the COVID-19 pandemic and its severe effects, another new variant has been found, named Omicron by World Health Organisation (WHO). Hence, there is panic worldwide as many countries are looking to impose strict travel restrictions. Amid all this, the first Covid case erupted from the new variant in South Africa as reportedly the African nations are being affected most severely. Hence, India has now geared up to provide help in such a crisis situation. ALSO READ | Omicron hits Portugal as 13 members of Lisbon football club Belenenses SAD test positive To this, Pietersen lauded India and tweeted, "That caring spirit once again shown by India! The most fabulous country with so many warm hearted people! Thank you! cc Narendra Modi." That caring spirit once again shown by India! The most fabulous country with so many warm hearted people! Thank you! cc @narendramodi 🙏🏽 https://t.co/r05631jNBD — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) November 29, 2021 × ALSO READ | Shane Warne left baffled, points out India's 'strange tactic' during Day 5 of drawn Kanpur Test India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have already announced their commitment to supply 'made-in India' vaccines to African nations, who are facing the adverse effects due to the newly-found Covid variant. "Government of India stands ready to support the countries affected in Africa in dealing with the Omicron Variant, including by supplies of Made-in-India vaccines. Supplies can be undertaken through COVAX or bilaterally," said the MEA in a statement as quoted by ANI. The world dealt with a severe second wave of Covid-19 pandemic early this year. Hence, there is scare in all parts of the globe once again with the advent of the new Covid variant. One would hope that its threat gets minimised as soon as possible and countries doesn't have to deal with another strict set of restrictions.

Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare

Amid the Omicron variant of COVID-19 creating concern globally, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Monday said the sample of one of the two persons who arrived in Bengaluru recently from South Africa is 'different from the Delta variant'.

The minister said he was not supposed to say anything officially as he was still in touch with the union health ministry and the Indian Council for Medical Research officials.

"There is a delta variant for the past nine months only, but you are saying that one of the samples is Omicron. I cannot say aboutit officially. I am in touch with the ICMR and central government officials," Sudhakar told reporters here.

The sample has been sent to ICMR, he said.

Refusing to divulge the identity of the man, the minister said his COVID report shows that he has contracted a different variant of the novel coronavirus.

"There is a 63-year-old man whose name I should not disclose. His report is a bit different. It appears different from the delta variant. We will discuss with the ICMR officials and will let people know by the evening what it is," the minister said.

The minister said he would chair a marathon meeting on Tuesday with the officers of his department, from the Principal Secretary to the Primary Health Centre level doctors, regarding the steps to be taken.

He added that the members of the Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 have also been invited for the meeting.

Sudhakar also said that he has sought a detailed report on the Omicron variant.

"We will get a clear information on December 1 about how the Omicron behaves after the genomic sequencing. Accordingly we will initiate all measures," he explained.

Underlining the fact that the new variant is visible in at least 12 nations, Sudhakar said the international travellers will be tested carefully and those tested positive will be hospitalised compulsorily.

"We are tracking and closely watching all those who came from South Africa in the past 14 days. We have started tracing and testing their primary and secondary contacts since Saturday," the minister said.

Speaking about Omicron, Sudhakar, who himself is a medical professional, said he has also spoken to his classmate doctors working in South Africa, who told him that the new variant is not as dangerous as the delta variant.

"The satisfying thing I came across after talking to my classmates in South Africa is that this (Omicron variant) spreads rapidly, but it is not as dangerous like Delta.

People feel nausea and vomiting and sometimes the pulse rate goes up, but loss of taste and smell is not there. There is less hospitalisation because it's intensity is not severe," Sudhakar explained.

To a query on the possibility of a lockdown, Sudhakar said there was no such proposal before the government and there was no need to panic as people have already suffered losses due to the earlier lockdown in terms of loss of lives and livelihood.

According to health department officials, the two persons who flew into Bengaluru from South Africa tested positive for COVID-19 on November 11 and 20. Both were hospitalised, they added.

Amid the Omicron variant of COVID-19 creating concern globally, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Monday said the sample of one of the two persons who arrived in Bengaluru recently from South Africa is 'different from the Delta variant'.

Amid the Omicron variant of COVID-19 creating concern globally, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Monday said the sample of one of the two persons who arrived in Bengaluru recently from South Africa is 'different from the Delta variant'. The minister said he was not supposed to say anything officially as he was still in touch with the union health ministry and the Indian Council for Medical Research officials. "There is a delta variant for the past nine months only, but you are saying that one of the samples is Omicron. I cannot say aboutit officially. I am in touch with the ICMR and central government officials," Sudhakar told reporters here. The sample has been sent to ICMR, he said. Refusing to divulge the identity of the man, the minister said his COVID report shows that he has contracted a different variant of the novel coronavirus. "There is a 63-year-old man whose name I should not disclose. His report is a bit different. It appears different from the delta variant. We will discuss with the ICMR officials and will let people know by the evening what it is," the minister said. The minister said he would chair a marathon meeting on Tuesday with the officers of his department, from the Principal Secretary to the Primary Health Centre level doctors, regarding the steps to be taken. He added that the members of the Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 have also been invited for the meeting. Sudhakar also said that he has sought a detailed report on the Omicron variant. "We will get a clear information on December 1 about how the Omicron behaves after the genomic sequencing. Accordingly we will initiate all measures," he explained. Underlining the fact that the new variant is visible in at least 12 nations, Sudhakar said the international travellers will be tested carefully and those tested positive will be hospitalised compulsorily. "We are tracking and closely watching all those who came from South Africa in the past 14 days. We have started tracing and testing their primary and secondary contacts since Saturday," the minister said. Speaking about Omicron, Sudhakar, who himself is a medical professional, said he has also spoken to his classmate doctors working in South Africa, who told him that the new variant is not as dangerous as the delta variant. "The satisfying thing I came across after talking to my classmates in South Africa is that this (Omicron variant) spreads rapidly, but it is not as dangerous like Delta. People feel nausea and vomiting and sometimes the pulse rate goes up, but loss of taste and smell is not there. There is less hospitalisation because it's intensity is not severe," Sudhakar explained. To a query on the possibility of a lockdown, Sudhakar said there was no such proposal before the government and there was no need to panic as people have already suffered losses due to the earlier lockdown in terms of loss of lives and livelihood. According to health department officials, the two persons who flew into Bengaluru from South Africa tested positive for COVID-19 on November 11 and 20. Both were hospitalised, they added.

