The Covid-19 crisis is continuing to hit jobs hard around the world, the United Nations said Monday, warning it could take years for employment levels to reach pre-pandemic levels.

In a new study, the UN's International Labour Organization revised its previous forecast that the global employment market will make a nearly full recovery from the virus this year.

Blaming the impacts of Covid variants like Delta and Omicron and uncertainty around how the pandemic will evolve, it now projects a significant deficit in working hours in 2022 compared to before Covid-19 emerged.&nbsp;

"Global labour markets are recovering from the crisis much more slowly than we previously expected," ILO chief Guy Ryder told reporters, warning that the outlook "remains fragile."

"We are already seeing potentially lasting damage to labour markets, along with concerning increases in poverty and inequality."

Monday's report predicted that global working hours would be two percent below the numbers seen in 2019, leaving the world short of the equivalent of some 52 million jobs.

Last May, the ILO predicted the working hour shortage would be just half that this year.

At the same time, the global official unemployment rate remains significantly higher than before the pandemic hit.

207 million unemployed

This year, 5.9 percent of workers globally, or some 207 million people, are expected to be officially registered as jobless, which is better than in 2021 and especially 2020, but still up from 186 million in 2019.

The ILO report said the global unemployment rate was projected to remain above the 5.4-percent rate seen before the crisis "until at least 2023".&nbsp;

And it cautioned that the overall impact on employment is significantly greater than what these figures would imply, since many people have left the labour force altogether.

In 2022, the global labour force participation rate is projected to remain 1.2 percentage points below the level three years ago, it said. 
That corresponds to a deficit of some 40 million workers worldwide, ILO said.

Ryder warned that the pandemic had already "weakened the economic, financial and social fabric in almost every country, regardless of development status."

At the same time, the ILO pointed out that differences in vaccine access and in economic recovery measures meant the crisis was impacting groups of workers and countries in vastly different ways.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, the report said labour markets in higher-income countries appeared to be recovering faster, although some were now beginning to face problems related to labour shortages, Ryder said.&nbsp;

'Years to repair'

Numerous factors appear to be driving the so-called "Great Resignation" seen in some countries, Ryder said, adding that the crisis clearly "has led a significant number of people in the workforce to reconsider the employment that they have."&nbsp;

Shifts in the way we work meanwhile seem to be deepening various forms of inequality, including exacerbating gender inequity, according to the report.

It has been clear from the start that the pandemic was disproportionately impacting women, who have taken on the lion's share of the additional care work, and also more often work in hard-hit sectors, like services and travel.

But Ryder cautioned the impact could last well after the pandemic ends.

"There are concerns that the long-Covid effect on gender at work would be a negative one," he said.

Changes like the move towards greater reliance on informal self-employment, the rise in remote work and shifting trends in temporary work, "all risk impairing the quality of working conditions", the report said.

Ryder insisted that only a "broad-based labour market recovery" would allow the world to truly recover from the pandemic.

"To be sustainable, this recovery must be based on the principles of decent work -- including health and safety, equity, social protection and social dialogue,” he said.

The ILO chief cautioned that "without concerted and effective international and domestic policies, it is likely that in many countries it will take years to repair this damage."

The Covid-19 crisis is continuing to hit jobs hard around the world, the United Nations said Monday, warning it could take years for employment levels to reach pre-pandemic levels.

The Covid-19 crisis is continuing to hit jobs hard around the world, the United Nations said Monday, warning it could take years for employment levels to reach pre-pandemic levels. In a new study, the UN's International Labour Organization revised its previous forecast that the global employment market will make a nearly full recovery from the virus this year. Blaming the impacts of Covid variants like Delta and Omicron and uncertainty around how the pandemic will evolve, it now projects a significant deficit in working hours in 2022 compared to before Covid-19 emerged. "Global labour markets are recovering from the crisis much more slowly than we previously expected," ILO chief Guy Ryder told reporters, warning that the outlook "remains fragile." "We are already seeing potentially lasting damage to labour markets, along with concerning increases in poverty and inequality." Monday's report predicted that global working hours would be two percent below the numbers seen in 2019, leaving the world short of the equivalent of some 52 million jobs. Last May, the ILO predicted the working hour shortage would be just half that this year. At the same time, the global official unemployment rate remains significantly higher than before the pandemic hit. 207 million unemployed This year, 5.9 percent of workers globally, or some 207 million people, are expected to be officially registered as jobless, which is better than in 2021 and especially 2020, but still up from 186 million in 2019. The ILO report said the global unemployment rate was projected to remain above the 5.4-percent rate seen before the crisis "until at least 2023". And it cautioned that the overall impact on employment is significantly greater than what these figures would imply, since many people have left the labour force altogether. In 2022, the global labour force participation rate is projected to remain 1.2 percentage points below the level three years ago, it said. That corresponds to a deficit of some 40 million workers worldwide, ILO said. Ryder warned that the pandemic had already "weakened the economic, financial and social fabric in almost every country, regardless of development status." At the same time, the ILO pointed out that differences in vaccine access and in economic recovery measures meant the crisis was impacting groups of workers and countries in vastly different ways. Unsurprisingly perhaps, the report said labour markets in higher-income countries appeared to be recovering faster, although some were now beginning to face problems related to labour shortages, Ryder said. 'Years to repair' Numerous factors appear to be driving the so-called "Great Resignation" seen in some countries, Ryder said, adding that the crisis clearly "has led a significant number of people in the workforce to reconsider the employment that they have." Shifts in the way we work meanwhile seem to be deepening various forms of inequality, including exacerbating gender inequity, according to the report. It has been clear from the start that the pandemic was disproportionately impacting women, who have taken on the lion's share of the additional care work, and also more often work in hard-hit sectors, like services and travel. But Ryder cautioned the impact could last well after the pandemic ends. "There are concerns that the long-Covid effect on gender at work would be a negative one," he said. Changes like the move towards greater reliance on informal self-employment, the rise in remote work and shifting trends in temporary work, "all risk impairing the quality of working conditions", the report said. Ryder insisted that only a "broad-based labour market recovery" would allow the world to truly recover from the pandemic. "To be sustainable, this recovery must be based on the principles of decent work -- including health and safety, equity, social protection and social dialogue,” he said. The ILO chief cautioned that "without concerted and effective international and domestic policies, it is likely that in many countries it will take years to repair this damage."

Pandemic still taking heavy toll on jobs: UN

Four inmates from the Arkansas jail in the USA are suing jail authorities for 'medical experimentation' involving ivermectin to treat Covid. The jail physician Dr Robert Karas has admitted that 254 inmates at the jail had been treated with the drug. The Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed the lawsuit on behalf of the four inmates. Charges have been levelled against Washington county jail, the Washington county sheriff, Tim Helder, and jail physician Dr Robert Karas

The USFDA has previously said that ivermectin should not be used to treat Covid infection. Large doses of ivermectin can even be harmful.

On top of the 'medical experimentation carried out on the inmates, they say that Dr Karas told them that they were being given 'vitamins, antibiotics' and/ or 'steroids'.

“The lawsuit charges the defendants for administering ivermectin to incarcerated individuals without prior informed consent as to the nature, contents, or potential side effects of the drug,” the ACLU said in a statement last week.

