Western nations are shortening isolation & stepping up boosters to keep their economy open amid the Omicron wave. Can poorer nations afford this ‘living with Covid’ plan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Europe looks to ‘live with Covid’

India is grappling with an aggressive third wave. The south Asian nation is consistently registering an upward move in daily covid-19 cases. India has reported over 247,000 fresh covid cases, the omicron variant has additionally been detected in 620 more people as many as 5,488 cases of the omicron variant have been reported in total this far.

PM Narendra Modi to hold a review meet with CMs on Covid-19 situation in India

The vaccine mandate bill in Germany has sparked a debate at a time when the country has hit a daily COVID-19 infections record; the country has recorded over 80,000 new covid-19 cases. The government is now pushing for expanded vaccine mandate.

Germany records over 80,000 new covid-19 cases, govt pushes for expanded vaccine mandate

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a sharp rise in the number of Covid positive cases. The union territory has crossed the mark of 1695 for the first time since June 2021. The Kashmir division reported 883 cases while Jammu reported 812 positive cases.&nbsp;

Srinagar city saw the maximum number of positive cases (320). It was followed by Baramulla district in North Kashmir with 250 positive cases. The doctors in the Valley say that the number will increase further in the coming days. Health department has canceled all the leaves and winter holidays of health workers across the union territory.&nbsp;

All the government-run hospitals have been kept ready for any eventuality. Although doctors say the cases are increasing, the hospitalization of the patients has still not crossed the danger mark.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Of late, we have seen there is an exponential rise in the covid cases in the union territory, the numbers used to be less than 200 a week back and they grew exponentially to reach 1700 cases a day. We are seeing a huge surge in cases and Omicron has been detected as well. The samples were taken on 20 December and it's been quite some time since then, so we are pretty confident that the Omicron variant must already be in the community and it is leading to such a huge surge in the number of cases. We are seeing the surge in cases but we are not witnessing too many hospital admissions. They are the same or slightly higher and nothing in comparison to the first and second wave. We have to take precautionary measures and follow Covid protocol behaviour to get things under control," said Dr Naveed Nazir Shah, HOD, Chest Disease Hospital, Srinagar.&nbsp;

Omicron variant has been detected in the union territory. Around 23 cases have been found in just two days. The doctors believe that it has already spread across the Valley as the samples for those who tested positive for Omicron were taken on December 20. Although the doctors believe that it's a milder variant, it spreads rapidly. The doctors say if the spread continues, healthcare facilities in the union territory would be burdened further.

"The tertiary and secondary hospitals and even the PHC's have been upgraded. The healthcare system is all ready to deal with any eventuality. The Omicron is definitely milder as far as we have seen it in various countries. It causes a milder form of disease and hospitalisation requirement is less as compared to Delta variant but infectivity of the virus is high. So we cannot take it lightly although it's highly infectious and nobody can escape the Covid virus but we have tried to limit the number of cases so that hospitalisation numbers are limited," said Dr Naveed Nazir Shah, HOD, Chest Disease Hospital, Srinagar.&nbsp;

With rising number of cases, The administration has sprung into action and formed 15 teams in every district to make sure that people are following all the Covid-related protocols. These volunteers are checking cars and vehicles and asking people to wear masks and maintain social distance. &nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a sharp rise in the number of Covid positive cases. The union territory has crossed the mark of 1695 for the first time since June 2021.

