The rapidly spreading Omicron variant is becoming a major challenge for the health authorities in Israel the healthcare system there is struggling to conduct enough Covid 19 tests.

Israeli the healthcare system there is struggling to conduct enough Covid 19 tests

The government in France has revamped quarantine rules for the infected, and it is planning to bring in stricter restrictions for the unvaccinated starting today.

French government revamps quarantine rules for the infected

For the first time since the pandemic began almost two years ago, the number of daily new COVID-19 cases crossed one million worldwide.

In a first, global daily new COVID-19 cases cross one million mark since the pandemic began

The United States remains the hardest-hit country in the world by the Coronavirus, and the Omicron variant has already started to overwhelm some hospitals in the US.

US remains hardest-hit by COVID as Omicron variant starts to overwhelm some hospitals

Just a day before New Year's eve, 'Will &amp; Grace' actress Debra Messing tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp; 
 
Messing took to Instagram to reveal that she had been infected. "I'm COVID POSITIVE. Yup. Happy New Year! 
Actually, it is the perfect end to 2021. The juicy cherry on the proverbial cake," the 53-year-old actress captioned a photo of herself on Thursday. The actress can be seen with a sheet mask on her face and a pink hair bonnet over her head. 
 
"So for the next 10 days - while in quarantine- I will beautify…..Or maybe I'll sleep…" she continued, adding that she has "a lot of work to do" before asking her followers for show recommendations to pass the time in between tasks. 
 
Messing's diagnosis comes amid a massive surge of COVID-19 cases in the US, partly due to the highly contagious omicron variant.&nbsp; 
 
According to the New York Times COVID data tracker, the United States recorded over 488,000 new cases of the virus on December 29. 
 
Other celebrities who contracted the virus in recent weeks include Hugh Jackman,&nbsp;

Just a day before New Year's eve, 'Will & Grace' actress Debra Messing tested positive for COVID-19. Messing took to Instagram to reveal that she had been infected.

Just a day before New Year's eve, 'Will & Grace' actress Debra Messing tested positive for COVID-19. Messing took to Instagram to reveal that she had been infected. "I'm COVID POSITIVE. Yup. Happy New Year! Actually, it is the perfect end to 2021. The juicy cherry on the proverbial cake," the 53-year-old actress captioned a photo of herself on Thursday. The actress can be seen with a sheet mask on her face and a pink hair bonnet over her head. "So for the next 10 days - while in quarantine- I will beautify…..Or maybe I'll sleep…" she continued, adding that she has "a lot of work to do" before asking her followers for show recommendations to pass the time in between tasks. Messing's diagnosis comes amid a massive surge of COVID-19 cases in the US, partly due to the highly contagious omicron variant. According to the New York Times COVID data tracker, the United States recorded over 488,000 new cases of the virus on December 29. Other celebrities who contracted the virus in recent weeks include Hugh Jackman,

Debra Messing tests positive for COVID-19 a day before New Year's eve

South Africa has lifted night curfew with immediate effect, saying that the peak of its fourth COVID-19 wave driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant has subsided.

South Africa lifts night curfew as it says Omicron peak is over without increase in mortality rate

The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 is fueling the latest spike in infections in the US as it reports 512,553 new cases in the last 24 hours.

US records highest single day COVID spike since the pandemic started due to Omicron variant

Amid the ongoing Omicron wave and a surge in COVID-19 cases, Pediatric hospitalisations are up in the US as more children are contracting the virus.

US: Pediatric hospitalisations up as more children get caught in Omicron wave

Bollywood actress Nora Faethi is the latest star to have contracted coronavirus. The actor announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19 a few days back and has been bedridden ever since.&nbsp; 
 
"Hey guys, unfortunately, I am currently battling Covid...It has honestly hit me real hard! I've been bedridden for a few days now under the doctor supervision. Please stay safe guys wear your masks, it`s spreading fast and can affect everyone differently!" 
 
"Unfortunately, I have reacted badly to it, this could happen to anyone please be careful! I am working on recovering at the moment that`s all that matters right now. Nothing is more important than your health! Take care, stay safe."

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Nora's spokesperson issued a statement which informed that her results came out positive on December 28." Abiding by the protocols, Nora has been quarantined under the doctor`s observation since then and has been cooperating with BMC for the safety and regulations," the statement read.

