As South Africa continues to battle with growing cases of deadly coronavirus, a health official has revealed that the country will be rolling out Pfizer booster shots starting from next month. "The first people who will qualify for the booster dose in South Africa will be people over the age of 60 years," Dr Nicolas Crisp, director general at the health ministry, said during a weekly conference.

Several health practitioners had already started being offered&nbsp;the Johnson &amp; Johnson booster shots.

This comes just a few days after President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that the country is preparing its hospitals for additional admissions as the newly emerged Omicron variant&nbsp;has pushed the country into the fourth wave of infections. He further added that daily infections have increased five-fold in the past week. Two weeks ago, only two per cent of tests were positive. 
Ramaphosa, who called the increase in infections a "grave concern."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-cases-increase-five-fold-in-south-africa-president-says-emergence-of-omicron-was-inevitable-434753">Also read |&nbsp;Covid cases increase five-fold in South Africa; President says emergence of Omicron was inevitable</a>

"While the surge in infections is of great concern, we should remember that we anticipated it. Disease modellers in our country have told us that we would likely experience a fourth wave around this time and that it was almost inevitable that new variants of the virus would emerge, " Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla recently revealed that the new Omicron variant account for&nbsp;70 per cent of new infections in South Africa. He further revealed that the&nbsp;hospitalised patients are so far showing mild symptoms.

Scientists all across the globe are still working to determine the efficacy of the existing vaccine against the Omicron variant. The transmissibility of this variant is said to be lower than any other previously existing variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

As South Africa continues to battle with growing cases of deadly coronavirus, a health official has revealed that the country will be rolling out Pfizer booster shots starting from next month.

As South Africa continues to battle with growing cases of deadly coronavirus, a health official has revealed that the country will be rolling out Pfizer booster shots starting from next month. "The first people who will qualify for the booster dose in South Africa will be people over the age of 60 years," Dr Nicolas Crisp, director general at the health ministry, said during a weekly conference. Several health practitioners had already started being offered the Johnson & Johnson booster shots. This comes just a few days after President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that the country is preparing its hospitals for additional admissions as the newly emerged Omicron variant has pushed the country into the fourth wave of infections. He further added that daily infections have increased five-fold in the past week. Two weeks ago, only two per cent of tests were positive. Ramaphosa, who called the increase in infections a "grave concern." Also read | Covid cases increase five-fold in South Africa; President says emergence of Omicron was inevitable "While the surge in infections is of great concern, we should remember that we anticipated it. Disease modellers in our country have told us that we would likely experience a fourth wave around this time and that it was almost inevitable that new variants of the virus would emerge, " Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter. Health Minister Joe Phaahla recently revealed that the new Omicron variant account for 70 per cent of new infections in South Africa. He further revealed that the hospitalised patients are so far showing mild symptoms. Scientists all across the globe are still working to determine the efficacy of the existing vaccine against the Omicron variant. The transmissibility of this variant is said to be lower than any other previously existing variant. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid deadly fourth wave, South Africa to roll out booster shots next month

Germany has passed a new legislation to fight the pandemic. The medical staff will now have to show if they are vaccinated or have recovered recently.

Germany announces new laws to fight the pandemic

While the world was still struggling to fight the deadly Delta variant of Covid, a new variant, Omicron, emerged. It is now spreading rapidly all across the world, especially in the UK and the US.&nbsp;

The top health officials in the UK have been warned against the new variant by health experts. Sajid Javid, UK’s health secretary, has reportedly received a presentation from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) warning him about a possible incoming wave of Covid infections.

On Friday, the UK saw the highest number of Covid infections since January, a senior minister revealed. It reported 58,194 cases in total.&nbsp;

Describing the situation, Communities Secretary Michael Gove said that the country faces a "deeply concerning situation" as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly. "We know that we have the highest number of Covid infections across the UK recorded today since January 9."

He further added that 30 per cent of reported cases in London are now the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

The UK government has been warned by experts that even if the Omicron variant is less serious than the Delta variant, the number of hospitalisations could reach 5,000 patients per day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-almost-certainly-not-more-severe-than-delta-top-epidemiologist-anthony-fauci-434951">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron variant 'almost certainly' not more severe than Delta: Top epidemiologist Anthony Fauci</a>

UKHSA experts have warned the government that the daily infections could rise to 248,000 cases per day by December 19.&nbsp;

Not just the UK, but the US is also struggling in its fights with Covid.&nbsp;

Most of the 43 Covid cases caused by the Omicron variant in the region have been detected in people who were fully vaccinated. Also, a third of them had received a booster dose.

As per reports by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 34 people had been fully vaccinated. Also, 14 of them had received a booster.

In the US, Omicron variant has been detected in 25 states so far. The CDC has said that most of the first reported Omicron cases appear to be mild. &nbsp;

Earlier, top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand the full severity of the Omicron variant.