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a sharp rise in the number of Covid positive cases. The union territory has crossed the mark of 1695 for the first time since June 2021. The Kashmir division reported 883 cases while Jammu reported 812 positive cases. Srinagar city saw the maximum number of positive cases (320). It was followed by Baramulla district in North Kashmir with 250 positive cases. The doctors in the Valley say that the number will increase further in the coming days. Health department has canceled all the leaves and winter holidays of health workers across the union territory. All the government-run hospitals have been kept ready for any eventuality. Although doctors say the cases are increasing, the hospitalization of the patients has still not crossed the danger mark. "Of late, we have seen there is an exponential rise in the covid cases in the union territory, the numbers used to be less than 200 a week back and they grew exponentially to reach 1700 cases a day. We are seeing a huge surge in cases and Omicron has been detected as well. The samples were taken on 20 December and it's been quite some time since then, so we are pretty confident that the Omicron variant must already be in the community and it is leading to such a huge surge in the number of cases. We are seeing the surge in cases but we are not witnessing too many hospital admissions. They are the same or slightly higher and nothing in comparison to the first and second wave. We have to take precautionary measures and follow Covid protocol behaviour to get things under control," said Dr Naveed Nazir Shah, HOD, Chest Disease Hospital, Srinagar. Omicron variant has been detected in the union territory. Around 23 cases have been found in just two days. The doctors believe that it has already spread across the Valley as the samples for those who tested positive for Omicron were taken on December 20. Although the doctors believe that it's a milder variant, it spreads rapidly. The doctors say if the spread continues, healthcare facilities in the union territory would be burdened further. "The tertiary and secondary hospitals and even the PHC's have been upgraded. The healthcare system is all ready to deal with any eventuality. The Omicron is definitely milder as far as we have seen it in various countries. It causes a milder form of disease and hospitalisation requirement is less as compared to Delta variant but infectivity of the virus is high. So we cannot take it lightly although it's highly infectious and nobody can escape the Covid virus but we have tried to limit the number of cases so that hospitalisation numbers are limited," said Dr Naveed Nazir Shah, HOD, Chest Disease Hospital, Srinagar. With rising number of cases, The administration has sprung into action and formed 15 teams in every district to make sure that people are following all the Covid-related protocols. These volunteers are checking cars and vehicles and asking people to wear masks and maintain social distance.

Jammu Kashmir witnesses sharp rise in Covid cases, 23 Omicron infections so far

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday cancelled a trip to northern England after a relative was found positive with Covid. The cancellation has come a day after Johnson apologised over a party he had when lockdown was in effect.

"The prime minister will no longer be visiting Lancashire today due to a family member testing positive for coronavirus," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

"He will follow the guidance for vaccinated close contacts, including daily testing and limiting contact with others."

In Britain, self-isolation is no longer required for fully vaccinated people after they come into contact with infected person. However, they are advised to "limit close contact with other people outside your household".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-was-a-forced-apology-netizens-slam-boris-johnson-for-bring-your-own-booze-party-at-downing-street-444329lso">'It was a forced apology': Netizens slam Boris Johnson for 'bring your own booze' party at Downing Street</a>

Johnson lives in a Downing Street flat with his wife Carrie and their two small children.&nbsp;

For his critics, Johnson's scrupulous adherence to the rules now will contrast with his attendance at a party in the Downing Street garden in May 2020, when Britain was under a strict lockdown.

After days of stonewalling the scandal, on Wednesday he issued "heartfelt apologies", conceding that millions had observed the lockdown even at the cost of missing final farewells to dying relatives.

But opposition parties and even some Conservatives are demanding Johnson resign.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday cancelled a trip to northern England after a relative was found positive with Covid. The cancellation has come a day after Johnson apologised over a party he had when lockdown was in effect.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday cancelled a trip to northern England after a relative was found positive with Covid. The cancellation has come a day after Johnson apologised over a party he had when lockdown was in effect. "The prime minister will no longer be visiting Lancashire today due to a family member testing positive for coronavirus," a Downing Street spokesperson said. "He will follow the guidance for vaccinated close contacts, including daily testing and limiting contact with others." In Britain, self-isolation is no longer required for fully vaccinated people after they come into contact with infected person. However, they are advised to "limit close contact with other people outside your household". Also Read | 'It was a forced apology': Netizens slam Boris Johnson for 'bring your own booze' party at Downing Street Johnson lives in a Downing Street flat with his wife Carrie and their two small children. For his critics, Johnson's scrupulous adherence to the rules now will contrast with his attendance at a party in the Downing Street garden in May 2020, when Britain was under a strict lockdown. After days of stonewalling the scandal, on Wednesday he issued "heartfelt apologies", conceding that millions had observed the lockdown even at the cost of missing final farewells to dying relatives. But opposition parties and even some Conservatives are demanding Johnson resign. (With inputs from agencies)

A day after lockdown party apology, UK PM cancels trip as family member tests positive for Covid

The Sars-CoV-2 virus, within 20 minutes of becoming airborne, loses its ability to infect others, as per a recent study. The UK-based study suggests that the most loss occurs in the first five minutes. The findings of the study reaffirm the importance of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. In an environment where humidity is lower than 50 percent, the virus becomes half as infectious within five seconds. In a more humid environment, the decline is significantly slower.