The lawsuit says that the inmates suffered side-effects due to large doses of ivermectin. These included vision issues, diarrhea, bloody stools and stomach cramps. The inmates were also made to pay for the medical treatment they sought after experiencing these side effects.

Four inmates from the Arkansas jail in the USA are suing jail authorities for 'medical experimentation' involving ivermectin to treat Covid. The jail physician Dr Robert Karas has admitted that 254 inmates at the jail had been treated with the drug.

Four inmates from the Arkansas jail in the USA are suing jail authorities for 'medical experimentation' involving ivermectin to treat Covid. The jail physician Dr Robert Karas has admitted that 254 inmates at the jail had been treated with the drug. The Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed the lawsuit on behalf of the four inmates. Charges have been levelled against Washington county jail, the Washington county sheriff, Tim Helder, and jail physician Dr Robert Karas The USFDA has previously said that ivermectin should not be used to treat Covid infection. Large doses of ivermectin can even be harmful. On top of the 'medical experimentation carried out on the inmates, they say that Dr Karas told them that they were being given 'vitamins, antibiotics' and/ or 'steroids'. “The lawsuit charges the defendants for administering ivermectin to incarcerated individuals without prior informed consent as to the nature, contents, or potential side effects of the drug,” the ACLU said in a statement last week. The lawsuit says that the inmates suffered side-effects due to large doses of ivermectin. These included vision issues, diarrhea, bloody stools and stomach cramps. The inmates were also made to pay for the medical treatment they sought after experiencing these side effects.

USA: Jailed convicts sue authorities over 'medical experimentation' with ivermectin

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now denied of lying to the parliament after facing a scathing accusation by his former special adviser. Boris Johnson spoke publicly for the very first time in almost about a week claiming that nobody had actually warned him that a drinks party was against his country's covid-19 rules.

BYOB: Boris Johnson denies lying, claims 'Nobody told me' that drinks party was against Covid rules

We've heard of blind dates but neverending dates? That's new. But anything is possible in these crazy times. Picture this, a man and a woman go on a date and bam! There's a Covid lockdown in the city. The couple is then forced to spend the lockdown together. This can quickly become a nightmare if both of them regard each other to be 'swipe left' material. But it can be wonderful if situation is otherwise.

A couple in China's Shaanxi province has decided to get engaged after a turn of fate made them go on a neverending date of sorts

Zhao Xiaoqing, a 28-year-old woman from northern China's Shaanxi province, thought her date in mid-December with a young man living in a different city would be a one-day affair where she would also get to know his family.

Young Chinese in smaller cities and rural communities often rely on family and friends to introduce potential matches and can meet their date's family at the same time.

"I never thought about staying the night, because it's pretty awkward," Zhao Xiaoqing, who was meeting the man for only the second time, told local media Jimu News on Monday.

But authorities in her date's city of Xianyang suddenly ordered a lockdown due to a spike in virus cases, leaving the woman unable to return home. 
The man's parents urged the pair to get engaged after just one week together -- but Zhao said she felt it was "too rushed."

Zhao said she was "not too interested" when she first saw a photograph of the man -- named Zhao Fei -- but later thought he looked better in real life.

Despite the awkward start, the pair began to develop feelings for each other, and have now decided to get engaged.

"We get along very well," Zhao Xiaoqing, who is an online apple trader, told Jimu News.

"I have to sell apples on livestream at his house, but no matter how late it is he's always by my side. I'm very touched by this," she said.

"Our souls are compatible, we get along very well, and both our parents are happy," she said.

The story captured the imagination of online audiences.&nbsp;

But while some swooned over the relentless march of fate, others warned again rushed decisions.

"Then after a year or two you'll get tired of each other and divorce... I've seen too many of these kinds of flash marriages," wrote one.

"Sis, think clearly about this," warned another.&nbsp;

Zhao's story went viral on Chinese social media just days after another pair made headlines for being trapped on a week-long blind date thanks to a Covid lockdown.

Wang, a woman in central China's Henan province, has been stuck in her suitor's apartment since going for a home-cooked meal as their first date in early January.

But romance has not blossomed for Wang, who complained her date was as talkative as a "wooden mannequin".

(With inputs from agencies)

We've heard of blind dates but neverending dates? That's new. But anything is possible in these crazy times. Picture this, a man and a woman go on a date and bam!

We've heard of blind dates but neverending dates? That's new. But anything is possible in these crazy times. Picture this, a man and a woman go on a date and bam! There's a Covid lockdown in the city. The couple is then forced to spend the lockdown together. This can quickly become a nightmare if both of them regard each other to be 'swipe left' material. But it can be wonderful if situation is otherwise. A couple in China's Shaanxi province has decided to get engaged after a turn of fate made them go on a neverending date of sorts Zhao Xiaoqing, a 28-year-old woman from northern China's Shaanxi province, thought her date in mid-December with a young man living in a different city would be a one-day affair where she would also get to know his family. Young Chinese in smaller cities and rural communities often rely on family and friends to introduce potential matches and can meet their date's family at the same time. "I never thought about staying the night, because it's pretty awkward," Zhao Xiaoqing, who was meeting the man for only the second time, told local media Jimu News on Monday. But authorities in her date's city of Xianyang suddenly ordered a lockdown due to a spike in virus cases, leaving the woman unable to return home. The man's parents urged the pair to get engaged after just one week together -- but Zhao said she felt it was "too rushed." Zhao said she was "not too interested" when she first saw a photograph of the man -- named Zhao Fei -- but later thought he looked better in real life. Despite the awkward start, the pair began to develop feelings for each other, and have now decided to get engaged. "We get along very well," Zhao Xiaoqing, who is an online apple trader, told Jimu News. "I have to sell apples on livestream at his house, but no matter how late it is he's always by my side. I'm very touched by this," she said. "Our souls are compatible, we get along very well, and both our parents are happy," she said. The story captured the imagination of online audiences. But while some swooned over the relentless march of fate, others warned again rushed decisions. "Then after a year or two you'll get tired of each other and divorce... I've seen too many of these kinds of flash marriages," wrote one. "Sis, think clearly about this," warned another. Zhao's story went viral on Chinese social media just days after another pair made headlines for being trapped on a week-long blind date thanks to a Covid lockdown. Wang, a woman in central China's Henan province, has been stuck in her suitor's apartment since going for a home-cooked meal as their first date in early January. But romance has not blossomed for Wang, who complained her date was as talkative as a "wooden mannequin". (With inputs from agencies)

Couple on neverending date due to Covid lockdown gets engaged

In Hong Kong 11 small rodents tested positive for covid-19 and in a bid to stop the spread of the virus authorities in in the countries have now ordered pet shops and owners to hand over close to 2000 hamsters for culling, they've also suspended the import of small animals.

11 hamsters tested positive for Coronavirus in Hong Kong, 2000 hamsters to be culled

The world is slowly coming to terms with COVID despite the rising number of infections, a study from South Africa shows the extent of the spread and not even lions are spared from the virus. Scientists at the University of Pretoria found out that three lions were infected with COVID-19.

Scientists at the University of Pretoria found out that three lions were infected with COVID-19

Fans who have been waiting for Julia Roberts and George Clooney's 'Ticket To Paradise' may have to wait longer. The filming of the romantic comedy has been paused owing to COVID-19 concerns. 
 
