Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates.

The latest directive comes as India has 213 Omicron cases, with states Delhi and Maharashtra reporting 57 and 54 cases, respectively.

"Omicron is at least three times more transmissible than Delta. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making, and strict and prompt containment action are required at the local and district level," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan&nbsp;said in his letter to the state governments on Tuesday.

“The decision making at the State/UT and district level must be very prompt and focused and take containment measures and restrictions even before these thresholds are reached,” Bhushan added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazenecas-covid-vaccine-immunity-declines-after-3-months-says-lancet-study-438907">AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study</a>

Emphasising the local-level containment to prevent the further spread of the virus, Bhushan said, “Kindly activate the war rooms/EOCs (emergency operation centres) and keep analysing all trends and surges, no matter how small and keep taking proactive action at the district/local level. Regular reviews with field officers and proactive action in this regard will definitely control the spread of infection and flatten the curve.”

“This evidence should be the basis for effective decision making at the district level itself. Such a strategy ensures that infection is contained at the local level itself before it spreads to other parts of the state,” the letter stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-gradually-spreads-in-india-200-cases-detected-so-far-says-govt-438646">Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt</a>

He provided a framework that states and union territories may use to decide on restrictions to be imposed in any district.&nbsp;

Bhushan said that if test positivity of 10 per cent or more has been reported in the last week in any district, or if the bed occupancy has reached 40 per cent or more on oxygen supported or ICU beds, then states can impose COVID-19 restrictions to prevent further spread of infection.&nbsp;

“In case any one of these parameters are met in any district, district-level containment measures and restrictions may be put in place forthwith. Equally important, the restrictions must be strictly enforced," he wrote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates.

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates. The latest directive comes as India has 213 Omicron cases, with states Delhi and Maharashtra reporting 57 and 54 cases, respectively. "Omicron is at least three times more transmissible than Delta. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making, and strict and prompt containment action are required at the local and district level," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in his letter to the state governments on Tuesday. “The decision making at the State/UT and district level must be very prompt and focused and take containment measures and restrictions even before these thresholds are reached,” Bhushan added. Also read | AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study Emphasising the local-level containment to prevent the further spread of the virus, Bhushan said, “Kindly activate the war rooms/EOCs (emergency operation centres) and keep analysing all trends and surges, no matter how small and keep taking proactive action at the district/local level. Regular reviews with field officers and proactive action in this regard will definitely control the spread of infection and flatten the curve.” “This evidence should be the basis for effective decision making at the district level itself. Such a strategy ensures that infection is contained at the local level itself before it spreads to other parts of the state,” the letter stated. Also read | Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt He provided a framework that states and union territories may use to decide on restrictions to be imposed in any district. Bhushan said that if test positivity of 10 per cent or more has been reported in the last week in any district, or if the bed occupancy has reached 40 per cent or more on oxygen supported or ICU beds, then states can impose COVID-19 restrictions to prevent further spread of infection. “In case any one of these parameters are met in any district, district-level containment measures and restrictions may be put in place forthwith. Equally important, the restrictions must be strictly enforced," he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’: Centre asks states to take prompt action

As the Omicron strain of COVID-19 spread its wings globally, European Union prepares to contain the strain by tweaking the vaccine shots accordingly.

EU prepares to contain highly-mutated Omicron strain of COVID-19 by tweaking vaccine shots

The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 has spread its wings globally, with cases rising rapidly in the US. In the latest, Omicron has become the dominant strain in the US.

Omicron variant has become the dominant strain in the US as cases rise rapidly

Amid the global spread of Omicron cases, Israel PM Naftali Bennett warned citizens about the threat and said that the fifth COVID wave has begun.

Israel PM Naftali Bennett: The fifth wave of COVID-19 has begun

Despite a rapid rise in the country's Omicron cases, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned people to take precautions and ruled out Christmas lockdown plans for now.

UK PM Boris Johnson: No Christmas lockdown for Britain yet amid rapid rise in Omicron cases

Former US president Donald Trump was jeered and greeted with boos by his supporters in Texas’ Dallas city after he revealed that he has taken Covid booster dose.