"Amid the same, the spotting pictures in circulation since yesterday is from an earlier event in the past and Nora has stepped nowhere out recently. We would therefore request to please ignore the old pictures," the statement added.&nbsp; 
 
Nora joins a long list of Bollywood celebs who have contracted the virus in recent weeks. Kareena Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Arjun Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor and others have tested positive for COVID-19 in the recent past.&nbsp;

Bollywood actress Nora Faethi is the latest star to have contracted coronavirus. The actor announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19 a few days back and has been bedridden ever since.

Bollywood actress Nora Faethi is the latest star to have contracted coronavirus. The actor announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19 a few days back and has been bedridden ever since. "Hey guys, unfortunately, I am currently battling Covid...It has honestly hit me real hard! I've been bedridden for a few days now under the doctor supervision. Please stay safe guys wear your masks, it`s spreading fast and can affect everyone differently!" "Unfortunately, I have reacted badly to it, this could happen to anyone please be careful! I am working on recovering at the moment that`s all that matters right now. Nothing is more important than your health! Take care, stay safe." Nora's spokesperson issued a statement which informed that her results came out positive on December 28." Abiding by the protocols, Nora has been quarantined under the doctor`s observation since then and has been cooperating with BMC for the safety and regulations," the statement read. "Amid the same, the spotting pictures in circulation since yesterday is from an earlier event in the past and Nora has stepped nowhere out recently. We would therefore request to please ignore the old pictures," the statement added. Nora joins a long list of Bollywood celebs who have contracted the virus in recent weeks. Kareena Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Arjun Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor and others have tested positive for COVID-19 in the recent past.

Nora Fatehi is 'bedridden for days' after testing positive for COVID-19 

US records single day COVID spike fueled by Omicron variant

BTS lead singer of RM assured fans he was doing "very good" days after testing positive for the novel coronavirus.&nbsp; 
BTS' management company Big Hit Entertainment had said in a statement on Saturday that RM, along with Jin, had contracted the virus following their return from the US to native South Korea. 
 
RM had initially tested negative when he underwent PCR testing when he reached South Korea on December 17 following his personal schedule as part of his official vacation period and entered into self-quarantine in his home as mandated by COVID-19 control procedures. 
 
The 27-year-old, however, was found to be positive for COVID-19 when he got retested before his scheduled release from quarantine. 
 
RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, shared an update about his health on fellow band member Suga (Min Yoon-gi)'s Weverse post from Monday where the latter assured ARMY that he was doing fine. 
 
"I'm also very good," the group leader wrote in the comments section of Suga's statement on the fan community forum. 
 
In an update about Jin (Kim Seok-jin), Big Hit had said the musician flew back to South Korea on December 6 and underwent PCR testing immediately after his return and again before his release from self-quarantine. He was found negative on both occasions. 
 
"However, feeling flu-like symptoms this afternoon he underwent PCR testing and was found positive for COVID-19 late this evening. He is exhibiting mild symptoms including light fever, and is undergoing self-treatment at home," the company said about Jin. 
 
RM, Suga (28) and Jin (29) -- are currently undergoing self-treatment at home as per health authority guidelines and have not been in contact with other members J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. 
 
All members the band got their second jab of the COVID-19 vaccination in late August. 
 
Earlier this month, BTS or Bangtan Sonyeondan (Bulletproof Boy Scouts), had announced that they will be taking an "extended period of rest" to enable the group to get "re-inspired and recharge with creative energy". 
 
They had recently performed at four in-person concerts in Los Angeles, US.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

BTS lead singer of RM assured fans he was doing "very good" days after testing positive for the novel coronavirus. BTS' management company Big Hit Entertainment had said in a statement on Saturday that RM, along with Jin, had contracted the virus following their return from the US to native South Korea.