A source close to the Universal Pictures production confirmed to People magazine that filming "has been temporarily suspended" due to the virus, "and will recommence at a later date." 
 
The pause in production is due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Australian state of Queensland, where the movie was being shot. Roberts and Clooney have reportedly flown back to the United States, for the time being, sources told the outlet. 
 
In 'Ticket to Paradise', Roberts and Clooney play a divorced couple who travel to Bali to prevent their daughter from getting married. The two Oscar winners have previously worked together on 'Ocean's Eleven'&nbsp;and 'Money Monster'. 
 
'Ticket to Paradise' also stars Kaitlyn Dever and Billie Lourd, who recently opened up on Instagram about working in Australia while mourning the five-year anniversary of mom Carrie Fisher's death. 
 
The film is being directed by Ol Parker who had previously directed 'Mamma Mia'.&nbsp; 
 
'Ticket To Paradise' is the latest film to get the yellow light as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, joining productions that previously paused due to COVID-19 like 'Jurassic World: Dominion', 'The Batman' and 'Mission: Impossible 7'. 
.&nbsp; 
Universal had initially scheduled `Ticket to Paradise` to release in theatres on September 30, 2022, but the studio has since moved it to October 21, 2022. Considering the filming has halted yet again, the release of the film may be delayed once again, although there is no official word on it.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Fans who have been waiting for Julia Roberts and George Clooney's 'Ticket To Paradise' may have to wait longer. The filming of the romantic comedy has been paused owing to COVID-19 concerns.

Fans who have been waiting for Julia Roberts and George Clooney's 'Ticket To Paradise' may have to wait longer. The filming of the romantic comedy has been paused owing to COVID-19 concerns. A source close to the Universal Pictures production confirmed to People magazine that filming "has been temporarily suspended" due to the virus, "and will recommence at a later date." The pause in production is due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Australian state of Queensland, where the movie was being shot. Roberts and Clooney have reportedly flown back to the United States, for the time being, sources told the outlet. In 'Ticket to Paradise', Roberts and Clooney play a divorced couple who travel to Bali to prevent their daughter from getting married. The two Oscar winners have previously worked together on 'Ocean's Eleven' and 'Money Monster'. 'Ticket to Paradise' also stars Kaitlyn Dever and Billie Lourd, who recently opened up on Instagram about working in Australia while mourning the five-year anniversary of mom Carrie Fisher's death. The film is being directed by Ol Parker who had previously directed 'Mamma Mia'. 'Ticket To Paradise' is the latest film to get the yellow light as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, joining productions that previously paused due to COVID-19 like 'Jurassic World: Dominion', 'The Batman' and 'Mission: Impossible 7'. . Universal had initially scheduled `Ticket to Paradise` to release in theatres on September 30, 2022, but the studio has since moved it to October 21, 2022. Considering the filming has halted yet again, the release of the film may be delayed once again, although there is no official word on it.

George Clooney, Julia Roberts' 'Ticket to Paradise' halts filming due to COVID-19 concerns

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. The masks will be made available next week.

Tens of thousands of distribution points will be set up nationwide in order to give away masks. Pharmacies and community centres are expected to be main distribution centres. The White House said that the distribution drive will kick into full gear in February.

"This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history," an unnamed White House official said in a statement.

The US is currently facing a surge of Covid cases due to Omicron variant of coronavirus. Other than the initiative to distribute masks, the White House is also focussing on expanding Covid-19 testing.

On Tuesday it launched a website where each American household can order free tests, to be performed at home.

The government aims to distribute one billion rapid tests in the United States, the country whose Covid-19 death toll of 853,000 is the world's highest.

US also has a problem of anti-vaxxers, those who have raised questions about side effects of Covid vaccines. More often, these doubts have been based on unscientific into propagated by individuals online. There is a strong public opinion in the US that vaccination must not be compulsory.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. The masks will be made available next week. Tens of thousands of distribution points will be set up nationwide in order to give away masks. Pharmacies and community centres are expected to be main distribution centres. The White House said that the distribution drive will kick into full gear in February. "This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history," an unnamed White House official said in a statement. The US is currently facing a surge of Covid cases due to Omicron variant of coronavirus. Other than the initiative to distribute masks, the White House is also focussing on expanding Covid-19 testing. On Tuesday it launched a website where each American household can order free tests, to be performed at home. The government aims to distribute one billion rapid tests in the United States, the country whose Covid-19 death toll of 853,000 is the world's highest. US also has a problem of anti-vaxxers, those who have raised questions about side effects of Covid vaccines. More often, these doubts have been based on unscientific into propagated by individuals online. There is a strong public opinion in the US that vaccination must not be compulsory. (With inputs from agencies)

US government to distribute 400 million Covid N95 masks for free

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned global leaders that Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over.

Tedros has also cautioned against the assumption that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is significantly milder and has eliminated the threat posed by the virus.

“Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said late on Tuesday.

"Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading, hurts the overall response and costs more lives," he added.

He cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”.

Tedros said there were indications that the Omicron-fuelled surge of Covid cases may have peaked in some countries. “Now is not the time to give up and wave the white flag,” he said.

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Omicron continues to sweep the 🌍. I remain concerned about countries with low vaccination rates, as unvaccinated people are many times more at risk of severe illness &amp; death. I urge everyone to do their best to reduce risk of infection &amp; help take pressure off health systems. <a href="https://t.co/CymL7Vxvel">pic.twitter.com/CymL7Vxvel</a>
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1483530265062486017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Tedros also raised concern about low vaccination coverage in some countries, saying that there was an urgent need to remove the pressure building on health systems.

“We can still significantly reduce the impact of the current wave by sharing and using health tools effectively, and implementing public health and social measures that we know work," Tedros said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-fourth-dose-of-vaccine-not-good-enough-against-omicron-variant-reveals-israeli-study-445635">COVID-19: Fourth dose of vaccine 'not good enough' against Omicron variant, reveals Israeli study</a>

The latest warning comes on the backdrop of Europe reporting a record number of Covid infections in the past month.

Europe recorded five million cases last week and the WHO has predicted that Omicron could infect half of all Europeans by March, filling hospitals across the continent.

Germany on Tuesday recorded 112,323 coronavirus cases and 239 deaths, officials said, with Omicron found in more than 70 per cent of the infections.

Brazil has registered a new record number of daily cases of more than 137,000 on Tuesday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-office-locked-with-workers-trapped-inside-after-omicron-case-detected-445537">China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected</a>

And in the Asia-pacific region, Japan has tightened restrictions across the country, including Tokyo, as it battles record infections fuelled by Omicron.

&nbsp;While China has partially relaxed transport restrictions in the megacity of Xi’an where millions have been confined to their homes for weeks.

India, too, on Wednesday reported 2,82,970 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, which is a rise of over 18 per cent from the previous day's count.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned global leaders that Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over.