While the newly emerged Omicron variant is taking over the US, the Delta variant still accounts for more than 99 per cent of all US cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

While the world was still struggling to fight the deadly Delta variant of Covid, a new variant, Omicron, emerged. It is now spreading rapidly all across the world, especially in the UK and the US.

While the world was still struggling to fight the deadly Delta variant of Covid, a new variant, Omicron, emerged. It is now spreading rapidly all across the world, especially in the UK and the US. The top health officials in the UK have been warned against the new variant by health experts. Sajid Javid, UK’s health secretary, has reportedly received a presentation from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) warning him about a possible incoming wave of Covid infections. On Friday, the UK saw the highest number of Covid infections since January, a senior minister revealed. It reported 58,194 cases in total. Describing the situation, Communities Secretary Michael Gove said that the country faces a "deeply concerning situation" as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly. "We know that we have the highest number of Covid infections across the UK recorded today since January 9." He further added that 30 per cent of reported cases in London are now the Omicron variant. The UK government has been warned by experts that even if the Omicron variant is less serious than the Delta variant, the number of hospitalisations could reach 5,000 patients per day. Also read | Omicron variant 'almost certainly' not more severe than Delta: Top epidemiologist Anthony Fauci UKHSA experts have warned the government that the daily infections could rise to 248,000 cases per day by December 19. Not just the UK, but the US is also struggling in its fights with Covid. Most of the 43 Covid cases caused by the Omicron variant in the region have been detected in people who were fully vaccinated. Also, a third of them had received a booster dose. As per reports by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 34 people had been fully vaccinated. Also, 14 of them had received a booster. In the US, Omicron variant has been detected in 25 states so far. The CDC has said that most of the first reported Omicron cases appear to be mild. Earlier, top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand the full severity of the Omicron variant. While the newly emerged Omicron variant is taking over the US, the Delta variant still accounts for more than 99 per cent of all US cases. (With inputs from agencies)

'Deeply concerning situation': Covid cases surge in the US and UK amid concerns of a new wave

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country.

The ministry of health warning comes as 25 cases of Omicron variant have been detected so far in India.

Referring to an assessment by the Institute of Health Metrics, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul at a press conference said the usage of masks in the country has declined to pre-second wave levels and “in a way we have again entered a danger zone”.

The use of masks is declining, he said, adding, “from the point of view of protection capability, we are now operating at a low level...At a risky and unacceptable level”.

"We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important," Paul said while emphasising that people must learn from the global situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-proof-that-covid-pandemic-is-just-starting-warns-uk-scientist-434349">Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist</a>

“WHO is warning against the decline in mask usage. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing... We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important,” Paul said.

The government on Friday said 25 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected in India so far and that mild symptoms have been noted in all the cases.

The government said the treatment protocol for the Omicron variant remained the same.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-may-cause-third-wave-in-india-by-february-scientist-warns-434873">Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns</a>

Clinically, Omicron is not posing a burden on the healthcare system yet, but vigil has to be maintained, the government said.

Since November 25, the health minister has been conducting daily review meetings on various aspects of preparedness against COVID-19, including the new 'variant of concern', Omicron, joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal, said.

The health ministry said the overall positivity rate in the country was at 0.73 per cent in last week. Less than 10,000 cases have been reported in the in last 14 days.

Active cases are highest in two states — Kerala and Maharashtra with over 43 per cent active cases in the former and over 10 per cent in the latter, Agarwal said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country.

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country. The ministry of health warning comes as 25 cases of Omicron variant have been detected so far in India. Referring to an assessment by the Institute of Health Metrics, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul at a press conference said the usage of masks in the country has declined to pre-second wave levels and “in a way we have again entered a danger zone”. The use of masks is declining, he said, adding, “from the point of view of protection capability, we are now operating at a low level...At a risky and unacceptable level”. "We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important," Paul said while emphasising that people must learn from the global situation. Also read | Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist “WHO is warning against the decline in mask usage. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing... We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important,” Paul said. The government on Friday said 25 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected in India so far and that mild symptoms have been noted in all the cases. The government said the treatment protocol for the Omicron variant remained the same. Also read | Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns Clinically, Omicron is not posing a burden on the healthcare system yet, but vigil has to be maintained, the government said. Since November 25, the health minister has been conducting daily review meetings on various aspects of preparedness against COVID-19, including the new 'variant of concern', Omicron, joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal, said. The health ministry said the overall positivity rate in the country was at 0.73 per cent in last week. Less than 10,000 cases have been reported in the in last 14 days. Active cases are highest in two states — Kerala and Maharashtra with over 43 per cent active cases in the former and over 10 per cent in the latter, Agarwal said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt alarmed over declining mask usage in country, asks people to follow Covid rules

Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany. 
Both of them have been isolated at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. Also, all close contacts will be placed in 10-day quarantine at designated facilities.