What happens to Covid within 20 minutes of being airborne? Study reveals

Amid a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases and the active caseload breaching a million mark, Indian PM Modi to hold a meeting with CMs.

Indian PM Modi to hold a meeting with CMs as active caseload breaches a million mark

The vaccine mandate bill in Germany has sparked a debate at a time when the country has hit a daily COVID-19 infections record.

Germany: Vaccine mandate bill sparks a debate amid a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases driven by Omicron

Hong Kong has suspended kindergarten and primary schools until next month. All in-person classes and playgrounds will remain shut until the beginning of the lunar new year break, after which the city administration will start the vaccination program for children.

Hong Kong suspends in-person kindergarten & primary school classes until vaccination program starts

For the first time in 14 days daily cases decreased in India due to the lower testing over the weekend and amid a battle against surging coronavirus infections. India began its booster program for frontline workers and those aged is 60 and above. Now, India reported over 168,000 cases alongside 70,000 recoveries in the past 24 hours.

India sees fall in fresh covid cases, all private offices to work remotely in capital

Zimbabwe has reported a steep increase in pregnancies among girls and teenagers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Zimbabwe has two sets of marriage laws, the Marriage Act and Customary Marriages Act. Neither law gives a minimum age for marriage consent, while the customary law allows polygamy.

Teenage pregnancies spike during Covid-19 pandemic

The World Health Organization said that repeating booster doses of the original COVID vaccines are not a viable strategy to combat the emerging variants.

WHO: Booster jabs of existing COVID vaccines are not a viable strategy to combat the new variants

In an attempt to counter a surge in COVID-19 cases, and cut the spread of the omicron variant, another Chinese city has been locked down.

Chinese city Anyang under strict lockdown amid a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases driven by Omicron

A leaked email shows the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson inviting staff to "bring your own booze" to a gathering held during Britain's strict COVID-19 lockdown.

Leaked email exposes another lockdown party organised by UK PM Boris Johnson during strict lockdown

For the second year in a row, COVID-19 was the leading cause of death for U.S. law enforcement officers, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

A total of 458 officers died in the line of duty in the country last year, making it the deadliest year in more than 90 years and a 55% increase from 2020, according to preliminary data compiled by the organization. Of those, it found that 301 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers had died because of COVID-19.

“It has been reported to NLEOMF that these officers have died due to direct exposure to the virus during the commission of their official duties,” the report said.

Felony assaults were responsible for the deaths of 84 officers last year, including 62 officers killed with firearms, the report said. Fifty-eight were killed in traffic-related incidents while working the roadways. Both the number of deaths from firearm assaults and traffic-related fatalities had risen from the previous year.

The remaining deaths were attributed to reasons such as heart attacks, strokes and 9/11-related illnesses, the report said. Other officers were killed in beatings, drownings and stabbings. One officer was killed by floodwaters, and another was killed in a tornado.

In the three decades before the pandemic, the organization’s annual tally of officers killed in the line of duty surpassed 200 only twice, in 2001 and 2007. The last time it went above 300 was in 1930.

While hundreds of COVID-19-related officer deaths were identified, the report is preliminary and its authors expected that agencies had yet to report a significant number of them.

“Law enforcement officers nationwide continue to be exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the course of their daily assignments,” it said. “Therefore, the number of line-of-duty deaths is sadly ever increasing.”

Last fall, it was reported that more than 460 U.S. law enforcement officers had died from COVID-19 infections tied to their work since the start of the pandemic. With no comprehensive accounting of how many officers had been sickened with the virus, departments from coast to coast reported large outbreaks in the ranks. Vaccinations, which have proven to be effective in preventing severe illness and death, have remained a hard sell for some officers.

In recent months, as local governments began implementing vaccine mandates for workers, some police officers and law enforcement unions have pushed back, threatening resignations and legal action.