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned global leaders that Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over. Tedros has also cautioned against the assumption that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is significantly milder and has eliminated the threat posed by the virus. “Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said late on Tuesday. "Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading, hurts the overall response and costs more lives," he added. He cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”. Tedros said there were indications that the Omicron-fuelled surge of Covid cases may have peaked in some countries. “Now is not the time to give up and wave the white flag,” he said. Omicron continues to sweep the 🌍. I remain concerned about countries with low vaccination rates, as unvaccinated people are many times more at risk of severe illness & death. I urge everyone to do their best to reduce risk of infection & help take pressure off health systems. pic.twitter.com/CymL7Vxvel — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 18, 2022 × Tedros also raised concern about low vaccination coverage in some countries, saying that there was an urgent need to remove the pressure building on health systems. “We can still significantly reduce the impact of the current wave by sharing and using health tools effectively, and implementing public health and social measures that we know work," Tedros said. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Fourth dose of vaccine 'not good enough' against Omicron variant, reveals Israeli study The latest warning comes on the backdrop of Europe reporting a record number of Covid infections in the past month. Europe recorded five million cases last week and the WHO has predicted that Omicron could infect half of all Europeans by March, filling hospitals across the continent. Germany on Tuesday recorded 112,323 coronavirus cases and 239 deaths, officials said, with Omicron found in more than 70 per cent of the infections. Brazil has registered a new record number of daily cases of more than 137,000 on Tuesday. ALSO READ | China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected And in the Asia-pacific region, Japan has tightened restrictions across the country, including Tokyo, as it battles record infections fuelled by Omicron. While China has partially relaxed transport restrictions in the megacity of Xi’an where millions have been confined to their homes for weeks. India, too, on Wednesday reported 2,82,970 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, which is a rise of over 18 per cent from the previous day's count. (With inputs from agencies)

Pandemic ‘nowhere near over’: WHO chief warns against assumption that Omicron is milder

The World Health Organization has expressed some serious concerns over the current status of the pandemic. According to the WHO Chief the covid-19 pandemic is far from over as the omicron variant continues to sweep across the world. Speaking during a briefing in Geneva, he said that said there were at least about 18 million new covid -19 cases that had been reported last week adding that the number of deaths remained stable.

WHO warns covid-19 pandemic nowhere near over | Omicron variant

As omicron variant drives a surge in covid-19 infections across the United States, the country is also reporting another worrying trend. As per the center for disease control and prevention also known as the CDC, pediatric hospitalizations related to COVID-19 are at their highest level since the beginning of the pandemic.

US sees highest rate of pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations

Europe is concerned over a prolonged twindemic the time to endemic refers to the possibility of a severe flu season happening alongside an increase in covid-19 cases. This has become a new headache as the European nations are witnessing the return of influenza a faster than expected rate. This winter lock towns mask wearing and social distancing have become the norm in Europe during the covid-19 pandemic.

Twindemic: Europe faces severe flu amid ongoing covid-19 pandemic

China is known for taking extreme measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus but its latest measures target its postal service. China has ordered its workers to disinfect international deliveries and urged its citizens to reduce ordering from overseas. After authorities claimed that postal mail could be the source of recent covid outbreaks, China has so far maintained a strict policy of targeting zero covid-19 cases.

China urges citizens not to order from abroad, disinfects mail service to curb covid spread

Israel was one of the first countries to offer four doze of the covid-19 vaccine to people or a second booster. Now a latest Israeli study has revealed that the fourth dose of the Pfizer's Moderna vaccine against covid-19 is only partially effective against the latest omicron variant.

COVID-19: Fourth dose of vaccine 'partially effective' against Omicron, reveals Israeli study

India has now reported a marginal drop in its covid-19 cases with more than 238,000 new cases reported in the last 24-hour period, this is for the second day that India has witnessed a significant decline in its daily Covid caseload. India today reported 20,000 lesser cases than yesterday daily positivity rate.

Coronavirus News | India witnesses decline in daily covid-19 cases

Raising concerns of a "twindemic," Influenza has returned to Europe amid a surge in Covid cases. A situation like this could put excessive pressure on the already exhausted healthcare systems.&nbsp;

Last winter, it was believed that Covid had temporarily eradicated the flu, a virus that globally kills about 650,000 a year.&nbsp; 
However, this notion was changed late last year when flu viruses started circulating in Europe at a 'higher-than-expected rate.'

According to the data released by the European centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), in December, the number of flu cases in the intensive care units surged as there were at least 43 cases in the last week of the year.&nbsp;

ECDC’s top expert on influenza Pasi Penttinen said, "If we start to lift all measures, the big concern I have for influenza is that, because we have had such a long time of almost no circulation in the European population, maybe we will shift away from normal seasonal patterns."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-records-two-year-high-in-covid-cases-weeks-before-winter-olympics-445515">Also read |&nbsp;China records two-year high in Covid cases weeks before Winter Olympics</a>

As per the data published by the French health ministry, three regions in France, including Paris, are facing a flu epidemic. Franc culled 600,000 to 650,000 chickens, ducks and other poultry, officials revealed.&nbsp;

This comes at a time when Europe is already struggling to battle the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Recently, the World Health Organization&nbsp;said that in the next two months, over half of the people in Europe are on track to contract the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

According to Hans Kluge, regional director for WHO's European office, "At this rate, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) forecasts that more than 50 per cent of the population in the region will be infected with Omicron in the next six to eight weeks."

Many European countries are also suffering from immediate staff shortages in essential services as Omicron drives a surge in positive tests.

(With inputs from agencies)

Raising concerns of a "twindemic," Influenza has returned to Europe amid a surge in Covid cases. A situation like this could put excessive pressure on the already exhausted healthcare systems.

Raising concerns of a "twindemic," Influenza has returned to Europe amid a surge in Covid cases. A situation like this could put excessive pressure on the already exhausted healthcare systems. Last winter, it was believed that Covid had temporarily eradicated the flu, a virus that globally kills about 650,000 a year. However, this notion was changed late last year when flu viruses started circulating in Europe at a 'higher-than-expected rate.' According to the data released by the European centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), in December, the number of flu cases in the intensive care units surged as there were at least 43 cases in the last week of the year. ECDC’s top expert on influenza Pasi Penttinen said, "If we start to lift all measures, the big concern I have for influenza is that, because we have had such a long time of almost no circulation in the European population, maybe we will shift away from normal seasonal patterns." Also read | China records two-year high in Covid cases weeks before Winter Olympics As per the data published by the French health ministry, three regions in France, including Paris, are facing a flu epidemic. Franc culled 600,000 to 650,000 chickens, ducks and other poultry, officials revealed. This comes at a time when Europe is already struggling to battle the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Recently, the World Health Organization said that in the next two months, over half of the people in Europe are on track to contract the Omicron variant of coronavirus. According to Hans Kluge, regional director for WHO's European office, "At this rate, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) forecasts that more than 50 per cent of the population in the region will be infected with Omicron in the next six to eight weeks." Many European countries are also suffering from immediate staff shortages in essential services as Omicron drives a surge in positive tests. (With inputs from agencies)

What is 'twindemic'? Flu is back in Europe even as it fights Covid

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Dutch capital to denounce government's virus protocols. Demonstrators packed Amsterdam streets in opposition to the government imposed covid-19 restrictions and vaccination campaign. Protesters waved flags and chanted anti-government slogans as they marched through the streets.