BTS lead singer of RM assured fans he was doing "very good" days after testing positive for the novel coronavirus. BTS' management company Big Hit Entertainment had said in a statement on Saturday that RM, along with Jin, had contracted the virus following their return from the US to native South Korea. RM had initially tested negative when he underwent PCR testing when he reached South Korea on December 17 following his personal schedule as part of his official vacation period and entered into self-quarantine in his home as mandated by COVID-19 control procedures. The 27-year-old, however, was found to be positive for COVID-19 when he got retested before his scheduled release from quarantine. RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, shared an update about his health on fellow band member Suga (Min Yoon-gi)'s Weverse post from Monday where the latter assured ARMY that he was doing fine. "I'm also very good," the group leader wrote in the comments section of Suga's statement on the fan community forum. In an update about Jin (Kim Seok-jin), Big Hit had said the musician flew back to South Korea on December 6 and underwent PCR testing immediately after his return and again before his release from self-quarantine. He was found negative on both occasions. "However, feeling flu-like symptoms this afternoon he underwent PCR testing and was found positive for COVID-19 late this evening. He is exhibiting mild symptoms including light fever, and is undergoing self-treatment at home," the company said about Jin. RM, Suga (28) and Jin (29) -- are currently undergoing self-treatment at home as per health authority guidelines and have not been in contact with other members J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. All members the band got their second jab of the COVID-19 vaccination in late August. Earlier this month, BTS or Bangtan Sonyeondan (Bulletproof Boy Scouts), had announced that they will be taking an "extended period of rest" to enable the group to get "re-inspired and recharge with creative energy". They had recently performed at four in-person concerts in Los Angeles, US. (With inputs from agencies)

BTS singer RM shares health update after testing positive for COVID-19

The Tamil Nadu government has acknowledged the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Chennai city and is ramping up health infrastructure to deal with the surge.

According to Health Minister M. Subramanian, 194 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Chennai on Tuesday, whereas the number is expected to go well past 250 on Wednesday. This comes at a time when the Omicron variant is showing increasing prevalence across Indian cities.&nbsp;

As per the government health bulletin issued on Tuesday, 43 cases of Omicron have been recorded in Tamil Nadu, of which 16 patients are undergoing treatment and the rest have been discharged from hospitals.

Referring to the possible emergence of more Omicron cases, the Minister added that 129 samples where S-Gene drop (an indication of an Omicron case) was observed were sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune. However, the final confirmation of Omicron in these samples has yet to be officially ascertained.&nbsp;

Regarding the condition of those undergoing treatment for the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the Minister said that most of them were fully vaccinated, asymptomatic and did not require ICU or oxygen beds. He also emphasised the importance of completing a double vaccination in order to prevent severe disease.&nbsp;

According to the Greater Chennai Corporation, daily RT-PCR testing in the city was increased from 23,000 to 25,000, and measures were being taken to get more beds ready in large COVID Care Centers.

In addition to the 500 beds that are available in three centres on the outskirts of the city, an 800-bed facility with an oxygen supply is also being readied at the city’s largest exhibition venue, the Chennai Trade Center.

The city’s civic body also urged those who suspect COVID-19 to not take their own vehicles and travel to hospitals. Instead, they advised the public to call 1913, if they needed support.

According to the civic body, on calling 1913, they were offering vehicles to take COVID-19 suspects to government-run screening centers, from where they could be guided to further treatment.

The Tamil Nadu government has acknowledged the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Chennai city and is ramping up health infrastructure to deal with the surge. According to Health Minister M.

The Tamil Nadu government has acknowledged the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Chennai city and is ramping up health infrastructure to deal with the surge. According to Health Minister M. Subramanian, 194 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Chennai on Tuesday, whereas the number is expected to go well past 250 on Wednesday. This comes at a time when the Omicron variant is showing increasing prevalence across Indian cities. As per the government health bulletin issued on Tuesday, 43 cases of Omicron have been recorded in Tamil Nadu, of which 16 patients are undergoing treatment and the rest have been discharged from hospitals. Referring to the possible emergence of more Omicron cases, the Minister added that 129 samples where S-Gene drop (an indication of an Omicron case) was observed were sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune. However, the final confirmation of Omicron in these samples has yet to be officially ascertained. Regarding the condition of those undergoing treatment for the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the Minister said that most of them were fully vaccinated, asymptomatic and did not require ICU or oxygen beds. He also emphasised the importance of completing a double vaccination in order to prevent severe disease. According to the Greater Chennai Corporation, daily RT-PCR testing in the city was increased from 23,000 to 25,000, and measures were being taken to get more beds ready in large COVID Care Centers. In addition to the 500 beds that are available in three centres on the outskirts of the city, an 800-bed facility with an oxygen supply is also being readied at the city’s largest exhibition venue, the Chennai Trade Center. The city’s civic body also urged those who suspect COVID-19 to not take their own vehicles and travel to hospitals. Instead, they advised the public to call 1913, if they needed support. According to the civic body, on calling 1913, they were offering vehicles to take COVID-19 suspects to government-run screening centers, from where they could be guided to further treatment.

