With cases ballooning due to the omicron variant, England is resorting to building temporary hospitals to cope with the rising cases.

England is building temporary hospitals to cope with the rising COVID-19 cases fueled by Omicron

Greece is bringing forward Covid measures initially intended to go in effect in early January and introducing restrictions on hospitality sector from Thursday. The measures have been advanced in light of surge in infections.

On Wednesday, health authorities reported that daily confirmed COVID-19 cases had jumped by more than 7,000 to 28,828, a new all-time record, with 72 deaths.

Authorities said the Omicron variant, which is highly contagious, appeared to be dominant in the community, barely a month after it was first detected.

Bars, nightclubs and restaurants will be forced to close at midnight, with no standing customers and no music, with the exception of New Year's Eve when then can stay open until 2 a.m..

Restaurant and night club owners braced for a tough period ahead, expecting a hit on sales in the next months.

"Certainly for us in the restaurant sector, it is a disaster. On the other hand, you can't go against the health situation. I can't say I want to stay open and work while people are dying," said Christos Kotsis, a live music cafe owner.

Authorities had also tightened curbs last week, mandating masks in open spaces and banning Christmas and New Year festivities in public places.

Health Minister Thanos Plevris told a news conference that if measures are fully complied with, it would allow a return to normality after mid-January.

"We bought our stock for New Year's Eve, people are out shopping and in the mood to spend, but unfortunately things are going to be really bad financially for our sector once again," said Yannis Amerikanos, a restaurant manager.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greece is bringing forward Covid measures initially intended to go in effect in early January and introducing restrictions on hospitality sector from Thursday. The measures have been advanced in light of surge in infections.

Greece is bringing forward Covid measures initially intended to go in effect in early January and introducing restrictions on hospitality sector from Thursday. The measures have been advanced in light of surge in infections. On Wednesday, health authorities reported that daily confirmed COVID-19 cases had jumped by more than 7,000 to 28,828, a new all-time record, with 72 deaths. Authorities said the Omicron variant, which is highly contagious, appeared to be dominant in the community, barely a month after it was first detected. Bars, nightclubs and restaurants will be forced to close at midnight, with no standing customers and no music, with the exception of New Year's Eve when then can stay open until 2 a.m.. Restaurant and night club owners braced for a tough period ahead, expecting a hit on sales in the next months. "Certainly for us in the restaurant sector, it is a disaster. On the other hand, you can't go against the health situation. I can't say I want to stay open and work while people are dying," said Christos Kotsis, a live music cafe owner. Authorities had also tightened curbs last week, mandating masks in open spaces and banning Christmas and New Year festivities in public places. Health Minister Thanos Plevris told a news conference that if measures are fully complied with, it would allow a return to normality after mid-January. "We bought our stock for New Year's Eve, people are out shopping and in the mood to spend, but unfortunately things are going to be really bad financially for our sector once again," said Yannis Amerikanos, a restaurant manager. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece advances Omicron restrictions initially meant for January

It has been two years since the coronavirus first entered our lives and then took over. During this time we have had multiple waves, millions of people have died due to this infections and right when the world had accepted that they had to coexist with Covid-19, the virus came back far more transmissible than ever before.

Most transmissible Covid-19 variant has the world on its toes

Popular comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan sold-out Vancouver show is not happening, because of Canada's Covid vaccine mandates. 
 
The show was originally set to take place on April 20, but the podcaster pushed the show because he isn't vaccinated and as per the rules, proof of vaccination is mandatory in Canada.&nbsp;

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Rogan shared the rescheduling news of the show on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience: "I should probably say this, because I haven't yet. My 4/20 show that sold out in Vancouver, I don't think that's happening. I don't think I can even get into the country. I'm not vaccinated, I'm not gonna get vaccinated. I have antibodies, it doesn't make any sense. I don't think I can go." 
 
He later posted on Facebook that the upcoming Vancouver show has been pushed to Oct. 24.

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It's no secret that he's an outspoken opponent of Covid vaccine mandates. In April, Rogan said on his podcast, "I’m not an anti-vax person. I just said, I don’t think that if you’re a young, healthy person, that you need it.” 
 
In September, Rogan announced via Instagram that he had tested positive for Covid and that he "immediately threw the kitchen sink at it."

Popular comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan sold-out Vancouver show is not happening, because of Canada's Covid vaccine mandates. The show was originally set to take place on April 20, but the podcaster pushed the show because he isn't vaccinated and as per the rules, proof of vaccination is mandatory in Canada.