Sample of one person who came from South Africa is different from Delta, says Karnataka minister

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros on Tuesday cautioned against blanket measures and knee-jerk reactions over Omicron variant of the Covid virus and said that such moves may not be necessary. He said that some countries were introducing such measures and penalising African nations unfairly.

"I well understand the concern of all countries to protect their citizens against a variant that we don't yet fully understand," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"But I am equally concerned that several Member States are introducing blunt, blanket measures that are not evidence-based or effective on their own, and which will only worsen inequities."

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Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa a week ago. Though South Africa won international praise, the detection of new variant also caused global alarm and led to travel bans.

In remarks to a closed-door meeting posted on its website, the WHO's Ethiopian head urged the 194 member states to stick to "rational, proportional" measures.

There were still more questions than answers, Tedros said, about Omicron's severity and the effectiveness of vaccines.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-had-omicron-cases-a-week-before-south-africa-identified-the-covid-variant-433005">Netherlands had Omicron cases a week before South Africa identified the Covid variant</a> 
 
No Omicron-linked deaths have yet been reported though the WHO has said it poses a high risk of infection surges.

"Once again, I thank Botswana and South Africa for detecting, sequencing and reporting this variant so rapidly," added Tedros. "It is deeply concerning to me that those countries are now being penalized by others for doing the right thing."

'Knee-jerk reaction'

Mid-way through a three-day WHO meeting of health ministers, Namibia's delegation on Tuesday expressed disappointment towards those states imposing travel bans on southern Africa.

"This travel ban is a knee-jerk reaction grounded in politics, not in science or guidance from the WHO Constitution," it said. "We therefore ask why is it that other states that (detected) the variant in persons who have no travel history to southern Africa are exempted from this travel ban?"

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-covishield-work-against-omicron-it-will-be-clear-in-2-3-weeks-says-serum-institutes-poonawalla-433016">Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla</a>

Tanzania called for an immediate lifting of the travel curbs, which are hurting tourism in the region, while Canada voiced gratitude for regional transparency.

"Transparent international collaboration, as demonstrated by the leadership of South Africa and the South African scientists who swiftly and openly shared information on this new variant, is what is needed now more than ever," said Leslie Norton, Canada's U.N. ambassador in Geneva.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros on Tuesday cautioned against blanket measures and knee-jerk reactions over Omicron variant of the Covid virus and said that such moves may not be necessary.

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros on Tuesday cautioned against blanket measures and knee-jerk reactions over Omicron variant of the Covid virus and said that such moves may not be necessary. He said that some countries were introducing such measures and penalising African nations unfairly. "I well understand the concern of all countries to protect their citizens against a variant that we don't yet fully understand," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "But I am equally concerned that several Member States are introducing blunt, blanket measures that are not evidence-based or effective on their own, and which will only worsen inequities." × Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa a week ago. Though South Africa won international praise, the detection of new variant also caused global alarm and led to travel bans. In remarks to a closed-door meeting posted on its website, the WHO's Ethiopian head urged the 194 member states to stick to "rational, proportional" measures. There were still more questions than answers, Tedros said, about Omicron's severity and the effectiveness of vaccines. Also Read | Netherlands had Omicron cases a week before South Africa identified the Covid variant No Omicron-linked deaths have yet been reported though the WHO has said it poses a high risk of infection surges. "Once again, I thank Botswana and South Africa for detecting, sequencing and reporting this variant so rapidly," added Tedros. "It is deeply concerning to me that those countries are now being penalized by others for doing the right thing." 'Knee-jerk reaction' Mid-way through a three-day WHO meeting of health ministers, Namibia's delegation on Tuesday expressed disappointment towards those states imposing travel bans on southern Africa. "This travel ban is a knee-jerk reaction grounded in politics, not in science or guidance from the WHO Constitution," it said. "We therefore ask why is it that other states that (detected) the variant in persons who have no travel history to southern Africa are exempted from this travel ban?" Also Read | Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla Tanzania called for an immediate lifting of the travel curbs, which are hurting tourism in the region, while Canada voiced gratitude for regional transparency. "Transparent international collaboration, as demonstrated by the leadership of South Africa and the South African scientists who swiftly and openly shared information on this new variant, is what is needed now more than ever," said Leslie Norton, Canada's U.N. ambassador in Geneva. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron threat: WHO warns against knee-jerk reaction, blanket measures

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