India's Chennai ramping up mass quarantine centres amid surge in COVID-19, says minister

A handful of Myanmar nurses hiding from the military junta have been running makeshift clinics to treat COVID-19 patients. WION tells you more about these nurses in this report.

Handful of Myanmar nurses treat COVID-19 patients in secret makeshift clinics

As the Omicron COVID-19 variant rages across the United States Apple has closed its stores to indoor customer traffic at its New York City retail locations.

Apple closes New York City stores amid surge in Omicron COVID-19 variant

An Israeli hospital administered a second round of booster shots to a test group of health workers on Monday. The trial aimed at gauging whether a second booster will help contend with the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

Israeli hospital launches first test of second COVID-19 booster jab

The ndian Health Ministry has issued a comprehensive guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination of children between 15-18 years and precaution dose to healthcare workers.

Indian government issues new guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination of children between 15-18 years

US President Joe Biden hosted a group of state governors in a virtual meeting and told them that the White House is prepared to do more to help them manage rising COVID-19 cases nationwide that are being fueled by the Omicron variant.

US President Joe Biden holds virtual meeting with state Governors over Omicron variant

The Chinese city of Xi'an, where 13 million residents are currently confined to their homes, announced tightened restrictions as the country recorded its biggest COVID-19 infection numbers in 21 months.

China's Xi'an imposes 'strictest' controls to halt COVID-19 outbreak

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the least vaccinated country in the world. Now the fourth wave of the coronavirus has threatened to put greater pressure on the Rickety health system.

Democratic Republic of Congo is the least vaccinated Country in the World

Europe has been hit with a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections. At least five countries across the continent have reported the highest number of case and death rates. WION tells you more.

Europe witness highest COVID-19 case and death rates across the world

A poll conducted by The Economist and YouGov has found that 62% of unvaccinated Americans have no plans of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

Poll reveals 62% of unvaccinated Americans intend to not receive COVID-19 vaccine

China reported its highest daily rise in local COVID-19 cases in 21 months. The country has tightened the restrictions in Xian, which appeared to be the latest hot spot.

China records biggest COVID-19 infection surge in 21 months, Xian emerges as hot spot

COVID-19 cases surged in New York City and across the United States over the weekend, dashing hopes for a more normal holiday season. The fast-spreading Omicron variant has become dominant in the US.

Omicron variant drives surge in COVID-19 cases across US, Fauci vows more testing

In the run-up of the new year's eve concerns are increasing over the Omicron variant and rising COVID-19 cases. The continent of Europe is the worst hit by the spread of the new variant. WION tells you more in this report.

COVID-19 Update: Europe worst hit by Omicron variant spread

Singapore has made COVID-19 vaccination a mandatory condition for the approval of new applications for work passes, long-term passes and permanent residence in the country from February 1 next year.

COVID-19 vaccination mandatory in Singapore for pass approvals from February 2022

Israel is all set to begin administering a fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot to 150 healthcare workers in a trial aimed at gauging whether a second booster is necessary nationwide.

Israel Health Ministry to test a second booster shot, 150 healthcare workers to undergo trial

Japan's retail sales rose faster than expected in November, due to decreasing COVID-19 cases in the month, which have encouraged shoppers to ramp up spending on goods and services.

Japan retail sales gain 1.9% in November

Hundreds of people staged a protest against Covid curbs in Brussels on Sunday. The protest was mainly aimed at closure of cultural places such as movie and theatre halls due to the pandemic.

In Brussels, protesters gathered at Mont Des Arts square. The protesters raised slogans while some played musical instruments. Belgium has introduced new Covid restrictions. Coronavirus cases caused by infection due to Omicron variant doubled over the past week.

As part of new set of restrictions, indoor venues such as cinemas, theatres concert halls and conferences will have to be closed. In addition to this, public access to stadiums, sporting events and outdoor venues under tents will be banned.