Popular comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan sold-out Vancouver show is not happening, because of Canada's Covid vaccine mandates. The show was originally set to take place on April 20, but the podcaster pushed the show because he isn't vaccinated and as per the rules, proof of vaccination is mandatory in Canada. Jeffrey Epstein sex abuse case: British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell found guilty Rogan shared the rescheduling news of the show on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience: "I should probably say this, because I haven't yet. My 4/20 show that sold out in Vancouver, I don't think that's happening. I don't think I can even get into the country. I'm not vaccinated, I'm not gonna get vaccinated. I have antibodies, it doesn't make any sense. I don't think I can go." He later posted on Facebook that the upcoming Vancouver show has been pushed to Oct. 24. Palm Springs film festival cancelled for 2022 It's no secret that he's an outspoken opponent of Covid vaccine mandates. In April, Rogan said on his podcast, "I’m not an anti-vax person. I just said, I don’t think that if you’re a young, healthy person, that you need it.” In September, Rogan announced via Instagram that he had tested positive for Covid and that he "immediately threw the kitchen sink at it."

Unvaccinated Joe Rogan reschedules Vancouver show over Covid vaccine mandates

Hospital admissions across Italy are surgings once again as daily coronavirus infections are hitting new highs due to the Omicron variant. Medical director of Rome's Casalpalocco Covid hospital told AFP that the situation has been serious for about a month.

Out of 120 beds in the facility, 111 are filled by virus-stricken patients.

"We are inundated with requests for admission. It's a constant pressure," said Marchese, adding that he feared numbers would rise even higher.&nbsp;

Almost three-quarters of the hospital's Covid patients are unvaccinated, and some resist intubation when taken to the intensive care unit.&nbsp;

"Then they generally accept because they realise how serious it is and then they can no longer breathe on their own," he said.

The majority of patients in intensive care are elderly, but younger people also fill up beds "because they have to be constantly and precisely monitored to see if they need to be ventilated", Marchese said.

Throughout Italy, hospitals are seeing a similar phenomenon.&nbsp;

Whereas 10 percent of intensive care beds were occupied by Covid patients on December 17, that number has crept up to 13 percent in the past two days, according to Italy's National Agency for Regional Health Services.&nbsp;

Some regions are under even more pressure, such as Veneto, at 18 percent, and Lazio -- of which Rome is the capital -- at 16 percent.&nbsp;

Although 85.8 percent of the country's population over the age of 12 has been fully inoculated, there remain roughly six million unvaccinated over-12s, according to official data.&nbsp;

"In my opinion, in Italy we've managed to steer the population towards a certain favourable vaccination trend," said Marchese.&nbsp;

"Of course, the no-vax people exist everywhere, even here."

(With inputs from agencies)

Hospital admissions across Italy are surgings once again as daily coronavirus infections are hitting new highs due to the Omicron variant. Medical director of Rome's Casalpalocco Covid hospital told AFP that the situation has been serious for about a month.

Hospital admissions across Italy are surgings once again as daily coronavirus infections are hitting new highs due to the Omicron variant. Medical director of Rome's Casalpalocco Covid hospital told AFP that the situation has been serious for about a month. Out of 120 beds in the facility, 111 are filled by virus-stricken patients. "We are inundated with requests for admission. It's a constant pressure," said Marchese, adding that he feared numbers would rise even higher. Almost three-quarters of the hospital's Covid patients are unvaccinated, and some resist intubation when taken to the intensive care unit. "Then they generally accept because they realise how serious it is and then they can no longer breathe on their own," he said. The majority of patients in intensive care are elderly, but younger people also fill up beds "because they have to be constantly and precisely monitored to see if they need to be ventilated", Marchese said. Throughout Italy, hospitals are seeing a similar phenomenon. Whereas 10 percent of intensive care beds were occupied by Covid patients on December 17, that number has crept up to 13 percent in the past two days, according to Italy's National Agency for Regional Health Services. Some regions are under even more pressure, such as Veneto, at 18 percent, and Lazio -- of which Rome is the capital -- at 16 percent. Although 85.8 percent of the country's population over the age of 12 has been fully inoculated, there remain roughly six million unvaccinated over-12s, according to official data. "In my opinion, in Italy we've managed to steer the population towards a certain favourable vaccination trend," said Marchese. "Of course, the no-vax people exist everywhere, even here." (With inputs from agencies)

Italy: Covid hits new high, hospitals under strain

It was supposed to be the season of joy, a post pandemic festive season one that brought people together, instead it is the season of a new variant one that is wreaking havoc across the world. Listen into this exclusive conversation with Dr. Angelique Coetzee, one of the first doctors in South Africa treating Omicron patients.