In October, New York City’s largest police union sued over the city’s vaccine mandate. The Police Benevolent Association of New York said it opposed a vaccine mandate for officers that does not allow an option of being tested weekly instead of being vaccinated. A federal judge this week dismissed a lawsuit filed by several Los Angeles police officers who had sued over the city’s vaccine mandate.

For the second year in a row, COVID-19 was the leading cause of death for U.S. law enforcement officers, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

For the second year in a row, COVID-19 was the leading cause of death for U.S. law enforcement officers, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. A total of 458 officers died in the line of duty in the country last year, making it the deadliest year in more than 90 years and a 55% increase from 2020, according to preliminary data compiled by the organization. Of those, it found that 301 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers had died because of COVID-19. “It has been reported to NLEOMF that these officers have died due to direct exposure to the virus during the commission of their official duties,” the report said. Felony assaults were responsible for the deaths of 84 officers last year, including 62 officers killed with firearms, the report said. Fifty-eight were killed in traffic-related incidents while working the roadways. Both the number of deaths from firearm assaults and traffic-related fatalities had risen from the previous year. The remaining deaths were attributed to reasons such as heart attacks, strokes and 9/11-related illnesses, the report said. Other officers were killed in beatings, drownings and stabbings. One officer was killed by floodwaters, and another was killed in a tornado. In the three decades before the pandemic, the organization’s annual tally of officers killed in the line of duty surpassed 200 only twice, in 2001 and 2007. The last time it went above 300 was in 1930. While hundreds of COVID-19-related officer deaths were identified, the report is preliminary and its authors expected that agencies had yet to report a significant number of them. “Law enforcement officers nationwide continue to be exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the course of their daily assignments,” it said. “Therefore, the number of line-of-duty deaths is sadly ever increasing.” Last fall, it was reported that more than 460 U.S. law enforcement officers had died from COVID-19 infections tied to their work since the start of the pandemic. With no comprehensive accounting of how many officers had been sickened with the virus, departments from coast to coast reported large outbreaks in the ranks. Vaccinations, which have proven to be effective in preventing severe illness and death, have remained a hard sell for some officers. In recent months, as local governments began implementing vaccine mandates for workers, some police officers and law enforcement unions have pushed back, threatening resignations and legal action. In October, New York City’s largest police union sued over the city’s vaccine mandate. The Police Benevolent Association of New York said it opposed a vaccine mandate for officers that does not allow an option of being tested weekly instead of being vaccinated. A federal judge this week dismissed a lawsuit filed by several Los Angeles police officers who had sued over the city’s vaccine mandate.

COVID-19 was leading cause of death among US police officers in 2021, report says

According to a new study, Coronavirus loses 90 per cent of its ability to infect people within 20 minutes of being in the air.

The research re-emphasised the importance of physical distancing and mask-wearing to be the most effective means of preventing short-range Covid transmission.

“People have been focused on poorly ventilated spaces and thinking about airborne transmission over metres or across a room. I’m not saying that doesn’t happen, but I think still the greatest risk of exposure is when you’re close to someone,” said Prof Jonathan Reid, director of Aerosol Research Centre and the study’s lead author.

“When you move further away, not only is the aerosol diluted down, there’s also less infectious virus because the virus has lost infectivity (as a result of time),” he said.

It is well established that the virus is spread through droplets and aerosols produced in the lungs. But the researchers at the University of Bristo’s Aerosol Research Centre developed a mechanism that allows for an accurate simulation of how long the virus can survive when it is in the air.

Also read |&nbsp;W<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-over-50-of-europeans-on-track-to-contract-omicron-variant-of-coronavirus-443861">HO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus</a>

The <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.08.22268944v1.full.pdf">study</a>, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, is the first of its kind to simulate how exactly coronavirus travels in the air after it has been exhaled, The Guardian reported.

To understand what happens to the virus when it becomes airborne, the researchers developed an apparatus to generate virus-containing particles and allowed them to float between two electric rings for anywhere between five seconds and 20 minutes in a tightly controlled environment.

According to the study, when the viral particles leave the lungs, they quickly lose water and the lower levels of carbon dioxide in the environment result in a rapid increase in pH. This affects the virus’s ability to infect human cells.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-was-in-canadian-wastewater-in-november-before-it-was-found-in-south-africa-443845">&nbsp;Omicron was in Canadian wastewater in November before it was found in South Africa</a>

In a typical office environment, where humidity of the surrounding area is generally lower than 50 per cent, the virus became half as infectious within five seconds, after which the loss in infectivity became slower and more gradual.