Restrictions have also been placed on outdoor Christmas markets but they have been allowed to stay open. The total capacity of such markets has been restricted. Amusement parks will have to remain closed under Covid restrictions.

The country has so far reported over 2 million cases with at least 28,149 deaths.&nbsp;

It was still recovering from fourth wave when it is having to brace for a fifth due to Omicron threat. AFP quoted hospital staff as saying that they are already at the breaking point

Doctors and nurses are in a state of "extreme exhaustion," said Martial Moonen, head of the infectious diseases service at the public hospital in Liege.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of people staged a protest against Covid curbs in Brussels on Sunday. The protest was mainly aimed at closure of cultural places such as movie and theatre halls due to the pandemic.

Hundreds of people staged a protest against Covid curbs in Brussels on Sunday. The protest was mainly aimed at closure of cultural places such as movie and theatre halls due to the pandemic. In Brussels, protesters gathered at Mont Des Arts square. The protesters raised slogans while some played musical instruments. Belgium has introduced new Covid restrictions. Coronavirus cases caused by infection due to Omicron variant doubled over the past week. As part of new set of restrictions, indoor venues such as cinemas, theatres concert halls and conferences will have to be closed. In addition to this, public access to stadiums, sporting events and outdoor venues under tents will be banned. Restrictions have also been placed on outdoor Christmas markets but they have been allowed to stay open. The total capacity of such markets has been restricted. Amusement parks will have to remain closed under Covid restrictions. The country has so far reported over 2 million cases with at least 28,149 deaths. It was still recovering from fourth wave when it is having to brace for a fifth due to Omicron threat. AFP quoted hospital staff as saying that they are already at the breaking point Doctors and nurses are in a state of "extreme exhaustion," said Martial Moonen, head of the infectious diseases service at the public hospital in Liege. (With inputs from agencies)

Belgians protest closure of indoor events as per new Covid curbs

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Monetary Fund on Thursday said it would extend its flexible access to emergency funding for an additional 18 months.

The Washington-based crisis lender said in a statement that its executive board agreed on Monday to raise its "cumulative access limits" under emergency financing instruments through June 2023.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imf-chief-says-omicron-could-dent-global-economic-growth-434001">IMF chief says Omicron could dent global economic growth</a>

As the world faced the first wave of Coronavirus infections and deaths in April 2020, the IMF made such aid more easily accessible, including by increasing the amount of funding available to countries.

The programs have already been extended twice, once in September 2020 and once last March.

Moreover, the board decided that "all other access limits" which had been temporarily increased will return to their pre-pandemic levels on January 1, 2022, as originally scheduled.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-urges-imf-to-help-afghanistan-amid-rising-poverty-424826">China urges IMF to help Afghanistan amid rising poverty</a>

"This decision reflects the expected and ongoing gradual shift to upper-credit-tranche quality arrangements from emergency financing triggered by urgent, pandemic-related balance of payment needs," the IMF said.

In addition, the statement noted that the decision guarantees member countries access to IMF emergency financing should the urgent balance of payment issues arises.

One of the tools is the Rapid Credit Facility, a program that offers free loans to low-income countries, as well as the Rapid Financing Instrument, which is available to all members of the Fund.

Watch |&nbsp;‘They can go take a walk’: IMF closes its Brazil office after criticism

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/they-can-go-take-a-walk-imf-closes-its-brazil-office-after-criticism-437664/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In an emergency, member states can use these grants to implement policies as quickly as possible.

As part of a program designed to assist the world's poorest nations in weathering the economic crisis, the IMF approved the fifth and final round of debt relief on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Monetary Fund on Thursday said it would extend its flexible access to emergency funding for an additional 18 months.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Monetary Fund on Thursday said it would extend its flexible access to emergency funding for an additional 18 months. The Washington-based crisis lender said in a statement that its executive board agreed on Monday to raise its "cumulative access limits" under emergency financing instruments through June 2023. Also read | IMF chief says Omicron could dent global economic growth As the world faced the first wave of Coronavirus infections and deaths in April 2020, the IMF made such aid more easily accessible, including by increasing the amount of funding available to countries. The programs have already been extended twice, once in September 2020 and once last March. Moreover, the board decided that "all other access limits" which had been temporarily increased will return to their pre-pandemic levels on January 1, 2022, as originally scheduled. Also read | China urges IMF to help Afghanistan amid rising poverty "This decision reflects the expected and ongoing gradual shift to upper-credit-tranche quality arrangements from emergency financing triggered by urgent, pandemic-related balance of payment needs," the IMF said. In addition, the statement noted that the decision guarantees member countries access to IMF emergency financing should the urgent balance of payment issues arises. One of the tools is the Rapid Credit Facility, a program that offers free loans to low-income countries, as well as the Rapid Financing Instrument, which is available to all members of the Fund. Watch | ‘They can go take a walk’: IMF closes its Brazil office after criticism In an emergency, member states can use these grants to implement policies as quickly as possible. As part of a program designed to assist the world's poorest nations in weathering the economic crisis, the IMF approved the fifth and final round of debt relief on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