Dr. Angelique Coetzee exclusive on rising number of  Covid-19 cases globally

Israel on Thursday received first shipment of Pfizer's anti-Covid pill. Prime Minister Nafatali Bennett hailed it as critical to combat the Omicron threat.

"Thanks to our rapid action, the drugs have arrived in Israel quickly and will assist us in getting past the peak of the coming Omicron wave," Bennett said.

Pfizer's Paxlovid pill has already got a go-ahead from US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) last week.

In trials, the treatment has been shown to reduce Covid hospitalisations and deaths by 88 percent among at-risk people.&nbsp;

The pills landed in Israel as coronavirus infections are surging.

Health authorities reported nearly 4,000 new cases Wednesday, a high not seen since September.&nbsp;

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The oral treatments block the virus' ability to replicate and should withstand variants, experts say.

Until now, the main treatments for Covid have been synthetic antibodies or Gilead's antiviral remdesivir, which are administered by infusion.

The United States has paid $5.3 billion for 10 million courses of Pfizer's new treatment, as well as $2.2 billion for treatment from rival Merck, whose pill appears to be less effective.

The European Union's drug regulator has also allowed member states to use Pfizer's Covid medications ahead of formal approval as an emergency measure.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Thursday received first shipment of Pfizer's anti-Covid pill. Prime Minister Nafatali Bennett hailed it as critical to combat the Omicron threat. "Thanks to our rapid action, the drugs have arrived in Israel quickly and will assist us in getting past the peak of the coming Omicron wave," Bennett said.

Israel on Thursday received first shipment of Pfizer's anti-Covid pill. Prime Minister Nafatali Bennett hailed it as critical to combat the Omicron threat. "Thanks to our rapid action, the drugs have arrived in Israel quickly and will assist us in getting past the peak of the coming Omicron wave," Bennett said. Pfizer's Paxlovid pill has already got a go-ahead from US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) last week. In trials, the treatment has been shown to reduce Covid hospitalisations and deaths by 88 percent among at-risk people. The pills landed in Israel as coronavirus infections are surging. Health authorities reported nearly 4,000 new cases Wednesday, a high not seen since September. Also Read | UK falls short of self-testing kits amid coronavirus wave The oral treatments block the virus' ability to replicate and should withstand variants, experts say. Until now, the main treatments for Covid have been synthetic antibodies or Gilead's antiviral remdesivir, which are administered by infusion. The United States has paid $5.3 billion for 10 million courses of Pfizer's new treatment, as well as $2.2 billion for treatment from rival Merck, whose pill appears to be less effective. The European Union's drug regulator has also allowed member states to use Pfizer's Covid medications ahead of formal approval as an emergency measure. (With inputs from agencies)

First shipment of Pfizer's anti-Covid drug arrives in Israel

It has been two years since COVID pandemic started. During this time there have been multiple waves and millions of live were lost. Globally a total of 6.55 million COVID cases were detected between 22nd and 28th of Dec. This is the highest figure since the WHO declared it a pandemic in March 2020.

World hits record weekly infections related to Coronavirus

2021 has been another year shrouded in uncertainty, lockdowns and unprecedented natural calamities. However, in a bid to beat the pandemic blues there were those who emerged as unconventional artists offering some much needed respite to the world by way of their eccentric ingenuity.

The weird and the wonderful from 2021 | Artists of Covid pandemic era

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Europe. Germany's Health Minister has issued a stark warning saying that the current restrictions in place will not be enough to stop a new COVID wave.

Germany imposes fresh COVID-19 restrictions amid a surge in cases due to Omicron

The United Kingdom has hit another record high for daily COVID cases, with over 180,000 reported in the last 24 hours, but there is growing frustration.

Makeshift hospitals to be set up in the UK amid record-high COVID-19 cases due to Omicron

A new survey found that 48% of firms appointed three or more CEOs in the last decade. Has the pandemic brought down the average CEO tenure? Why are more and more CEOs quitting or getting fired? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: CEOs burning out during the pandemic

Top health officials believe that although omicron infections produce milder illness but they warn the ongoing spread of delta and the rapid proliferation of Omicron could cause what they call a tsunami of infections which could overwhelm health care systems.