Netherlands: Thousands protest against Covid-19 curbs in Amsterdam

Las Luminarias, the Spanish festival made a comeback on Sunday (January 16). About 100 horses jumped through bonfires in a purification ceremony. This was the first time that the festival was organised since the start of the Covid pandemic.

The traditional nighttime celebration takes place in San Bartolome de Pinares every Jan. 16, the eve of Saint Anthony's Day, Spain's patron saint of animals.

It was cancelled last year because of pandemic restrictions.

Revellers rode their horses through the narrow cobble-stoned streets, which according to tradition, purifies the animals with the smoke and flames of the bonfires for the coming year.

<img alt="Las Luminarias" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f51be9e6-5592-4ff1-bd45-804d3fdf2b4c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9WB8NT.jpg" />

After an hour of horses jumping over flames, revellers then took to dancing and drinking.

"This comes from thousands of years ago. So that animals did not get unwell, the old priests would bless them with fires so that they would jump and be purified," said Fermin Abad, 64, a local resident.

About 100 horses and their owners took part in the festivities, Reuters witnesses said.

Despite coming under criticism from animal rights groups over the years, organisers told Reuters that the horses were not harmed due to precautions taken by riders to cut horse hair to avoid burns.

(With inputs from agencies)

Las Luminarias, the Spanish festival made a comeback on Sunday (January 16). About 100 horses jumped through bonfires in a purification ceremony. This was the first time that the festival was organised since the start of the Covid pandemic.

Las Luminarias, the Spanish festival made a comeback on Sunday (January 16). About 100 horses jumped through bonfires in a purification ceremony. This was the first time that the festival was organised since the start of the Covid pandemic. The traditional nighttime celebration takes place in San Bartolome de Pinares every Jan. 16, the eve of Saint Anthony's Day, Spain's patron saint of animals. It was cancelled last year because of pandemic restrictions. Revellers rode their horses through the narrow cobble-stoned streets, which according to tradition, purifies the animals with the smoke and flames of the bonfires for the coming year. After an hour of horses jumping over flames, revellers then took to dancing and drinking. "This comes from thousands of years ago. So that animals did not get unwell, the old priests would bless them with fires so that they would jump and be purified," said Fermin Abad, 64, a local resident. About 100 horses and their owners took part in the festivities, Reuters witnesses said. Despite coming under criticism from animal rights groups over the years, organisers told Reuters that the horses were not harmed due to precautions taken by riders to cut horse hair to avoid burns. (With inputs from agencies)

Horses jump through fire as Spanish festival makes a comeback

China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached highest levels since March 2020. That this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities.

With growing fears about the highly-transmissible Omicron strain challenging China's stringent approach to virus control, a senior health official told residents of the capital to "avoid buying goods from overseas" after saying a local case could have been infected by international post.

Coronavirus first emerged in China in 2019. The country has stuck to a strict policy of targeting zero Covid cases even as the rest of the world has reopened.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-population-grows-but-birth-rate-drops-to-record-low-in-2021-445326">China's population grows but birth rate drops to record low in 2021</a>

But its approach has come under sustained pressure in recent weeks with multiple clusters in key cities just as the Games are about to get underway in Beijing.

On Monday there were 223 more cases reported, including another 80 in the virus-hit port city of Tianjin, and nine more -- including cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant -- in the southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong.

Athletes and officials have already started to land in the capital ahead of the Games, immediately entering a tightly controlled bubble separating them from the rest of the population.

But after a local Omicron case was detected in Beijing over the weekend, authorities also tightened regulations for arrivals from elsewhere in China.

The city is now demanding a negative test before travel and a follow-up test after entering, with residents urged not to leave the capital for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

Some tourist sites have also been closed.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached highest levels since March 2020. That this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities.

China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached highest levels since March 2020. That this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities. With growing fears about the highly-transmissible Omicron strain challenging China's stringent approach to virus control, a senior health official told residents of the capital to "avoid buying goods from overseas" after saying a local case could have been infected by international post. Coronavirus first emerged in China in 2019. The country has stuck to a strict policy of targeting zero Covid cases even as the rest of the world has reopened. Also Read | China's population grows but birth rate drops to record low in 2021 But its approach has come under sustained pressure in recent weeks with multiple clusters in key cities just as the Games are about to get underway in Beijing. On Monday there were 223 more cases reported, including another 80 in the virus-hit port city of Tianjin, and nine more -- including cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant -- in the southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong. Athletes and officials have already started to land in the capital ahead of the Games, immediately entering a tightly controlled bubble separating them from the rest of the population. But after a local Omicron case was detected in Beijing over the weekend, authorities also tightened regulations for arrivals from elsewhere in China. The city is now demanding a negative test before travel and a follow-up test after entering, with residents urged not to leave the capital for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Some tourist sites have also been closed. (With inputs from agencies)

China records two-year high in Covid cases weeks before Winter Olympics

With barely three weeks to go for the Beijing Olympics, the Chinese capital has detected its first case of omicron variant. China is already plagued by multiple covid-19 outbreaks and authorities are testing the other occupants of the patient's residential compound and office building. Access has been restricted to 17 locations linked to infected person.

First case of Omicron detected in Beijing ahead of Winter Olympics

The chairman of&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse&nbsp;has resigned less than a year into the job after&nbsp;breaking&nbsp;Covid quarantine&nbsp;rules, in a new blow for the scandal-hit bank.

Antonio Horta-Osorio's resignation was effective immediately,&nbsp;Switzerland's second-biggest bank said in a statement Monday, following an investigation commissioned by the board.

Axel Lehmann, who chairs the board's risk committee, was appointed as his replacement.

The resignation adds to the woes of the Swiss banking giant, which was rocked by its links to the multi-billion-dollar meltdowns at financial firms Greensill and Archegos last year.

"I regret that a number of my personal actions have led to difficulties for the bank and compromised my ability to represent the bank internally and externally," Horta-Osorio said in the statement.

"I therefore believe that my resignation is in the interest of the bank and its stakeholders at this crucial time."

In March last year,&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse&nbsp;was hit by the collapse of the British finance firm Greensill, in which some $10 billion had been committed via four funds, swiftly followed by the implosion of the US hedge fund Archegos, which cost the bank more than $5 billion.

Crowned with a solid reputation after having successfully turned around the British bank Lloyds, Horta-Osorio was elected chairman in April, pledging to put better risk management at the heart of the bank's culture.

But in December, his image was tarnished by revelations in the Swiss newspaper Blick.

'Credibility problem'

Following the tabloid's report,&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse&nbsp;confirmed last month that Horta-Osorio had violated quarantine&nbsp;rules.

The Portuguese banker apologised but revelations of other quarantine violations followed and the board launched an investigation.

Switzerland&nbsp;imposed a 10-day quarantine rule on November 26 for people flying in from countries where the Covid-19 variant Omicron had been detected -- a measure that chiefly affected Britain.

Blick reported that Horta-Osorio had travelled back to&nbsp;Switzerland&nbsp;from Britain aboard a private jet, then asked if he could be released from quarantine.

Despite a no from the authorities, Horta-Osorio took a plane to the Iberian peninsula before heading on to New York for a board meeting, said the tabloid.

Michael Foeth, an analyst at Vontobel bank, said&nbsp;breaking&nbsp;quarantine&nbsp;rules&nbsp;had created a "credibility problem" for a chairman who had put the culture of personal accountability at the heart of the bank's transformation.