Trump made these remarks to an audience, most of whom were unmasked, during a live interview with former Fox&nbsp;News&nbsp;host&nbsp;Bill O'Reilly's "History Tour”, reported US news magazine Newsweek.

According to a video shared online by O’Reilly’s “No Spin News”, the former host said, “Both the president and I are vaxxed,” drawing some jeers from the audience, and he asked the former president, “Did you get the booster?”

“Yes,” Trump said, eliciting a smattering of boos in the audience.

He then tried to quiet down the jeer, saying, “Don't, don't, don't, don't, don't,” and then added, “That's all right, it's a very tiny group over there.”

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At the event, while criticising the vaccine mandate, Trump took credit for developing vaccines under his administration as part of ‘Operation Warp Speed’.

“Look, we did something that was historic, we saved tens of millions of lives worldwide when we, together, all of us, we got a vaccine done,” Trump said.

"This was going to ravage the country far beyond what it is right now. Take credit for it," Trump said, adding, “It's great. What we've done is historic. Don't let them take it away.”

Notably in September, Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he is unlikely to receive the booster shot, adding, “I feel like I’m in good shape from that standpoint—I probably won’t.”

Trump and his wife Melania Trump had taken the Covid jabs before leaving the White House in January.

In early October 2020, Trump was hospitalized with Covid for several days, shortly after his first debate with the then-Democratic presidential nominee Biden.

Trump’s comments come at a time when 73% of all infections last week reported in US was dominated by the Omicron variant.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention numbers showed nearly a six-fold increase in omicron's share of infections in only one week.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US president Donald Trump was jeered and greeted with boos by his supporters in Texas’ Dallas city after he revealed that he has taken Covid booster dose.

Former US president Donald Trump was jeered and greeted with boos by his supporters in Texas’ Dallas city after he revealed that he has taken Covid booster dose. Trump made these remarks to an audience, most of whom were unmasked, during a live interview with former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly's "History Tour”, reported US news magazine Newsweek. According to a video shared online by O’Reilly’s “No Spin News”, the former host said, “Both the president and I are vaxxed,” drawing some jeers from the audience, and he asked the former president, “Did you get the booster?” “Yes,” Trump said, eliciting a smattering of boos in the audience. He then tried to quiet down the jeer, saying, “Don't, don't, don't, don't, don't,” and then added, “That's all right, it's a very tiny group over there.” 'You’re playing right into their hands' when you doubt the vaccine, President Trump says. pic.twitter.com/xJc7JTL0cR — No Spin News (@NoSpinNews) December 20, 2021 × At the event, while criticising the vaccine mandate, Trump took credit for developing vaccines under his administration as part of ‘Operation Warp Speed’. “Look, we did something that was historic, we saved tens of millions of lives worldwide when we, together, all of us, we got a vaccine done,” Trump said. "This was going to ravage the country far beyond what it is right now. Take credit for it," Trump said, adding, “It's great. What we've done is historic. Don't let them take it away.” Notably in September, Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he is unlikely to receive the booster shot, adding, “I feel like I’m in good shape from that standpoint—I probably won’t.” Trump and his wife Melania Trump had taken the Covid jabs before leaving the White House in January. In early October 2020, Trump was hospitalized with Covid for several days, shortly after his first debate with the then-Democratic presidential nominee Biden. Trump’s comments come at a time when 73% of all infections last week reported in US was dominated by the Omicron variant. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention numbers showed nearly a six-fold increase in omicron's share of infections in only one week. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump heckled by supporters in Texas after revealing he took Covid booster dose

Covid-19 infections have broken major records in parts of Europe in recent weeks, governments are scrambling to bolster up their defences against the fast-spreading of the Omicron variant. Amid this health crisis, the WHO has called for nations to redouble their efforts to end this pandemic.

Covid-19 infections have broken records in parts of Europe

The Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa in November. The covid variant Omicron has been identified in dozens of countries and now is the most dominant strain in the United States.