Singapore's health ministry was quoted by Bloomberg as saying, "Given its high transmissibility and spread to many parts of the world, we should expect to find more omicron cases at our borders and also within our community."

The airport worker was tested as part of weekly testing for frontline border workers. She was asymptomatic when detected.

In the second case, the person had tested negative with a polymerase chain reaction test on arrival. However, the next day, she developed a runny nose after which she tested positive.

Meanwhile, earlier, a British scientist had warned that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end.

Sir Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, has claimed that leaders around the globe have been assuming that the worst of this pandemic is behind us. However, this is not the truth.

Experts are still working on determining the efficacy of vaccines against this variant.

In contrast to this, Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci has said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before.&nbsp;

Speaking to AFP, he said, Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany.

Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany. Both of them have been isolated at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. Also, all close contacts will be placed in 10-day quarantine at designated facilities. Singapore's health ministry was quoted by Bloomberg as saying, "Given its high transmissibility and spread to many parts of the world, we should expect to find more omicron cases at our borders and also within our community." The airport worker was tested as part of weekly testing for frontline border workers. She was asymptomatic when detected. In the second case, the person had tested negative with a polymerase chain reaction test on arrival. However, the next day, she developed a runny nose after which she tested positive. Meanwhile, earlier, a British scientist had warned that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end. Sir Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, has claimed that leaders around the globe have been assuming that the worst of this pandemic is behind us. However, this is not the truth. Experts are still working on determining the efficacy of vaccines against this variant. In contrast to this, Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci has said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. Speaking to AFP, he said, Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world. (With inputs from agencies)

Two people, who had taken booster shots test positive for Omicron, in Singapore

In a strange incident, Trump loyalist and Wisconsin Republican, Sen. Ron Johnson recently claimed that a mouthwash can prevent the deadly coronavirus from spreading. Johnson is known for promoting debunked medical advice. Not only this but his YouTube account had also been suspended for violating its medical misinformation policies.&nbsp;

"By the way, standard gargle, mouthwash, has been proven to kill the coronavirus. If you get it, you may reduce viral replication. Why not try all these things?," said the Republican.&nbsp;

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JUST NOW: Ron Johnson, on a Wisconsin tele-town hall, pushes mouthwash as a COVID treatment. 
 
"By the way, standard gargle, mouthwash, has been proven to kill the coronavirus. If you get it, you may reduce viral replication. Why not try all these things?" <a href="https://t.co/V0cdxPYc7K">pic.twitter.com/V0cdxPYc7K</a>
— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeartlandSignal/status/1468721106068680708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to a report by The Washington Post, experts expressed have not been so sure about his claims.&nbsp;

"Even if gargling kills some of the virus, it won't be able to clean the nasal area, nor the viruses that's already penetrated deeper into the body," said Kim Woo-Joo, who is an infectious-disease expert at Korea University, while speaking to the Washington Post.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/off-california-coast-in-us-paddleboarders-witness-massive-sunfish-435664">Also read |&nbsp;Off California coast in US, paddleboarders witness massive sunfish</a>

Raymond Niaura from the epidemiology department at New York University said that there is no harm but one needs to make sure that it is accompanied by vaccination. "That way, one would be at reduced risk for infection and have good smelling breath," he told the Post.

However, as a response to this, Listerine, which is one of the best-known mouthwash company in the US, released an official statement saying that its products are "not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label."

"We are aware of several ongoing, independent clinical trials where Listerine is being assessed in patients with COVID-19. However, the current available data is not sufficient to support a conclusion that the use of Listerine mouthwash is helpful against the COVID-19 virus. As a company firmly rooted in science, we are committed to advancing research in oral and public health," it further added.

This is not the first time that the Republican is making such claims. Earlier, he had promoted use of hydroxychloroquine, which is an anti-malarial drug to battle the spread of Covid. However, several studies have revealed that it is not helpful in treating the virus and could be dangerous to some users.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a strange incident, Trump loyalist and Wisconsin Republican, Sen. Ron Johnson recently claimed that a mouthwash can prevent the deadly coronavirus from spreading.