Covid News: Delta and Omicron variants can create 'Tsunami of Cases'

Queues outside test centers expand as the UK hits another record high for daily COVID19 cases

Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across the European continent, countries have been forced to reimpose restrictions as Omicron threatens the new year celebrations.

European countries reimpose COVID-19 curbs as Omicron threatens the new year celebration

Queues outside test centers expand as the UK hits another record high for daily COVID cases

Amid a record surge in cases, UK is witnessing a huge surge in hospitalizations. In the latest, the Boris Johnson government has asked hospitals to identify sites foe setting up 4,000 emergency beds.

UK to set up makeshift hospitals amid surge in Covid-19 cases

Germany's Health Minister: Current restrictions not enough to stop a new COVID-19 wave

Germany's Health Minister issues a stark warning against rising COVID-19 cases amid Omicron threat

Amid the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and rapidly rising cases in the UK, Health Minister clarifies that no new restrictions are to be imposed before the end of 2021.

UK: No new restrictions for new year's eve amid Omicron scare & rising COVID-19 cases

A court in Belgium suspended closure of cultural venues on Tuesday. These also include theatres. A measure for closure of cultural places was announced last week. The move was aimed towards stemming spread of Omicron Covid variant.

A protest was held in cultural district in Brussels against closure of cultural spaces.

Suspension of closure will not immediately lead to the reopening of cinemas

A ruling from Belgium's highest administrative court said the authorities had not demonstrated "in what way entertainment venues are particularly dangerous places for (people's) health... in that they would spread coronavirus, to the extent necessary to order their closure".&nbsp;

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced the original measure on December 22 as Belgium saw a sharp increase in the percentage of tests showing the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

That came despite an overall drop off in Covid-19 infections since a peak at the start of the month as the country battled a fourth wave that strained hospitals.&nbsp;

Police in Brussels estimated that some 5,000 people took to the streets on Sunday to protest the closure of cultural venues.&nbsp;

The authorities were accused of targeting the sector as bars and restaurants were allowed to keep trading.&nbsp;

The decision to reverse the government's closure order came after a complaint was lodged by a theatre producer in the capital.&nbsp;

Cinemas and other venues including bowling alleys and casinos were not included -- but the authorities are facing similar challenges that could see more locations allowed to reopen in the coming days.&nbsp;

Several prominent theatres and cinemas had decided to remain open in defiance of the measure.

(With inputs from agencies)

A court in Belgium suspended closure of cultural venues on Tuesday. These also include theatres. A measure for closure of cultural places was announced last week.

A court in Belgium suspended closure of cultural venues on Tuesday. These also include theatres. A measure for closure of cultural places was announced last week. The move was aimed towards stemming spread of Omicron Covid variant. A protest was held in cultural district in Brussels against closure of cultural spaces. Suspension of closure will not immediately lead to the reopening of cinemas A ruling from Belgium's highest administrative court said the authorities had not demonstrated "in what way entertainment venues are particularly dangerous places for (people's) health... in that they would spread coronavirus, to the extent necessary to order their closure". Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced the original measure on December 22 as Belgium saw a sharp increase in the percentage of tests showing the Omicron variant. That came despite an overall drop off in Covid-19 infections since a peak at the start of the month as the country battled a fourth wave that strained hospitals. Police in Brussels estimated that some 5,000 people took to the streets on Sunday to protest the closure of cultural venues. The authorities were accused of targeting the sector as bars and restaurants were allowed to keep trading. The decision to reverse the government's closure order came after a complaint was lodged by a theatre producer in the capital. Cinemas and other venues including bowling alleys and casinos were not included -- but the authorities are facing similar challenges that could see more locations allowed to reopen in the coming days. Several prominent theatres and cinemas had decided to remain open in defiance of the measure. (With inputs from agencies)

After protests, Belgium suspends Covid closure of cultural venues 

Democratic Republic of Congo has one of the world's worst vaccinated rates against COVID infection. A fourth wave of COVID is threatening its weak health system.

Fourth wave of COVID threatens Democratic Republic of Congo

Quebec’s health minister Christian Dube has said that they are left with “no choice” but to allow some essential workers to continue work despite testing COVID-19 positive to stave off a staff shortage from affecting its healthcare services due to the Omicron surge.

Canada’s Quebec province has been reporting massive Covid spikes as the highly contagious Omicron drives a new wave of infections.

On Tuesday, the French-speaking province reported 12,833 new coronavirus cases—the highest one-day count of any region in Canada during the pandemic.