Covid-19 Latest News | 73%  Omicron infections in United States last week

Covid-19 infections have broken records in parts of Europe in recent weeks, governments are scrambling to bolster defences against the fast-spreading Omicron. Amid the health crisis, the WHO has warned nations that the Omicron variant appears to be better at evading anti-bodies.

'Omicron strain infecting the vaccinated,' WHO issues warning on Covid-19 variant

resident Joe Biden was in close contact with a White House official who later tested positive for the coronavirus, the administration said Monday.

The president spent about 30 minutes near the official aboard Air Force One on a trip from South Carolina to Pennsylvania on Friday, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said in a statement. The official, who was vaccinated and had received a booster shot, began experiencing symptoms two days later and tested positive Monday morning.

“The president is tested on a regular basis. As part of that regular testing, the president received an antigen test Sunday, and tested negative,” Psaki said. “This morning, after being notified of the staffer’s positive test, the president received a PCR test and tested negative.”

The news came as administration officials acknowledged that as the highly contagious omicron variant has surged, a cluster of cases have been reported in and around the White House, including at the National Security Council, the State Department, Treasury and other agencies. Biden, who is 79, will deliver a speech Tuesday that his advisers say is meant to emphasize that fully vaccinated people will face far fewer health risks from the virus and its variants than the unvaccinated.

“This is not a speech about locking the country down,” Psaki told reporters Monday. “This is a speech outlining and being direct and clear with the American people about the benefits of being vaccinated, the steps we’re going to take to increase access and to increase testing, and the risks posed to unvaccinated individuals.”

In her statement about Biden’s exposure to the virus, Psaki added that he would be tested again Wednesday, and that as a fully vaccinated person, he was not required to quarantine after exposure. According to guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fully vaccinated people who have had close contact with someone who has COVID should be tested five to seven days from the date of exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for two weeks or until they receive a negative test result.

Researchers still do not know how likely omicron is to cause severe illness in most people, but its speed has stunned public health experts. With omicron already the dominant form of the coronavirus in the United States, White House officials have tried to emphasize that breakthrough cases among the fully vaccinated and boosted will most likely be mild compared with infections the unvaccinated may face; but given the variant’s contagiousness, those cases could become more common.

Officials have also said that there is no reason to treat this wave like the devastating one the United States faced in spring 2020, but the virus is interfering with day-to-day functions in the administration. At least one person — a journalist who traveled with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Southeast Asia last week — tested positive, causing Blinken to cut short his trip. Another White House official, who attended a Christmas party with journalists Tuesday, later tested positive. The administration has not disclosed the scope of infections in the White House and at various agencies.

“I would just note that we do expect there to be breakthrough cases, as there are — as there will be — across government,” Psaki said Monday when asked to describe infections in the administration.

Some federal agencies are planning to require employees to return to the office. A memo sent to Commerce Department employees Friday from Don Graves, the deputy secretary, outlined a plan to start a “staggered approach to return” beginning in January. Psaki said Monday that everyone who worked in the administration was encouraged to receive a booster shot and that “99%” of the White House staff had received one.

Still, a memo sent to the staff Monday afternoon provided a link to schedule a Pfizer dose and a plea: “The best way to protect yourself and others is by being fully vaccinated and receiving a booster as soon as you are eligible.” Both memos were obtained by The New York Times.

In his speech Tuesday, Biden is expected to encourage the public to receive a booster shot as soon as they are eligible.

Former President Donald Trump, who for years falsely claimed that vaccines were dangerous and pointedly declined to be seen receiving his coronavirus vaccine while he was in office, told former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly on Sunday that he had received a booster.

Their audience, at a speaking tour stop in Houston, began to boo, according to a video distributed by one of O’Reilly’s social media accounts.

“Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t,” Trump said, waving his arm to dismiss the naysayers and downplaying the reaction.

Biden’s advisers have pointed out that they have taken extra precautions to keep him safe from exposure, including protocol that requires day-of testing if an official is to meet with him. Officials who see the president every day are therefore tested every day, an administration official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe internal planning.