In a strange incident, Trump loyalist and Wisconsin Republican, Sen. Ron Johnson recently claimed that a mouthwash can prevent the deadly coronavirus from spreading. Johnson is known for promoting debunked medical advice. Not only this but his YouTube account had also been suspended for violating its medical misinformation policies. "By the way, standard gargle, mouthwash, has been proven to kill the coronavirus. If you get it, you may reduce viral replication. Why not try all these things?," said the Republican. JUST NOW: Ron Johnson, on a Wisconsin tele-town hall, pushes mouthwash as a COVID treatment. "By the way, standard gargle, mouthwash, has been proven to kill the coronavirus. If you get it, you may reduce viral replication. Why not try all these things?" pic.twitter.com/V0cdxPYc7K — Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) December 8, 2021 × According to a report by The Washington Post, experts expressed have not been so sure about his claims. "Even if gargling kills some of the virus, it won't be able to clean the nasal area, nor the viruses that's already penetrated deeper into the body," said Kim Woo-Joo, who is an infectious-disease expert at Korea University, while speaking to the Washington Post. Also read | Off California coast in US, paddleboarders witness massive sunfish Raymond Niaura from the epidemiology department at New York University said that there is no harm but one needs to make sure that it is accompanied by vaccination. "That way, one would be at reduced risk for infection and have good smelling breath," he told the Post. However, as a response to this, Listerine, which is one of the best-known mouthwash company in the US, released an official statement saying that its products are "not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label." "We are aware of several ongoing, independent clinical trials where Listerine is being assessed in patients with COVID-19. However, the current available data is not sufficient to support a conclusion that the use of Listerine mouthwash is helpful against the COVID-19 virus. As a company firmly rooted in science, we are committed to advancing research in oral and public health," it further added. This is not the first time that the Republican is making such claims. Earlier, he had promoted use of hydroxychloroquine, which is an anti-malarial drug to battle the spread of Covid. However, several studies have revealed that it is not helpful in treating the virus and could be dangerous to some users. (With inputs from agencies)

US Senator and Trump's close ally says mouthwash can help prevent Covid; Listerine denies claims

Pakistan has recorded its first “suspected” case of Omicron variant of COVID-19, the health authorities informed on Thursday.

The patient is a 57-year-old woman from Karachi city who is unvaccinated. The infected woman had been admitted for treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital.&nbsp;

The authorities have said that the patient has no travel history, reports Geo News.

The health officials said that the patient has not been showing any symptoms of the virus and has been sent home to isolate.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-omicron-threat-as-big-as-the-hype-read-what-who-experts-say-434393">Is Omicron threat as big as the hype? Read what WHO experts say</a>

“We have not yet conducted a genome study but the way the virus is behaving, it seems likely that it is the Omicron variant,” said Sindh health minister Azra Pechuho in a video statement.&nbsp;

"Omicron is very transmissible but deaths or serious [conditions] have not been seen in recent reports coming from South Africa (where the variant was first detected). There is no cause for concern. We are conducting a genomic study which will take one or two weeks,” she added.

After South Africa reported its first Omicron case to the World Health Organisation, the Pakistan government on November 27 placed a complete ban on travel from six south African countries — South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia — and Hong Kong in the wake of the variant's discovery.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-may-cause-third-wave-in-india-by-february-scientist-warns-434873">Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns</a>

This&nbsp;travel ban&nbsp;was later extended to nine more countries — Croatia, Hungary, Netherlands, Ukraine, Ireland, Slovenia, Vietnam, Poland and Zimbabwe.

Apart from that, Cuba also reported its first Omicron case. The patient is a health worker and had recently travelled recently from Mozambique.

Cuban health officials identified 18 people the traveller may have been in contact with since arriving in Cuba, but all were asymptomatic and had tested negative for the virus, reports Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan has recorded its first “suspected” case of Omicron variant of COVID-19, the health authorities informed on Thursday. The patient is a 57-year-old woman from Karachi city who is unvaccinated.

Pakistan has recorded its first “suspected” case of Omicron variant of COVID-19, the health authorities informed on Thursday. The patient is a 57-year-old woman from Karachi city who is unvaccinated. The infected woman had been admitted for treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital. The authorities have said that the patient has no travel history, reports Geo News. The health officials said that the patient has not been showing any symptoms of the virus and has been sent home to isolate. Also read | Is Omicron threat as big as the hype? Read what WHO experts say “We have not yet conducted a genome study but the way the virus is behaving, it seems likely that it is the Omicron variant,” said Sindh health minister Azra Pechuho in a video statement. "Omicron is very transmissible but deaths or serious [conditions] have not been seen in recent reports coming from South Africa (where the variant was first detected). There is no cause for concern. We are conducting a genomic study which will take one or two weeks,” she added. After South Africa reported its first Omicron case to the World Health Organisation, the Pakistan government on November 27 placed a complete ban on travel from six south African countries — South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia — and Hong Kong in the wake of the variant's discovery. Also read | Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns This travel ban was later extended to nine more countries — Croatia, Hungary, Netherlands, Ukraine, Ireland, Slovenia, Vietnam, Poland and Zimbabwe. Apart from that, Cuba also reported its first Omicron case. The patient is a health worker and had recently travelled recently from Mozambique. Cuban health officials identified 18 people the traveller may have been in contact with since arriving in Cuba, but all were asymptomatic and had tested negative for the virus, reports Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan, Cuba report first Omicron Covid variant cases

In what comes as China's first specialised treatment against Covid-19, the government has approved its Covid drug. An official note on Wednesday read China's National Medical Products Administration said it has granted "emergency approval" for monoclonal antibody treatment.