"We respect Antonio's decision (to resign) and owe him considerable thanks for his leadership in defining the new strategy, which we will continue to implement over the coming months and years," said Severin Schwan, vice chair of&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse's board.

'Without distraction'

Lehmann joined the bank in October and headed the risk committee. The board will propose that he takes over permanently as chairman at the annual general meeting on April 29, the bank said.

A former executive with rival bank UBS, the Swiss banker, who is in his early 60s, also spent nearly 20 years with the Swiss insurer Zurich Insurance.

"We have set the right course with the new strategy and will continue to embed a stronger risk culture across the firm," Lehmann said.

"By executing our strategic plan in a timely and disciplined manner, without distraction, I am convinced that&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse&nbsp;will demonstrate the renewed strength and business focus needed to generate sustainable value for all of our stakeholders," he said.

The Ethos foundation, which represents pension funds, told AFP it hoped Lehmann would strengthen risk control to avoid any scandal - "financial or otherwise" -&nbsp;that could tarnish the bank's image, which "unfortunately has happened too many times in recent years".

The bank had previously been rocked by a massive scandal over espionage against staff and former employees, which pushed&nbsp;chief&nbsp;executive Tidjane Thiam to resign in February 2020.

At 1400 GMT,&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse&nbsp;shares were down more than two percent to 9.35 Swiss francs, against the trend of the SMI -- the benchmark index of the Swiss Stock Exchange -- which was up 0.73 percent.

The chairman of Credit Suisse has resigned less than a year into the job after breaking Covid quarantine rules, in a new blow for the scandal-hit bank. Antonio Horta-Osorio's resignation was effective immediately, Switzerland's second-biggest bank said in a statement Monday, following an investigation commissioned by the board.

The chairman of Credit Suisse has resigned less than a year into the job after breaking Covid quarantine rules, in a new blow for the scandal-hit bank. Antonio Horta-Osorio's resignation was effective immediately, Switzerland's second-biggest bank said in a statement Monday, following an investigation commissioned by the board. Axel Lehmann, who chairs the board's risk committee, was appointed as his replacement. The resignation adds to the woes of the Swiss banking giant, which was rocked by its links to the multi-billion-dollar meltdowns at financial firms Greensill and Archegos last year. "I regret that a number of my personal actions have led to difficulties for the bank and compromised my ability to represent the bank internally and externally," Horta-Osorio said in the statement. "I therefore believe that my resignation is in the interest of the bank and its stakeholders at this crucial time." In March last year, Credit Suisse was hit by the collapse of the British finance firm Greensill, in which some $10 billion had been committed via four funds, swiftly followed by the implosion of the US hedge fund Archegos, which cost the bank more than $5 billion. Crowned with a solid reputation after having successfully turned around the British bank Lloyds, Horta-Osorio was elected chairman in April, pledging to put better risk management at the heart of the bank's culture. But in December, his image was tarnished by revelations in the Swiss newspaper Blick. 'Credibility problem' Following the tabloid's report, Credit Suisse confirmed last month that Horta-Osorio had violated quarantine rules. The Portuguese banker apologised but revelations of other quarantine violations followed and the board launched an investigation. Switzerland imposed a 10-day quarantine rule on November 26 for people flying in from countries where the Covid-19 variant Omicron had been detected -- a measure that chiefly affected Britain. Blick reported that Horta-Osorio had travelled back to Switzerland from Britain aboard a private jet, then asked if he could be released from quarantine. Despite a no from the authorities, Horta-Osorio took a plane to the Iberian peninsula before heading on to New York for a board meeting, said the tabloid. Michael Foeth, an analyst at Vontobel bank, said breaking quarantine rules had created a "credibility problem" for a chairman who had put the culture of personal accountability at the heart of the bank's transformation. "We respect Antonio's decision (to resign) and owe him considerable thanks for his leadership in defining the new strategy, which we will continue to implement over the coming months and years," said Severin Schwan, vice chair of Credit Suisse's board. 'Without distraction' Lehmann joined the bank in October and headed the risk committee. The board will propose that he takes over permanently as chairman at the annual general meeting on April 29, the bank said. A former executive with rival bank UBS, the Swiss banker, who is in his early 60s, also spent nearly 20 years with the Swiss insurer Zurich Insurance. "We have set the right course with the new strategy and will continue to embed a stronger risk culture across the firm," Lehmann said. "By executing our strategic plan in a timely and disciplined manner, without distraction, I am convinced that Credit Suisse will demonstrate the renewed strength and business focus needed to generate sustainable value for all of our stakeholders," he said. The Ethos foundation, which represents pension funds, told AFP it hoped Lehmann would strengthen risk control to avoid any scandal - "financial or otherwise" - that could tarnish the bank's image, which "unfortunately has happened too many times in recent years". The bank had previously been rocked by a massive scandal over espionage against staff and former employees, which pushed chief executive Tidjane Thiam to resign in February 2020. At 1400 GMT, Credit Suisse shares were down more than two percent to 9.35 Swiss francs, against the trend of the SMI -- the benchmark index of the Swiss Stock Exchange -- which was up 0.73 percent.

Credit Suisse chief, Antonio Horta-Osorio, quits over Covid rules breach

A routine work to document phytochemicals (chemical compounds produced by plants that help them fight fungi, virus and prevent consumption by animals) in Himalayan plants has led the Indian researchers to an interesting find.

According to researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi, the petals of the commonly available plant ‘Himalayan Buransh’ (rhododendron arboreum) have properties to inhibit the replication of COVID-19.

This was proven in an experiment that was performed on COVID-19 infected vero E6 cells (cells from the kidney of an African monkey that are commonly used to study the infectivity of bacteria and virus).

WION spoke to the researchers of this study to understand its ramifications that potentially emerge as a cure or medicine against the Coronavirus.&nbsp;

According to Dr Shyam Kumar Masakapalli, associate professor, BioX Centre, School of Basic Science, IIT Mandi, their team has been carrying out work to understand the Himalayan flora, including rare, endangered, aromatic and medicinal plants since 2019.

Their end goal was to establish a Himalayan Phytochemical Library that would help understand the plant-derived compounds to help fight specific diseases.

With the pandemic having struck in 2020, they expedited their work to find plant-derived medicinal properties against COVID-19 infection.&nbsp;

It is said to be the first time that the properties of Himalayan Buransh petals are being studied, even though the petals have been a local delicacy for ages.

While the leaves are toxic for consumption, the petals are as condiments. It is also sold as squash that is meant to be a coolant during summers. It was by extracting phytochemicals from these petals that computational and biochemical analyses were conducted.&nbsp;

As per researchers, hot water extracts from the petals were found to be rich in quinic acid and its derivatives.

“Molecular dynamics studies showed that these phytochemicals have two kinds of effects against the virus. They bound to the main protease – an enzyme that plays an important role in viral replication - and to the Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) that mediates viral entry into the host cells”.&nbsp;

Explaining how the test was conducted, Dr Shyam Kumar said the cells derived from the monkey liver were first allowed to be attacked by the COVID-19 virus, following which some cells died and the virus multiplied.