Trump, on the other hand, eschewed most precautions while he was in office.

resident Joe Biden was in close contact with a White House official who later tested positive for the coronavirus, the administration said Monday. The president spent about 30 minutes near the official aboard Air Force One on a trip from South Carolina to Pennsylvania on Friday, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said in a statement.

resident Joe Biden was in close contact with a White House official who later tested positive for the coronavirus, the administration said Monday. The president spent about 30 minutes near the official aboard Air Force One on a trip from South Carolina to Pennsylvania on Friday, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said in a statement. The official, who was vaccinated and had received a booster shot, began experiencing symptoms two days later and tested positive Monday morning. “The president is tested on a regular basis. As part of that regular testing, the president received an antigen test Sunday, and tested negative,” Psaki said. “This morning, after being notified of the staffer’s positive test, the president received a PCR test and tested negative.” The news came as administration officials acknowledged that as the highly contagious omicron variant has surged, a cluster of cases have been reported in and around the White House, including at the National Security Council, the State Department, Treasury and other agencies. Biden, who is 79, will deliver a speech Tuesday that his advisers say is meant to emphasize that fully vaccinated people will face far fewer health risks from the virus and its variants than the unvaccinated. “This is not a speech about locking the country down,” Psaki told reporters Monday. “This is a speech outlining and being direct and clear with the American people about the benefits of being vaccinated, the steps we’re going to take to increase access and to increase testing, and the risks posed to unvaccinated individuals.” In her statement about Biden’s exposure to the virus, Psaki added that he would be tested again Wednesday, and that as a fully vaccinated person, he was not required to quarantine after exposure. According to guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fully vaccinated people who have had close contact with someone who has COVID should be tested five to seven days from the date of exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for two weeks or until they receive a negative test result. Researchers still do not know how likely omicron is to cause severe illness in most people, but its speed has stunned public health experts. With omicron already the dominant form of the coronavirus in the United States, White House officials have tried to emphasize that breakthrough cases among the fully vaccinated and boosted will most likely be mild compared with infections the unvaccinated may face; but given the variant’s contagiousness, those cases could become more common. Officials have also said that there is no reason to treat this wave like the devastating one the United States faced in spring 2020, but the virus is interfering with day-to-day functions in the administration. At least one person — a journalist who traveled with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Southeast Asia last week — tested positive, causing Blinken to cut short his trip. Another White House official, who attended a Christmas party with journalists Tuesday, later tested positive. The administration has not disclosed the scope of infections in the White House and at various agencies. “I would just note that we do expect there to be breakthrough cases, as there are — as there will be — across government,” Psaki said Monday when asked to describe infections in the administration. Some federal agencies are planning to require employees to return to the office. A memo sent to Commerce Department employees Friday from Don Graves, the deputy secretary, outlined a plan to start a “staggered approach to return” beginning in January. Psaki said Monday that everyone who worked in the administration was encouraged to receive a booster shot and that “99%” of the White House staff had received one. Still, a memo sent to the staff Monday afternoon provided a link to schedule a Pfizer dose and a plea: “The best way to protect yourself and others is by being fully vaccinated and receiving a booster as soon as you are eligible.” Both memos were obtained by The New York Times. In his speech Tuesday, Biden is expected to encourage the public to receive a booster shot as soon as they are eligible. Former President Donald Trump, who for years falsely claimed that vaccines were dangerous and pointedly declined to be seen receiving his coronavirus vaccine while he was in office, told former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly on Sunday that he had received a booster. Their audience, at a speaking tour stop in Houston, began to boo, according to a video distributed by one of O’Reilly’s social media accounts. “Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t,” Trump said, waving his arm to dismiss the naysayers and downplaying the reaction. Biden’s advisers have pointed out that they have taken extra precautions to keep him safe from exposure, including protocol that requires day-of testing if an official is to meet with him. Officials who see the president every day are therefore tested every day, an administration official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe internal planning. Trump, on the other hand, eschewed most precautions while he was in office.

Biden was in close contact with official who tested positive for Covid

United States has reported its first death due to Omicron variant of COVID-19, health officials said.