Health authorities have warned that the actual number of infections may be higher as the screening centres are overwhelmed and the rapid testing kits being used at home could mean that some cases are not being reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-spread-france-reports-record-of-nearly-180000-covid-19-cases-440820">Omicron spread: France reports record of nearly 180,000 COVID-19 cases</a>

Moreover, pandemic related hospitalisations have increased, putting the fragile health infra on the brink of a collapse.

“Omicron’s contagion is so exponential, that a huge number of personnel have to be withdrawn - and that poses a risk to the network capacity to treat Quebecers," Dube told reporters at a briefing on Tuesday.

“We made the decision that under a certain condition positive staff will be able to continue working according to a list of priority and risk management,” he said, adding that more information would be provided in the coming days.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/while-west-struggles-to-control-omicron-surge-indias-covid-tally-tells-a-different-story-440603" hreflang="en">While West struggles to control Omicron surge, India's covid tally tells a different story</a>

Dube said Quebec would also offer a third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to everyone above the age of 18 from Jan 4.

Last week,&nbsp;Quebec ordered bars, gyms and casinos to shut and directed people to work only from home. It also limited the size of gatherings at private homes and restaurants to six people.

(With inputs from agencies)

Quebec’s health minister Christian Dube has said that they are left with “no choice” but to allow some essential workers to continue work despite testing COVID-19 positive to stave off a staff shortage from affecting its healthcare services due to the Omicron surge.

Quebec’s health minister Christian Dube has said that they are left with “no choice” but to allow some essential workers to continue work despite testing COVID-19 positive to stave off a staff shortage from affecting its healthcare services due to the Omicron surge. Canada’s Quebec province has been reporting massive Covid spikes as the highly contagious Omicron drives a new wave of infections. On Tuesday, the French-speaking province reported 12,833 new coronavirus cases—the highest one-day count of any region in Canada during the pandemic. Health authorities have warned that the actual number of infections may be higher as the screening centres are overwhelmed and the rapid testing kits being used at home could mean that some cases are not being reported. Also read | Omicron spread: France reports record of nearly 180,000 COVID-19 cases Moreover, pandemic related hospitalisations have increased, putting the fragile health infra on the brink of a collapse. “Omicron’s contagion is so exponential, that a huge number of personnel have to be withdrawn - and that poses a risk to the network capacity to treat Quebecers," Dube told reporters at a briefing on Tuesday. “We made the decision that under a certain condition positive staff will be able to continue working according to a list of priority and risk management,” he said, adding that more information would be provided in the coming days. Also Read: While West struggles to control Omicron surge, India's covid tally tells a different story Dube said Quebec would also offer a third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to everyone above the age of 18 from Jan 4. Last week, Quebec ordered bars, gyms and casinos to shut and directed people to work only from home. It also limited the size of gatherings at private homes and restaurants to six people. (With inputs from agencies)

In this Canada province, health workers to continue work even after testing Covid positive

In India, Covid-19 numbers are rising sharply especially in several states in the north and the west. New Delhi has announced new set of restrictions after witnessing a surge in cases.

COVID-19 numbers rise sharply in India

After two years of masking up and lockdowns, do you feel like giving up? Do you feel like surrendering to the pandemic? Palki Sharma tells you why this is precisely the time to fight on.

Gravitas: How to beat Pandemic fatigue?

In a first, Israel reports its first death case from the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Israel has also revised restrictions with the surge in cases.

Israel reports its first death caused due to Omicron as 84-year-old woman dies

France, Britain, and Greece reported a record number of COVID cases amid Omicron spread across the European continent.

Omicron variant drives record COVID cases across Europe as nations break previous daily records

Israel reports its first death caused due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19

Aviation companies in Austria are complaining about a shortage of supplies of aircrafts. Their demand for private jets has soared like never before inspite of many flights being grounded due to COVID pandemic.

Austria: Aviation companies complain of aircraft supplies' shortage after demand for private jets

India has registered a 45 per cent surge in infections in the last 24 hours. It has recorded 9200 new cases of Coronavirus. The Omicron tally has now risen to 781 and has spread to over 21 states of India.

India registers 45% surge in COVID-19 infections as tally of daily cases see uptick

The highly infectious Omicron variant that was first identified in South Africa has spread across the world. Researchers in the country say that the Omicron variant can displace the Delta variant altogether. Here's a report.

South Africa: Researchers say Omicron can displace Delta variant

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