The biologists saw the same effects all three Sars-CoV-2 variants, including Alpha. They hope to start experiments with the Omicron variant in the coming weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a new study, Coronavirus loses 90 per cent of its ability to infect people within 20 minutes of being in the air. The research re-emphasised the importance of physical distancing and mask-wearing to be the most effective means of preventing short-range Covid transmission.

According to a new study, Coronavirus loses 90 per cent of its ability to infect people within 20 minutes of being in the air. The research re-emphasised the importance of physical distancing and mask-wearing to be the most effective means of preventing short-range Covid transmission. “People have been focused on poorly ventilated spaces and thinking about airborne transmission over metres or across a room. I’m not saying that doesn’t happen, but I think still the greatest risk of exposure is when you’re close to someone,” said Prof Jonathan Reid, director of Aerosol Research Centre and the study’s lead author. “When you move further away, not only is the aerosol diluted down, there’s also less infectious virus because the virus has lost infectivity (as a result of time),” he said. It is well established that the virus is spread through droplets and aerosols produced in the lungs. But the researchers at the University of Bristo’s Aerosol Research Centre developed a mechanism that allows for an accurate simulation of how long the virus can survive when it is in the air. Also read | WHO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus The study, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, is the first of its kind to simulate how exactly coronavirus travels in the air after it has been exhaled, The Guardian reported. To understand what happens to the virus when it becomes airborne, the researchers developed an apparatus to generate virus-containing particles and allowed them to float between two electric rings for anywhere between five seconds and 20 minutes in a tightly controlled environment. According to the study, when the viral particles leave the lungs, they quickly lose water and the lower levels of carbon dioxide in the environment result in a rapid increase in pH. This affects the virus’s ability to infect human cells. Also read | Omicron was in Canadian wastewater in November before it was found in South Africa In a typical office environment, where humidity of the surrounding area is generally lower than 50 per cent, the virus became half as infectious within five seconds, after which the loss in infectivity became slower and more gradual. The biologists saw the same effects all three Sars-CoV-2 variants, including Alpha. They hope to start experiments with the Omicron variant in the coming weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid loses 90% of ability to infect within 20 minutes of being airborne: Study

Israel's response to the covid-19 pandemic has been closely watched worldwide notably for two main things its rapid vaccine rollout and its early decision to after offer booster shots but with the massive surge in cases what is the way forward for Israel?

Israel says lockdown won't stop Omicron spread

The US has announced increase in Covid-19 tests for schools with an aim to keep students in classrooms. Surge in Omicron infections in US threatens closure of schools.

Around four percent of US schools have already shut with the Omicron variant tearing across the country, infecting pupils and educators and forcing teachers' unions to take a more cautious approach to curb transmission.

The unions' decision to prioritize teachers' health has put them at loggerheads with local authorities, as families and experts remain torn about the wisdom of virtual education when effective vaccines are widely available to everyone aged five and up.

President Joe Biden has made keeping physical classrooms running during the current coronavirus surge a priority, and on Wednesday pledged an additional 10 million Covid-19 tests per month for US schools.

"These additional tests will help schools safely remain open and implement screening testing and test to stay programs," the White House said.

"We know how to keep students and staff safely in school -- including through vaccinations and boosters, implementing universal indoor masking, maintaining physical distancing, improving ventilation, and performing COVID-19 screening testing."

The additional kits will double the amount of testing that took place at schools in November 2021, the White House added.

The government will also deploy "surge testing units" near school grounds to support pupils and staff by creating specific hours for them to get checked, and allocating a greater proportion of resources to these communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US has announced increase in Covid-19 tests for schools with an aim to keep students in classrooms. Surge in Omicron infections in US threatens closure of schools.