The deceased is a man in his 50s from Texas and was reportedly unvaccinated. He was previously infected with COVID-19, according to a release from Harris County Public Health.

The case is the first known confirmed Omicron-related death in the United States, CNN reported on Monday.

“The individual was at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 due to his unvaccinated status and had underlying health conditions,” the release said.

County judge Lina Hidalgo tweeted that the man was the first local fatality from the variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-within-a-week-the-strain-increased-from-3-to-73-of-us-covid-19-cases-438597">Omicron: Within a week, the strain increased from 3% to 73% of US COVID-19 cases</a>

The Omicron variant replaced Delta to become the dominant strain that is triggering a new wave of infections in the country, US’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.

It now accounts for 73 per cent of new Covid cases, a rise of about 3 per cent since last week.

It’s responsible for an estimated 90 per cent of new infections in New York area, the south-east, the industrial midwest and the Pacific north-west.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-thailand-may-reintroduce-mandatory-quarantine-for-foreign-travellers-438554">Also read | Omicron: Thailand may reintroduce mandatory quarantine for foreign travellers</a>&nbsp;

The Delta variant, which was the prevalent strain of the virus in the United States until last week, has now dropped to about 27 per cent of sequenced cases.

The reports of new Omicron -related cases are in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) prediction which warned that the new variant would spread faster than the Delta.

"And it is more likely people vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 could be infected or re-infected,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

The new variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on November 25. And a day later, it was designated as a ‘variant of concern’

The mutant has since shown up in about 90 countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States has reported its first death due to Omicron variant of COVID-19, health officials said. The deceased is a man in his 50s from Texas and was reportedly unvaccinated.

United States has reported its first death due to Omicron variant of COVID-19, health officials said. The deceased is a man in his 50s from Texas and was reportedly unvaccinated. He was previously infected with COVID-19, according to a release from Harris County Public Health. The case is the first known confirmed Omicron-related death in the United States, CNN reported on Monday. “The individual was at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 due to his unvaccinated status and had underlying health conditions,” the release said. County judge Lina Hidalgo tweeted that the man was the first local fatality from the variant. Also read | Omicron: Within a week, the strain increased from 3% to 73% of US COVID-19 cases The Omicron variant replaced Delta to become the dominant strain that is triggering a new wave of infections in the country, US’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. It now accounts for 73 per cent of new Covid cases, a rise of about 3 per cent since last week. It’s responsible for an estimated 90 per cent of new infections in New York area, the south-east, the industrial midwest and the Pacific north-west. Also read | Omicron: Thailand may reintroduce mandatory quarantine for foreign travellers The Delta variant, which was the prevalent strain of the virus in the United States until last week, has now dropped to about 27 per cent of sequenced cases. The reports of new Omicron -related cases are in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) prediction which warned that the new variant would spread faster than the Delta. "And it is more likely people vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 could be infected or re-infected,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. The new variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on November 25. And a day later, it was designated as a ‘variant of concern’ The mutant has since shown up in about 90 countries. (With inputs from agencies)

US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s

Lockdown party scandal snowballs as UK PM Boris Johnson's 'Wine & Cheese' photo leaks from May 2020.

'Wine & Cheese' photo latest blow to controversy-ridden UK PM Boris Johnson

According to a recent Chinese study involving 292 samples, the Sinopharm vaccine jab is weak against the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Study: Sinopharm's booster jab ineffective against Omicron variant of the COVID-19

The European Commission said on Sunday that European Union countries will get additional 20 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine to fight Omicron virus that is fast spreading. The vaccines will be made available in first three months of year 2022.

Europe is currently bracing for a new Covid-19 wave driven by Omicron variant which is highly transmissible and mutated. The festive season of Christmas is fast approaching.

Many countries are ramping up their vaccination drives and reimposing travel restrictions and other curbs to try to put a break on infections weeks after the variant was first detected in South Africa.