IMF extends emergency funding by 18 months to help nations struggling due to coronavirus

US President Joe Biden urged people to not panic as he announced an updated three-pronged plan to fight an expected rise in COVID-19 cases after the emergence of the highly transmissible omicron variant. He also pleaded with the millions of unvaccinated Americans to get their shots. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Biden announces 3-prolonged plan as Omicron drives COVID-19 spike

US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday gave a go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill for its use among high-risk people aged 12 and above.

"Today's authorization introduces the first treatment for Covid-19 that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally -- a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic," said FDA scientist Patrizia Cavazzoni.

Paxlovid, Pfizer's treatment is a combination of two pills taken over five days. The treatment was shown to be safe and reduced the risk of hospitalizations and deaths among at-risk people by 88 percent. The clinical trial included 2,200 people.

In an unusual move, the FDA did not convene its customary panel of independent experts to review in depth data surrounding Pfizer's pill ahead of authorization.

Also Raed | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boosters-cannot-be-seen-as-a-ticket-to-go-ahead-says-who-chief-tedros-amid-omicron-threat-439113">Boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead, says WHO chief Tedros amid Omicron threat</a>

Pfizer's treatment has previously been authorized in the European Union.

The US has already paid for 10 million courses.

The authorization comes as cases are surging across the United States, driven by Omicron, the most infectious variant seen to date.

The highly-mutated variant is better able to bypass immunity conferred by prior infection, and health authorities are urging the public to get boosted with mRNA vaccines in order to restore a higher degree of protection.

Unlike vaccines, the Covid pill does not target the ever-evolving spike protein of the coronavirus, which it uses to invade cells. It should in theory be more variant proof, and Pfizer has said preliminary studies have backed up that hypothesis.

Authorization is still awaited for another Covid pill, developed by Merck, which is also taken over five days and has been shown to reduce the same outcomes by 30 percent among high-risk people.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday gave a go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill for its use among high-risk people aged 12 and above. "Today's authorization introduces the first treatment for Covid-19 that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally -- a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic," said FDA scientist Patrizia Cavazzoni.

US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday gave a go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill for its use among high-risk people aged 12 and above. "Today's authorization introduces the first treatment for Covid-19 that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally -- a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic," said FDA scientist Patrizia Cavazzoni. Paxlovid, Pfizer's treatment is a combination of two pills taken over five days. The treatment was shown to be safe and reduced the risk of hospitalizations and deaths among at-risk people by 88 percent. The clinical trial included 2,200 people. In an unusual move, the FDA did not convene its customary panel of independent experts to review in depth data surrounding Pfizer's pill ahead of authorization. Also Raed | Boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead, says WHO chief Tedros amid Omicron threat Pfizer's treatment has previously been authorized in the European Union. The US has already paid for 10 million courses. The authorization comes as cases are surging across the United States, driven by Omicron, the most infectious variant seen to date. The highly-mutated variant is better able to bypass immunity conferred by prior infection, and health authorities are urging the public to get boosted with mRNA vaccines in order to restore a higher degree of protection. Unlike vaccines, the Covid pill does not target the ever-evolving spike protein of the coronavirus, which it uses to invade cells. It should in theory be more variant proof, and Pfizer has said preliminary studies have backed up that hypothesis. Authorization is still awaited for another Covid pill, developed by Merck, which is also taken over five days and has been shown to reduce the same outcomes by 30 percent among high-risk people. (With inputs from agencies)

USFDA gives go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill

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