The US has announced increase in Covid-19 tests for schools with an aim to keep students in classrooms. Surge in Omicron infections in US threatens closure of schools. Around four percent of US schools have already shut with the Omicron variant tearing across the country, infecting pupils and educators and forcing teachers' unions to take a more cautious approach to curb transmission. The unions' decision to prioritize teachers' health has put them at loggerheads with local authorities, as families and experts remain torn about the wisdom of virtual education when effective vaccines are widely available to everyone aged five and up. President Joe Biden has made keeping physical classrooms running during the current coronavirus surge a priority, and on Wednesday pledged an additional 10 million Covid-19 tests per month for US schools. "These additional tests will help schools safely remain open and implement screening testing and test to stay programs," the White House said. "We know how to keep students and staff safely in school -- including through vaccinations and boosters, implementing universal indoor masking, maintaining physical distancing, improving ventilation, and performing COVID-19 screening testing." The additional kits will double the amount of testing that took place at schools in November 2021, the White House added. The government will also deploy "surge testing units" near school grounds to support pupils and staff by creating specific hours for them to get checked, and allocating a greater proportion of resources to these communities. (With inputs from agencies)

US looks at more Covid tests in schools to keep them open

World Health Organization has warned that repeating booster doses of the original Covid-19 vaccines is not a viable strategy to combat emerging variants. The body has called for new specific jabs that can better protect against transmission.

'Booster shots not a viable longterm plan,' claims WHO

As many as 3,000 employees or 4.5 per cent of the workforce at United Airlines is down with COVID-19, forcing the airlines to cut back its operations in the near term to “make sure the staffing and resources take care of customers.”

In one day alone at Newark, nearly one-third of our workforce called out sick,” United Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby wrote Tuesday in a memo to workers. “To those who are out sick or isolating, we wish you a speedy recovery.”

The United is one of the many airlines that have announced to trim its operations as Omicron continues to drive up infections across the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-over-50-of-europeans-on-track-to-contract-omicron-variant-of-coronavirus-443861">WHO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus</a>

JetBlue and Alaska have already announced proactive flight cuts due to an unprecedented number of sick calls.

Notably, all the 3,000 employees who have contracted Covid are vaccinated and none of them are hospitalised, Kirby said.

Moreover, he revealed that prior to the airline's vaccine mandate, which took effect in September, more than one United employee was dying from COVID-19 every week, on average.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-is-deltacron-a-new-variant-a-uk-virologist-explains-what-it-could-possibly-be-443546" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Is 'Deltacron' a new variant? A UK virologist explains what it could possibly be</a>

“But we've now gone eight straight weeks with zero COVID-related deaths among our vaccinated employees,” he wrote, noting that based on available data, that means approximately eight to 10 lives were saved by the vaccine requirement.

United was among the first companies in the US that issued mandatory COVID-19 vaccination order for all of its employees.

According to reports, more than 97 per cent of its 67,000 US-based employees had gotten the shots by September.

(With inputs from agencies)

As many as 3,000 employees or 4.5 per cent of the workforce at United Airlines is down with COVID-19, forcing the airlines to cut back its operations in the near term to “make sure the staffing and resources take care of customers.

As many as 3,000 employees or 4.5 per cent of the workforce at United Airlines is down with COVID-19, forcing the airlines to cut back its operations in the near term to “make sure the staffing and resources take care of customers.” In one day alone at Newark, nearly one-third of our workforce called out sick,” United Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby wrote Tuesday in a memo to workers. “To those who are out sick or isolating, we wish you a speedy recovery.” The United is one of the many airlines that have announced to trim its operations as Omicron continues to drive up infections across the world. Also read | WHO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus JetBlue and Alaska have already announced proactive flight cuts due to an unprecedented number of sick calls. Notably, all the 3,000 employees who have contracted Covid are vaccinated and none of them are hospitalised, Kirby said. Moreover, he revealed that prior to the airline's vaccine mandate, which took effect in September, more than one United employee was dying from COVID-19 every week, on average. Also read | COVID-19: Is 'Deltacron' a new variant? A UK virologist explains what it could possibly be “But we've now gone eight straight weeks with zero COVID-related deaths among our vaccinated employees,” he wrote, noting that based on available data, that means approximately eight to 10 lives were saved by the vaccine requirement. United was among the first companies in the US that issued mandatory COVID-19 vaccination order for all of its employees. According to reports, more than 97 per cent of its 67,000 US-based employees had gotten the shots by September. (With inputs from agencies)

United Airlines trims its operations as 3,000 employees down with Covid

How is the new Omicron variant affecting children in Israel? Could it bring herd immunity our correspondent Jodie Cohen spoke exclusively with Dr Moshe Ashkenazi, a pediatric pulmonologist and deputy director of the children's hospital at the Sheba medical center, listen in.