The monoclonal antibodies are proteins that have been designed to attach a specific target. In the case of Covid, the target will be the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which is used by the virus to enter human cells.&nbsp;

The therapy has been co-developed by Tsinghua University, the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen and Brii Biosciences.

According to a statement issued by Tsinghua University, the trials showed that the therapy could reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death by around 80 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-in-a-first-fda-authorises-astrazenecas-evusheld-as-a-purely-preventative-treatment-435315">Also read |&nbsp;Covid: In a first, FDA authorises AstraZeneca's Evusheld as a purely preventative treatment</a>

As per the drug authority, this treatment involves a combination of two drugs, which are administered through injections.&nbsp;Also, they can be used to treat certain cases that can get severe.

Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorisation for AstraZeneca's Evusheld to prevent people from the deadly coronavirus. Evusheld comprises two types of synthetic antibodies - tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is given as two intramuscular injections.

"The product is only authorised for those individuals who are not currently infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and who have not recently been exposed to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2," read the statement issued by FDA. This is the first time that the FDA has given emergency authorisation for purely preventative treatment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In what comes as China's first specialised treatment against Covid-19, the government has approved its Covid drug. An official note on Wednesday read China's National Medical Products Administration said it has granted "emergency approval" for monoclonal antibody treatment.

In what comes as China's first specialised treatment against Covid-19, the government has approved its Covid drug. An official note on Wednesday read China's National Medical Products Administration said it has granted "emergency approval" for monoclonal antibody treatment. The monoclonal antibodies are proteins that have been designed to attach a specific target. In the case of Covid, the target will be the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which is used by the virus to enter human cells. The therapy has been co-developed by Tsinghua University, the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen and Brii Biosciences. According to a statement issued by Tsinghua University, the trials showed that the therapy could reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death by around 80 per cent. Also read | Covid: In a first, FDA authorises AstraZeneca's Evusheld as a purely preventative treatment As per the drug authority, this treatment involves a combination of two drugs, which are administered through injections. Also, they can be used to treat certain cases that can get severe. Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorisation for AstraZeneca's Evusheld to prevent people from the deadly coronavirus. Evusheld comprises two types of synthetic antibodies - tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is given as two intramuscular injections. "The product is only authorised for those individuals who are not currently infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and who have not recently been exposed to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2," read the statement issued by FDA. This is the first time that the FDA has given emergency authorisation for purely preventative treatment. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid: China grants emergency approval for its first Monoclonal antibody drug

As Covid cases continue to surge in England amid fears of a new variant, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new restrictions to curb the growing wave of the deadly virus. As a part of 'Plan B', vaccine passports have been mandated for places with larger crowds. Also, guidelines for work from home have also been issued.&nbsp;

The passes will be required "for entry into nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather", Johnson said. He further added, "From Monday, you should work from home if you can, go to work if you must."

With this, the government has also mandated masks in "most public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas."

Further, Johnson urged people to get vaccinated as he said that the "single biggest thing that every one of us can do is to get our jabs and crucially to get that booster as soon as our turn arrives."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-video-over-christmas-party-during-lockdown-in-2020-adds-to-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-woes-435120">Also read | New video over Christmas party during lockdown in 2020 adds to UK PM Boris Johnson’s woes</a>

As of now, there have been 568 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, said Health Secretary Sajid Javid. He further warned that the actual figure must be "closer to 10,000". This comes just after PM Johnson has said that early indications suggest the variant "is more transmissible than Delta". He warned that there could be a "big rise in hospitalisations".

During the brief, he said, "We must be humble in the face of this virus, the proportionate and the responsible thing to move to Plan B in England".

Elaborating on the new variant he said that it is "growing much faster than the previously dominant Delta variant and "we can't yet assume Omicron is less severe than previous variants".

This comes in amid the ongoing controversy of leaked video footage where his aides can be seen joking about an alleged Christmas party at Downing Street during last year's lockdown. He has garnered criticism by several people including politicians and media, over flouting of norms by the government when it is forcing others to follow them. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnsons-aide-allegra-stratton-resigns-over-downing-street-christmas-party-435301/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

As Covid cases continue to surge in England amid fears of a new variant, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new restrictions to curb the growing wave of the deadly virus.

As Covid cases continue to surge in England amid fears of a new variant, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new restrictions to curb the growing wave of the deadly virus. As a part of 'Plan B', vaccine passports have been mandated for places with larger crowds. Also, guidelines for work from home have also been issued. The passes will be required "for entry into nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather", Johnson said. He further added, "From Monday, you should work from home if you can, go to work if you must." With this, the government has also mandated masks in "most public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas." Further, Johnson urged people to get vaccinated as he said that the "single biggest thing that every one of us can do is to get our jabs and crucially to get that booster as soon as our turn arrives." Also read | New video over Christmas party during lockdown in 2020 adds to UK PM Boris Johnson’s woes As of now, there have been 568 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, said Health Secretary Sajid Javid. He further warned that the actual figure must be "closer to 10,000". This comes just after PM Johnson has said that early indications suggest the variant "is more transmissible than Delta". He warned that there could be a "big rise in hospitalisations". During the brief, he said, "We must be humble in the face of this virus, the proportionate and the responsible thing to move to Plan B in England". Elaborating on the new variant he said that it is "growing much faster than the previously dominant Delta variant and "we can't yet assume Omicron is less severe than previous variants". This comes in amid the ongoing controversy of leaked video footage where his aides can be seen joking about an alleged Christmas party at Downing Street during last year's lockdown. He has garnered criticism by several people including politicians and media, over flouting of norms by the government when it is forcing others to follow them. (With inputs from agencies)