But upon adding the plant-derived compound (in different quantities), the viral load came down and virus impact was inhibited by up to 80 percent.&nbsp;

Dr Sujatha Sunil, Vector Borne Disease Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, said, “A combination of the phytochemical profiling, computer simulations and in vitro anti-viral assays showed that the extracts from the Buransh petals inhibited the replication of the COVID-19 virus in a dose-dependent manner.”

However, there remains up to a year of work before it can be clearly proven if a cure (in tablet or spray form) against COVID-19 can be derived from this compound. This process includes further studies, experiments and clinical trials.

A routine work to document phytochemicals (chemical compounds produced by plants that help them fight fungi, virus and prevent consumption by animals) in Himalayan plants has led the Indian researchers to an interesting find.

A routine work to document phytochemicals (chemical compounds produced by plants that help them fight fungi, virus and prevent consumption by animals) in Himalayan plants has led the Indian researchers to an interesting find. According to researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi, the petals of the commonly available plant ‘Himalayan Buransh’ (rhododendron arboreum) have properties to inhibit the replication of COVID-19. This was proven in an experiment that was performed on COVID-19 infected vero E6 cells (cells from the kidney of an African monkey that are commonly used to study the infectivity of bacteria and virus). WION spoke to the researchers of this study to understand its ramifications that potentially emerge as a cure or medicine against the Coronavirus. According to Dr Shyam Kumar Masakapalli, associate professor, BioX Centre, School of Basic Science, IIT Mandi, their team has been carrying out work to understand the Himalayan flora, including rare, endangered, aromatic and medicinal plants since 2019. Their end goal was to establish a Himalayan Phytochemical Library that would help understand the plant-derived compounds to help fight specific diseases. With the pandemic having struck in 2020, they expedited their work to find plant-derived medicinal properties against COVID-19 infection. It is said to be the first time that the properties of Himalayan Buransh petals are being studied, even though the petals have been a local delicacy for ages. While the leaves are toxic for consumption, the petals are as condiments. It is also sold as squash that is meant to be a coolant during summers. It was by extracting phytochemicals from these petals that computational and biochemical analyses were conducted. As per researchers, hot water extracts from the petals were found to be rich in quinic acid and its derivatives. “Molecular dynamics studies showed that these phytochemicals have two kinds of effects against the virus. They bound to the main protease – an enzyme that plays an important role in viral replication - and to the Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) that mediates viral entry into the host cells”. Explaining how the test was conducted, Dr Shyam Kumar said the cells derived from the monkey liver were first allowed to be attacked by the COVID-19 virus, following which some cells died and the virus multiplied. But upon adding the plant-derived compound (in different quantities), the viral load came down and virus impact was inhibited by up to 80 percent. Dr Sujatha Sunil, Vector Borne Disease Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, said, “A combination of the phytochemical profiling, computer simulations and in vitro anti-viral assays showed that the extracts from the Buransh petals inhibited the replication of the COVID-19 virus in a dose-dependent manner.” However, there remains up to a year of work before it can be clearly proven if a cure (in tablet or spray form) against COVID-19 can be derived from this compound. This process includes further studies, experiments and clinical trials.

Can this Himalayan flower help fight against COVID-19? IIT study underway

After days of significant rise in its daily case load, India today has reported a marginal drop in its covid curve. India has reported over 258,089 new covid-19 cases which is 13,000 less than Sunday's figures.

Covid-19 News: India logs 258,089 new covid-19 cases, records marginal drop

In what is said to be China's push for 'Zero-COVID' before Beijing Winter Olympics, around 20 million people have been ordered to stay indoors across the country.

China's push for 'Zero-COVID' before Beijing Winter Olympics

The Latin American nation of Brazil is currently witnessing an alarming rise in the number of COVID-19 infections. The massive spike, which has been fueled by the fast-spreading omicron variant of the Coronavirus has pushed the country's health infrastructure virtually to its edge now.

Health infrastructure under pressure in Brazil amid a massive spike in COVID cases fueled by Omicron

A new policy introduced by tech giant Apple requires its employees to show proof of the Covid booster shot, states a report by The Verge. "Due to waning efficacy of the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and the emergence of highly transmissible variants such as Omicron, a booster shot is now part of staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination to protect against severe disease," the memo read.

As per the report, starting from January 24, unvaccinated employees or people who have not submitted vaccination proof will require a negative Covid test to enter&nbsp;Apple offices.&nbsp;

This comes at a time when many companies in the US have been imposing stricter Covid rules.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-mandates-covid-testing-for-people-entering-its-us-offices-444977">Also read |&nbsp;Google mandates Covid testing for people entering its US offices</a>

Earlier, Google announced that it will be mandating weekly Covid tests for all its employees and people entering its offices in the US. "To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 during this period of heightened risk, we’re implementing new temporary health and safety measures for anyone accessing our sites in the US," a Google spokesperson said.

Google has also been very strict about its vaccination policy. The tech giant had told its employees that they would lose pay and eventually be fired if they do not follow its vaccination rules.&nbsp;

The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US.

According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US as it has now replaced the Delta variant in less than a month.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new policy introduced by tech giant Apple requires its employees to show proof of the Covid booster shot, states a report by The Verge. "Due to waning efficacy of the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and the emergence of highly transmissible variants such as Omicron, a booster shot is now part of staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination to protect against severe disease," the memo read.

A new policy introduced by tech giant Apple requires its employees to show proof of the Covid booster shot, states a report by The Verge. "Due to waning efficacy of the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and the emergence of highly transmissible variants such as Omicron, a booster shot is now part of staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination to protect against severe disease," the memo read. As per the report, starting from January 24, unvaccinated employees or people who have not submitted vaccination proof will require a negative Covid test to enter Apple offices. This comes at a time when many companies in the US have been imposing stricter Covid rules. Also read | Google mandates Covid testing for people entering its US offices Earlier, Google announced that it will be mandating weekly Covid tests for all its employees and people entering its offices in the US. "To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 during this period of heightened risk, we’re implementing new temporary health and safety measures for anyone accessing our sites in the US," a Google spokesperson said. Google has also been very strict about its vaccination policy. The tech giant had told its employees that they would lose pay and eventually be fired if they do not follow its vaccination rules. The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US. According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US as it has now replaced the Delta variant in less than a month. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple will require its employees to show proof of Covid booster shot: Report

The battle of the Booze parties has gripped UK politics, with Senior Tories condemning Keir Starmer in the latest.

UK: Senior Tories condemn Keir Starmer over Booze party

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Sunday that country will be first in Europe to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for adults in February. He acknowledged that this was a 'sensitive topic'.&nbsp;

Nehammer, a conservative who took office in December, said those who didn't comply would face a hefty fine.

"We will decide on compulsory vaccination as planned. It will come into force at the beginning of February" for adults, he told a news conference.

Austria has seen debate on the issue ever since plans for compulsory vaccinations were first announced last year.

To date 71.5 percent of eligible Austrian residents have had their jabs -- several percentage points below many of the country's EU neighbours.

Nehammer acknowledged the decision covered "a totally sensitive topic" but said it followed careful consideration.

He warned that after an "entry phase" for the policy, restrictions would be "tightened accordingly" in mid-March on those holding out against the jab, including fines of between 600-3,600 euros ($684-$4,100).