Dr Moshe Ashkenazi exclusive on how the new Omicron variant is affecting children in Israel

COVID-19 infections continued to surge in India. Though, at a slightly slower rate than last week. Mumbai, India's financial capital saw a drop in cases for the fourth consecutive day.

India reports 194,720 new COVID-19 cases amid a surge due to the Omicron variant

Days after new COVID test rules for travelers were brought to England, Heathrow airport has now called for further relaxation of rules. Heathrow has called for the removal of testing for all vaccinated travelers after 600,000 flight bookings were canceled in December alone when the omicron spread began in the United Kingdom.

UK: Heathrow airport calls for the removal of testing for all vaccinated travelers

Pics | Brits angrily contrast own lives during Covid lockdown when PM Johnson partied

Residents in the Chinese city Anyang, which reported first death of the disease which later came to be known as Covid-19, have been told to remain at home unless going out for essential job or Covid test. The city has a population of 5.5 million.

Anyang, which reported on Monday two local Omicron infections traced to a student arriving from Tianjin

Cities across China are increasingly imposing stricter restrictions to control Covid outbreak.

A Tianjin official told a Tuesday press briefing that 49 domestically transmitted cases with confirmed symptoms have been detected during the latest outbreak. The city of 14 million people, around 100km (62 miles) from Beijing, is now implementing tough controls to stop the coronavirus from spreading, especially to neighbouring Beijing.

Tianjin, which has tightened controls on people leaving the city, on Tuesday closed indoor venues such as gyms and bars in one district with over 800,000 people.

The country's Omicron surge comes just weeks before the Lunar New Year, a peak travel period for millions, and cities across China are advising people to stay put, especially as Beijing prepares to host the Winter Olympics at the start of next month.

Zhang Boli, a government medical adviser, told state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday that Omicron "can't be taken lightly" even if the symptoms among Omicron infections in Tianjin appeared to be not as severe as previous variants.

China has ordered the cancellation of more than two dozen scheduled flights from the United States after numerous passengers tested positive for COVID-19 when they arrived in China.

"Facing Omicron directly, we found the speed of transmission was really quite fast," said Zhang Ying, an official with Tianjin's disease control centre, speaking in an interview aired on state television late on Monday.

"Whether it is in terms of virus origin tracing or epidemiological investigations, the Omicron variant has brought along unprecedentedly massive challenges and difficulties," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Residents in the Chinese city Anyang, which reported first death of the disease which later came to be known as Covid-19, have been told to remain at home unless going out for essential job or Covid test.

Residents in the Chinese city Anyang, which reported first death of the disease which later came to be known as Covid-19, have been told to remain at home unless going out for essential job or Covid test. The city has a population of 5.5 million. Anyang, which reported on Monday two local Omicron infections traced to a student arriving from Tianjin Cities across China are increasingly imposing stricter restrictions to control Covid outbreak. A Tianjin official told a Tuesday press briefing that 49 domestically transmitted cases with confirmed symptoms have been detected during the latest outbreak. The city of 14 million people, around 100km (62 miles) from Beijing, is now implementing tough controls to stop the coronavirus from spreading, especially to neighbouring Beijing. Tianjin, which has tightened controls on people leaving the city, on Tuesday closed indoor venues such as gyms and bars in one district with over 800,000 people. The country's Omicron surge comes just weeks before the Lunar New Year, a peak travel period for millions, and cities across China are advising people to stay put, especially as Beijing prepares to host the Winter Olympics at the start of next month. Zhang Boli, a government medical adviser, told state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday that Omicron "can't be taken lightly" even if the symptoms among Omicron infections in Tianjin appeared to be not as severe as previous variants. China has ordered the cancellation of more than two dozen scheduled flights from the United States after numerous passengers tested positive for COVID-19 when they arrived in China. "Facing Omicron directly, we found the speed of transmission was really quite fast," said Zhang Ying, an official with Tianjin's disease control centre, speaking in an interview aired on state television late on Monday. "Whether it is in terms of virus origin tracing or epidemiological investigations, the Omicron variant has brought along unprecedentedly massive challenges and difficulties," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese cities begin effecting tougher Covid restrictions

Hospitalization in the US has reached a record high on Monday, with several states struggling to cope with the spike in cases. Now there were 132,000 hospitalizations for Covid, crossing the record set in January last year. But hospitalizations have been increasing steadily since late December, as the Omicron quickly took over Delta as the dominant version of the virus.