Work from home and vaccine passports: UK PM introduces Plan B to battle surge in Covid cases

More than half of European workers say they are more productive in their work, thanks to the boom in work from home following the COVID-19 restrictions, a survey showed on Thursday.

'Yes' to work from home, office resumption difficult after Covid

Just after Pakistani media reported that first case of Omicron had been found in the country, health authorities refuted the claim. National Institute of Health (NIH) said the sample taken from a 57-year-old woman was not confirmed to contain the Omicron variant. The institute said that whole-genome sequencing of the sample was yet to be done.

"This is in response to media reports of a suspected case of Omicron variant being reported from Karachi. To clarify, the sample is not yet confirmed to be Omicron via whole-genome sequencing, which is to be performed after obtaining the sample," said the NIH in a tweet.&nbsp;

Earlier, a private hospital in Karachi reported the first case of the variant in a 57-year-old female patient who is unvaccinated, confirmed Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho.&nbsp;

Pechuho later said that it could not be said for sure whether the patient was suffering from the Omicron variant or not.

"We have not yet conducted a genome study but the way the virus is behaving, it seems likely that it is the Omicron variant," she said.

Dr Pechuho said it would take between one to two weeks for the genome study to take place, after which it can be said for sure whether the patient has contracted the Omicron variant of the coronavirus or not.&nbsp;

"The virus spreads [rapidly]. This lady is also not vaccinated, which is why I would like to appeal to you all to get both doses of the vaccine," said the minister.&nbsp;

"For those who are fully vaccinated and it has been six months since, please get yourselves a booster shot," she urged.&nbsp;

Omicron variant has been reported in 57 countries. World Health Organisation (WHO) is expecting the number to continue growing.

Features of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, including the extent to which it will spread, and the sheer number of mutations, suggest that it could have a major impact on the course of the pandemic, according to WHO.

(With inputs from agencies)

Just after Pakistani media reported that first case of Omicron had been found in the country, health authorities refuted the claim. National Institute of Health (NIH) said the sample taken from a 57-year-old woman was not confirmed to contain the Omicron variant.

Just after Pakistani media reported that first case of Omicron had been found in the country, health authorities refuted the claim. National Institute of Health (NIH) said the sample taken from a 57-year-old woman was not confirmed to contain the Omicron variant. The institute said that whole-genome sequencing of the sample was yet to be done. "This is in response to media reports of a suspected case of Omicron variant being reported from Karachi. To clarify, the sample is not yet confirmed to be Omicron via whole-genome sequencing, which is to be performed after obtaining the sample," said the NIH in a tweet. Earlier, a private hospital in Karachi reported the first case of the variant in a 57-year-old female patient who is unvaccinated, confirmed Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho. Pechuho later said that it could not be said for sure whether the patient was suffering from the Omicron variant or not. "We have not yet conducted a genome study but the way the virus is behaving, it seems likely that it is the Omicron variant," she said. Dr Pechuho said it would take between one to two weeks for the genome study to take place, after which it can be said for sure whether the patient has contracted the Omicron variant of the coronavirus or not. "The virus spreads [rapidly]. This lady is also not vaccinated, which is why I would like to appeal to you all to get both doses of the vaccine," said the minister. "For those who are fully vaccinated and it has been six months since, please get yourselves a booster shot," she urged. Omicron variant has been reported in 57 countries. World Health Organisation (WHO) is expecting the number to continue growing. Features of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, including the extent to which it will spread, and the sheer number of mutations, suggest that it could have a major impact on the course of the pandemic, according to WHO. (With inputs from agencies)

No case of Omicron in Pakistan, say health authorities refuting media claims

We all have fond memories of writing with pencils during school days, but little do we know that the raw material for these pencils comes from a non-descript village called Oukhoo—which has earned the moniker “Pencil Village of India”.&nbsp;

Oukhoo, located along the bank of Jhelum River, in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, exports the raw material called ‘slats’ to more than 100 countries and 90 per cent of pencils made in India are manufactured in this village.

The village came into the limelight after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned its success story in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, where he spoke at length about “Pencil Village of India”.&nbsp;

Kashmir Valley has 18 slat factories and 17 of them are in Pulwama. But the onset of Covid has severely impacted its business.