On Saturday, about 27,000 people held demonstrations against compulsory vaccination measure. Opponents dub the compulsion as an attack on personal freedoms.

On Thursday Parliament is due to pass into law a bill which initially was set to cover all people from 14 upwards but now will cover adults only.

Exceptions will be made for pregnant women and those who can show they have a medical exemption.

The government has widespread support for a policy which only the far-right is opposing.

Austria has to date seen almost 14,000 Covid-related deaths and 1.4 million cases in a population of some nine million.

Compulsory vaccinations against Covid remain rare worldwide, though Ecuador, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Micronesia have introduced such schemes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Sunday that country will be first in Europe to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for adults in February. He acknowledged that this was a 'sensitive topic'.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Sunday that country will be first in Europe to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for adults in February. He acknowledged that this was a 'sensitive topic'. Nehammer, a conservative who took office in December, said those who didn't comply would face a hefty fine. "We will decide on compulsory vaccination as planned. It will come into force at the beginning of February" for adults, he told a news conference. Austria has seen debate on the issue ever since plans for compulsory vaccinations were first announced last year. To date 71.5 percent of eligible Austrian residents have had their jabs -- several percentage points below many of the country's EU neighbours. Nehammer acknowledged the decision covered "a totally sensitive topic" but said it followed careful consideration. He warned that after an "entry phase" for the policy, restrictions would be "tightened accordingly" in mid-March on those holding out against the jab, including fines of between 600-3,600 euros ($684-$4,100). On Saturday, about 27,000 people held demonstrations against compulsory vaccination measure. Opponents dub the compulsion as an attack on personal freedoms. On Thursday Parliament is due to pass into law a bill which initially was set to cover all people from 14 upwards but now will cover adults only. Exceptions will be made for pregnant women and those who can show they have a medical exemption. The government has widespread support for a policy which only the far-right is opposing. Austria has to date seen almost 14,000 Covid-related deaths and 1.4 million cases in a population of some nine million. Compulsory vaccinations against Covid remain rare worldwide, though Ecuador, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Micronesia have introduced such schemes. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccination to be compulsory from February, says Austrian chancellor

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised its COVID-19 guidelines. It now urges Americans to wear masks to protect themselves against COVID-19.

US: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised its COVID-19 guidelines amid Omicron

If a report is to be believed, the vaccinated travellers from Britain may be able to go on half-term holidays in February without having to undergo COVID-19 tests on their return. &nbsp;

UK’s Transport Minister Grant Shapps seems to be in favour of ending the testing system for the double-vaccinated people during the February break, The Times reported. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-live-with-covid-south-africa-to-not-impose-lockdown-or-quarantine-rules-445191" hreflang="en">Can live with Covid? South Africa to not impose lockdown or quarantine rules</a>

On January 26, an announcement may come up on the same, the report said. &nbsp;

This comes as London’s Heathrow Airport authorities recently said that it suffered 600,000 flight cancellation in December last year as cases related to the Omicron variant surged in the United Kingdom. &nbsp;

Airport authorities are demanding an end of coronavirus testing for those, who have been fully inoculated as passengers are abandoning their plans due to uncertainty in restrictions. &nbsp;

"Covid continues to pose significant challenges for the travel industry," Heathrow said in a statement. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-is-not-the-last-covid-variant-scientists-warn-445185" hreflang="en">Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn</a>

With the Omicron coronavirus variant stalling recovery prospects, the number of passengers passing through London's main airport dropped more than 12 per cent last year. &nbsp;

Britain still requires all inbound travellers to take either a PCR or a rapid lateral flow test a maximum of 48 hours before departure, a measure Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said would be reviewed in the second week of January. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If a report is to be believed, the vaccinated travellers from Britain may be able to go on half-term holidays in February without having to undergo COVID-19 tests on their return.

If a report is to be believed, the vaccinated travellers from Britain may be able to go on half-term holidays in February without having to undergo COVID-19 tests on their return. UK’s Transport Minister Grant Shapps seems to be in favour of ending the testing system for the double-vaccinated people during the February break, The Times reported. Also Read: Can live with Covid? South Africa to not impose lockdown or quarantine rules On January 26, an announcement may come up on the same, the report said. This comes as London’s Heathrow Airport authorities recently said that it suffered 600,000 flight cancellation in December last year as cases related to the Omicron variant surged in the United Kingdom. Airport authorities are demanding an end of coronavirus testing for those, who have been fully inoculated as passengers are abandoning their plans due to uncertainty in restrictions. "Covid continues to pose significant challenges for the travel industry," Heathrow said in a statement. Also Read: Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn With the Omicron coronavirus variant stalling recovery prospects, the number of passengers passing through London's main airport dropped more than 12 per cent last year. Britain still requires all inbound travellers to take either a PCR or a rapid lateral flow test a maximum of 48 hours before departure, a measure Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said would be reviewed in the second week of January. (With inputs from agencies)

UK’s vaccinated travellers may not have to take Covid tests in Feb, says report

While the world is already struggling with the Omicron variant, scientists have warned that this will not be the last variant of the deadly coronavirus to worry the world. As per the scientists, every variant gives the virus a chance to mutate, and Omicron has an edge over all the previous variants because it spreads way faster.

Leonardo Martinez, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Boston University, while speaking to the Associated Press said, "The faster omicron spreads, the more opportunities there are for mutation, potentially leading to more variants."

Omicron is more likely than Delta to reinfect individuals who have already been infected with Covid. Also, it is more likely to cause “breakthrough infections” in vaccinated people while also attacking the unvaccinated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-a-natural-disaster-most-americans-will-get-covid-19-us-health-officials-444528">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials</a>

Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University said, "It’s the longer, persistent infections that seem to be the most likely breeding grounds for new variants. It’s only when you have very widespread infection that you’re going to provide the opportunity for that to occur.”

According to federal health officials in the US, the Omicron variant is so contagious that most people in the country will be infected, and the pandemic has been compared to a "natural disaster."

Authorities said they are hopeful that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases.&nbsp;

The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US. According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US. Also, it has now replaced Delta in less than a month.

(With inputs from agencies)

While the world is already struggling with the Omicron variant, scientists have warned that this will not be the last variant of the deadly coronavirus to worry the world.

While the world is already struggling with the Omicron variant, scientists have warned that this will not be the last variant of the deadly coronavirus to worry the world. As per the scientists, every variant gives the virus a chance to mutate, and Omicron has an edge over all the previous variants because it spreads way faster. Leonardo Martinez, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Boston University, while speaking to the Associated Press said, "The faster omicron spreads, the more opportunities there are for mutation, potentially leading to more variants." Omicron is more likely than Delta to reinfect individuals who have already been infected with Covid. Also, it is more likely to cause “breakthrough infections” in vaccinated people while also attacking the unvaccinated. Also read | Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University said, "It’s the longer, persistent infections that seem to be the most likely breeding grounds for new variants. It’s only when you have very widespread infection that you’re going to provide the opportunity for that to occur.” According to federal health officials in the US, the Omicron variant is so contagious that most people in the country will be infected, and the pandemic has been compared to a "natural disaster." Authorities said they are hopeful that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases. The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US. According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US. Also, it has now replaced Delta in less than a month. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn

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