United States break Covid hospitalization record

As the number of coronavirus cases witnesses a spike in Mexico, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has contracted COVID-19 for the second time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The leader made the announcement on Monday. This comes as the tests for virus have become scarce. &nbsp;

The president tested positive just soon after he had sounded hoarse at a news briefing in morning. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/covid-test-misinformation-spikes-along-with-spread-of-omicron-443719" hreflang="en">Covid test misinformation spikes along with spread of Omicron</a>

In early 2021, he had contracted COVID-19 for the first time. &nbsp;

On social media accounts, the president wrote, “Even though the symptoms are light, I will remain isolated and only work from the office and hold on-line meetings until further notice. In the meantime, Interior Secretary Adán Augusto López Hernández will take over for me at press conferences and other events." &nbsp;

In recent days, two cabinet secretaries of the president, the heads of the Environment and Economy departments, said that they had tested positive for the virus. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-health-minister-ong-ye-kung-says-30-of-coronavirus-deaths-last-year-were-fully-vaccinated-443600" hreflang="en">Singapore: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says 30% of coronavirus deaths last year were fully vaccinated</a>

Earlier in the day, the president had told the citizens of the country to just assume they had Covid if they had symptoms. The number of confirmed cases has hiked by 186 per cent last week. &nbsp;

The president had also claimed the Omicron variant is 'a little Covid’, as hospitalisations and deaths have not increased at the same pace. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the number of coronavirus cases witnesses a spike in Mexico, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has contracted COVID-19 for the second time. The leader made the announcement on Monday.

As the number of coronavirus cases witnesses a spike in Mexico, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has contracted COVID-19 for the second time. The leader made the announcement on Monday. This comes as the tests for virus have become scarce. The president tested positive just soon after he had sounded hoarse at a news briefing in morning. Also Read: Covid test misinformation spikes along with spread of Omicron In early 2021, he had contracted COVID-19 for the first time. On social media accounts, the president wrote, “Even though the symptoms are light, I will remain isolated and only work from the office and hold on-line meetings until further notice. In the meantime, Interior Secretary Adán Augusto López Hernández will take over for me at press conferences and other events." In recent days, two cabinet secretaries of the president, the heads of the Environment and Economy departments, said that they had tested positive for the virus. Also Read | Singapore: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says 30% of coronavirus deaths last year were fully vaccinated Earlier in the day, the president had told the citizens of the country to just assume they had Covid if they had symptoms. The number of confirmed cases has hiked by 186 per cent last week. The president had also claimed the Omicron variant is 'a little Covid’, as hospitalisations and deaths have not increased at the same pace. (With inputs from agencies)

After calling Omicron 'a little Covid’, Mexican president contracts coronavirus for second time

Hong Kong has suspended kindergarten and primary schools until next month to slow the spread of Covid-19. All in-person classes and playgrounds will remain shut until the beginning of the Lunar New Year break after which the city administration will start its vaccination program for children above the age of five.

Hong Kong: Kindergarten and primary schools shut until next month to slow Covid-19 spread

Hospitalizations and daily cases in United States reached a record high on Monday with several states struggling to cope with the spike.

United States break Covid-19 hospitalization record amid alarming surge

Omicron cases continue to spread virtually as a wildfire. Australia has now said that it has surpassed the grim milestone of a million Covid-19 infections with more than half of them having been recorded in the past week.

Covid News: Australia witnesses massive spike, surge fuelled by Omicron variant

Cyprus has discovered a new variant called 'Deltacron' which is a combination of Delta & Omicron. The global case tally meanwhile has breached the 307 million mark. India alone added 179,000+ cases on Sunday. Palki Sharma gets you a detailed report.

Gravitas: Amid Omicron surge, Deltacron discovered in Cyprus

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