“Most of the people from this village work in these pencil factories and that's why it's called the Pencil Village of India. There are around eight units running in this area. The slats manufactured in Pulwama are sent to various parts of the country,” said Farooq Ahmad, who works as a manager in one of the slat factories.&nbsp;

Before Covid, the industry used to employ more than 4,000 people. Now, the industry is working only at 30 per cent of its original workforce.

As the schools were shut during the pandemic, the demand for pencils in the market dwindled. Eventually, the production went down, and a lot of people associated with the industry lost their jobs.

Now, with Covid waning in the country, the factory owners are hoping that the demand picks up again, as they have started to re-employ people.&nbsp;

“Before Covid, we had around 150 people working in one unit, but now we are working with only 30 per cent of the original workforce. I am hoping that, by the grace of God, we start producing more and all the people are hired back to work,'' said Manzoor Ahmad, owner of a slat making factory in Pulwama.&nbsp;

The industry has been generating employment opportunities for the youth, especially for women in the Pulwama district. Every family had members working in these factories.&nbsp;

“I have been working here for five years, but we had stopped coming due to Covid. But now we have started again. Right now, only 100 to 150 women are coming to work, but we are hoping that once the Covid situation subsides, more women will turn up for work,'' said Shaista, a worker.&nbsp;

Earlier, India used to import wooden supplies from countries like China. But everything changed in 2010 when the local entrepreneurs decided to make use of Kashmir's famous poplar trees—a peculiarly supple wood which makes it best suited for manufacturing pencils.

The poplar wood grows best in the valleys of Kashmir where the moisture content is ideal, and the weather conditions allow the wood to remain soft during the tree’s growth.

We all have fond memories of writing with pencils during school days, but little do we know that the raw material for these pencils comes from a non-descript village called Oukhoo—which has earned the moniker “Pencil Village of India”.

We all have fond memories of writing with pencils during school days, but little do we know that the raw material for these pencils comes from a non-descript village called Oukhoo—which has earned the moniker “Pencil Village of India”. Oukhoo, located along the bank of Jhelum River, in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, exports the raw material called ‘slats’ to more than 100 countries and 90 per cent of pencils made in India are manufactured in this village. The village came into the limelight after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned its success story in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, where he spoke at length about “Pencil Village of India”. Kashmir Valley has 18 slat factories and 17 of them are in Pulwama. But the onset of Covid has severely impacted its business. “Most of the people from this village work in these pencil factories and that's why it's called the Pencil Village of India. There are around eight units running in this area. The slats manufactured in Pulwama are sent to various parts of the country,” said Farooq Ahmad, who works as a manager in one of the slat factories. Before Covid, the industry used to employ more than 4,000 people. Now, the industry is working only at 30 per cent of its original workforce. As the schools were shut during the pandemic, the demand for pencils in the market dwindled. Eventually, the production went down, and a lot of people associated with the industry lost their jobs. Now, with Covid waning in the country, the factory owners are hoping that the demand picks up again, as they have started to re-employ people. “Before Covid, we had around 150 people working in one unit, but now we are working with only 30 per cent of the original workforce. I am hoping that, by the grace of God, we start producing more and all the people are hired back to work,'' said Manzoor Ahmad, owner of a slat making factory in Pulwama. The industry has been generating employment opportunities for the youth, especially for women in the Pulwama district. Every family had members working in these factories. “I have been working here for five years, but we had stopped coming due to Covid. But now we have started again. Right now, only 100 to 150 women are coming to work, but we are hoping that once the Covid situation subsides, more women will turn up for work,'' said Shaista, a worker. Earlier, India used to import wooden supplies from countries like China. But everything changed in 2010 when the local entrepreneurs decided to make use of Kashmir's famous poplar trees—a peculiarly supple wood which makes it best suited for manufacturing pencils. The poplar wood grows best in the valleys of Kashmir where the moisture content is ideal, and the weather conditions allow the wood to remain soft during the tree’s growth.

South Kashmir’s famed ‘Pencil Village of India’ now in distress due to Covid

Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday that there were early indications that Covid-19 Omicron variant was not more severe than&nbsp;strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand full severity of the Omicron variant.

Speaking to AFP, President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor broke down the knowns and unknowns about Omicron into three major areas: transmissibility, how well it evades immunity from prior infection and vaccines, and severity of illness.

Fauci said that Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world.

Accumulating epidemiological data from around the world also indicates re-infections are higher with Omicron.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/early-indications-omicron-variant-more-transmissible-than-delta-uk-pm-johnson-434892">Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson</a>

Fauci, the long-time director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said results from lab experiments that tested the potency of antibodies from current vaccines against Omicron should come in the "next few days to a week."

On the question of severity, "it almost certainly is not more severe than Delta," said Fauci.

"There is some suggestion that it might even be less severe, because when you look at some of the cohorts that are being followed in South Africa, the ratio between the number of infections and the number of hospitalizations seems to be less than with Delta."