Member states will get an additional five million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech jab in January, five million in February and 10 million in March, the Commission said in a statement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-health-minister-says-it-may-be-too-late-to-react-to-omicron-as-covid-19-cases-continue-to-rise-438158">UK health minister says it may be 'too late to react' to Omicron as COVID-19 cases continue to rise</a>

"These doses come on top of the already scheduled 195 million doses from Pfizer-BioNTech, bringing the total number of deliveries in the first quarter to 215 million."

Full vaccination and boosters are "now even more urgent than ever" given the "expected rapid increase in infections due to the Omicron variant".

The EU is due to receive 650 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech jabs in total in 2022.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-germany-imposes-restrictions-on-uk-travellers-to-check-omicron-spread-438104">Now, Germany imposes restrictions on UK travellers to check Omicron spread</a>

Omicron is expected to become the dominant strain by mid January in the EU, where 67 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Commission said on Sunday that European Union countries will get additional 20 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine to fight Omicron virus that is fast spreading.

The European Commission said on Sunday that European Union countries will get additional 20 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine to fight Omicron virus that is fast spreading. The vaccines will be made available in first three months of year 2022. Europe is currently bracing for a new Covid-19 wave driven by Omicron variant which is highly transmissible and mutated. The festive season of Christmas is fast approaching. Many countries are ramping up their vaccination drives and reimposing travel restrictions and other curbs to try to put a break on infections weeks after the variant was first detected in South Africa. Member states will get an additional five million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech jab in January, five million in February and 10 million in March, the Commission said in a statement. Also Read | UK health minister says it may be 'too late to react' to Omicron as COVID-19 cases continue to rise "These doses come on top of the already scheduled 195 million doses from Pfizer-BioNTech, bringing the total number of deliveries in the first quarter to 215 million." Full vaccination and boosters are "now even more urgent than ever" given the "expected rapid increase in infections due to the Omicron variant". The EU is due to receive 650 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech jabs in total in 2022. Also Read | Now, Germany imposes restrictions on UK travellers to check Omicron spread Omicron is expected to become the dominant strain by mid January in the EU, where 67 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. (With inputs from agencies)

To fight Omicron, EU to get 20 million extra vaccines

Thailand is considering reintroducing compulsory quarantine for foreign visitors coming into the country. This is being mulled to stem the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. Thailand's health ministry reported on Monday (December 20) that first case of Omicron infection arising from local transmission had been found in the country.

The first locally transmitted case was found in a Thai woman. The woman tested positive for Omicron infection after contracting the virus from her husband. Her husband is a Colombian who returned to Thailand from Nigeria in late November, a health ministry official told a daily briefing. The official added that both the husband and the wife had been fully vaccinated.

The public health ministry is likely to propose scrapping the quarantine waiver for vaccinated visitors. The rules may make hotel quarantine mandatory again. A 'sandbox' programme may also be implemented. This programme involves free movement in specific locations. Thai minister &nbsp;Anutin Charnvirakul gave more information about this.

The Thai minister's remarks come after Thailand reopened to foreign visitors in November, ending nearly 18 months of strict entry policies that contributed to a collapse in tourism, a key industry and economic driver that drew 40 million visitors in 2019.

Thailand is considering reintroducing compulsory quarantine for foreign visitors coming into the country. This is being mulled to stem the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Thailand is considering reintroducing compulsory quarantine for foreign visitors coming into the country. This is being mulled to stem the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. Thailand's health ministry reported on Monday (December 20) that first case of Omicron infection arising from local transmission had been found in the country. The first locally transmitted case was found in a Thai woman. The woman tested positive for Omicron infection after contracting the virus from her husband. Her husband is a Colombian who returned to Thailand from Nigeria in late November, a health ministry official told a daily briefing. The official added that both the husband and the wife had been fully vaccinated. The public health ministry is likely to propose scrapping the quarantine waiver for vaccinated visitors. The rules may make hotel quarantine mandatory again. A 'sandbox' programme may also be implemented. This programme involves free movement in specific locations. Thai minister Anutin Charnvirakul gave more information about this. The Thai minister's remarks come after Thailand reopened to foreign visitors in November, ending nearly 18 months of strict entry policies that contributed to a collapse in tourism, a key industry and economic driver that drew 40 million visitors in 2019.

Omicron: Thailand may reintroduce mandatory quarantine for foreign travellers

The fifth wave has begun, states Israeli PM Naftali Bennett as West Asian nations crumbles to contain the spread of the Omicron variant.

Omicron variant: Fifth covid-19 wave has begun, says Israeli PM Naftali Bennett

As the world is battling with the surge of covid-19 variant, Japan is gearing up for the worst-case scenario possible with the third case of the variant reported.

Covid-19 Latest News: Japan reports third case of Omicron variant

As the Omicron variant of the covid infection continues to crop up across the world, the first case of this new virus is now being reported in Sri Lanka. According to reports, a Sri Lankan national who had come from Nigeria has tested positive.

Sri Lanka detects first case of Covid-19 variant Omicron

The new variant of concern has reached the United States, the Biden administration is pulling up its socks to deal with Omicron, a variant that continues to be a mystery for experts. Biden has announced a winter campaign on this new mutant.

Omicron Scare: Biden administration announces winter campaign against COVID-19

Europe is experiencing a surge in covid-19 cases, a number of newly identified cases are of the recent omicron variant. The European Commission says that the EU needs a daily review of travel restrictions and a rapid deployment of booster doses.

European Commission: EU needs daily review of restrictions amid surge in Omicron variant cases

After calls for diplomatic boycott, the new virus variant Omicron is the latest hurdle for Beijing Winter Olympics, however, China remains confident that the games will go smoothly and on schedule.

After diplomatic boycott, Omicron the latest hurdle for Beijing Winter Olympics?

Dutch health authorities state that the Omicron variant was present in the Netherland even before its first case was reported in South Africa.

Omicron covid variant found in Europe before South Africa

It is a race against time for the scientists to try and understand the implications of what the new mutant variant called the Omicron variant of the coronavirus actually mean. Ever since the virus was detected in South Africa, it has set alarm bells all around the world. In an exclusive interview, WION's Kalden Ongmu spoke to the chairman of the South African medical association Angelique Coetzee who has been treating the new cases in her country, listen in.

Top South African medical expert sheds light on Covid-19 variant Omicron

Major oil producers could pause all plans to add crude supply as uncertainty looms over the severity of the new covid-19 strain. US WTI crude futures up 1.4% to $70.94/ barrel.

Major oil producers to pause plans to add crude supply, uncertainty due to Omicron

Following the outbreak of the Omicron variant in Africa, India has come forward to support the affected countries in the continent. The Indian ministry of external affairs offered support by issuing a statement that highlighted made-in India vaccines will be supplied to the affected African countries.

India to supply indigenous covid-19 vaccines to Africa to fight Omicron

The new covid-19 variant has spread across the world, in a bid to combat the Omicron virus, Australia has shelved its plans to open international borders. It comes at a time when the country has confirmed five cases of this new variant.

Australia shelves plan to reopen borders amid Omicron scare

Amid the fears of the global risk of new covid variant, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that the Omicron variant is likely to spread internationally, posing a "very high" global risk of infection surges that could have "severe consequences".

Covid News: 'Risk related to Omicron very high,' says WHO

OPEC and its allies have postponed technical meetings to later this week, giving themselves more time to assess the impact of the new Omicron coronavirus variant on oil demand and prices.

OPEC postpones technical meetings to assess Omicron impact

With Europe facing a massive surge in covid-19 cases, the European Commission chief says the world is in a race against time to understand the new covid variant.

Omicron variant adds to Europe's woes, UK calls G7 meeting to discuss new covid-19 variant

As the world grapples with Omicron, the WHO has warned the nations about the threat of the new variant. Omicron has been found to be spread at a faster pace than the previous variant.

WHO: Omicron cases doubling at a faster pace, severity yet to be studied

The Israel government add 10 new countries to the list of destinations designated “red” due to high COVID-19 infections rates, as Israel braces for a wave of new cases driven by the Omicron variant of covid-19.

Israel all set to expand no-fly list amid Omicron scare

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