But he noted it was important to not over-interpret this data because the populations being followed skewed young and were less likely to become hospitalized. Severe disease can also take weeks to develop.

"I think that's going to take another couple of weeks at least" to confirm in South Africa, where the variant was first reported in November, he said.

"Then as we get more infections throughout the rest of the world, it might take longer to see what's the level of severity."

Fauci said a more transmissible virus that doesn't cause more severe illness and doesn't lead to a surge of hospitalizations and deaths was the "best-case scenario."

"The worst-case scenario is that it is not only highly transmissible, but it also causes severe disease and then you have another wave of infections that are not necessarily blunted by the vaccine or by people's prior infections," he added.

"I don't think that worst-case scenario is going to come about, but you never know."

(With inputs from agencies)

Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday that there were early indications that Covid-19 Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before.

Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday that there were early indications that Covid-19 Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand full severity of the Omicron variant. Speaking to AFP, President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor broke down the knowns and unknowns about Omicron into three major areas: transmissibility, how well it evades immunity from prior infection and vaccines, and severity of illness. Fauci said that Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world. Accumulating epidemiological data from around the world also indicates re-infections are higher with Omicron. Also Read | Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson Fauci, the long-time director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said results from lab experiments that tested the potency of antibodies from current vaccines against Omicron should come in the "next few days to a week." On the question of severity, "it almost certainly is not more severe than Delta," said Fauci. "There is some suggestion that it might even be less severe, because when you look at some of the cohorts that are being followed in South Africa, the ratio between the number of infections and the number of hospitalizations seems to be less than with Delta." But he noted it was important to not over-interpret this data because the populations being followed skewed young and were less likely to become hospitalized. Severe disease can also take weeks to develop. "I think that's going to take another couple of weeks at least" to confirm in South Africa, where the variant was first reported in November, he said. "Then as we get more infections throughout the rest of the world, it might take longer to see what's the level of severity." Fauci said a more transmissible virus that doesn't cause more severe illness and doesn't lead to a surge of hospitalizations and deaths was the "best-case scenario." "The worst-case scenario is that it is not only highly transmissible, but it also causes severe disease and then you have another wave of infections that are not necessarily blunted by the vaccine or by people's prior infections," he added. "I don't think that worst-case scenario is going to come about, but you never know." (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant 'almost certainly' not more severe than Delta: Top epidemiologist Anthony Fauci

In a bizarre incident, a woman in the United States is claiming that her 13-year-old son has been vaccinated against coronavirus in exchange for a pizza without parental consent, said a report. &nbsp;

The mother, who belongs to Los Angeles, said the vaccine was given during COVID-19 vaccination incentive programme started by the school of the child. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-blood-oxygen-level-in-covid-bout-was-dangerously-low-former-aide-says-434961" hreflang="en">Trump’s blood oxygen level in Covid bout was dangerously low, former aide says</a>

The child is a student at Barack Obama Global Prep Academy. The district has neither confirmed the incident nor shared its details. &nbsp;

The information, such as which pizza or from which pizzeria it came from, has not been disclosed. &nbsp;

"The lady that gave him the shot and signed the paper, told my son, 'Please don't say anything. I don't want to get into trouble’," said Maribel Duarte, who claimed no one took her consent before son’s inoculation, as per the report. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-cancels-meetings-isolates-after-covid-19-exposure-report-434967" hreflang="en">UN chief cancels meetings, isolates after COVID-19 exposure: Report&nbsp;</a>

Claiming to be pro-vaccine, the woman claimed that her son suffers from asthma and allergies. "It hurts to get to know that he got a shot without my permission, without knowing and without signing any papers for him to get the shot," Duarte said. &nbsp;

"With the January 10, 2022, student vaccination deadline approaching, the district introduced the ‘Safe Schools to Safe Steps Incentive Programme’ throughout Los Angeles Unified Schools. This programme offers incentives to families, who upload proof of their vaccine, have an approved medical exemption or have conditional admissions," a spokesperson for Los Angeles Unified School District told the Washington Examiner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bizarre incident, a woman in the United States is claiming that her 13-year-old son has been vaccinated against coronavirus in exchange for a pizza without parental consent, said a report.

In a bizarre incident, a woman in the United States is claiming that her 13-year-old son has been vaccinated against coronavirus in exchange for a pizza without parental consent, said a report. The mother, who belongs to Los Angeles, said the vaccine was given during COVID-19 vaccination incentive programme started by the school of the child. Also Read: Trump’s blood oxygen level in Covid bout was dangerously low, former aide says The child is a student at Barack Obama Global Prep Academy. The district has neither confirmed the incident nor shared its details. The information, such as which pizza or from which pizzeria it came from, has not been disclosed. "The lady that gave him the shot and signed the paper, told my son, 'Please don't say anything. I don't want to get into trouble’," said Maribel Duarte, who claimed no one took her consent before son’s inoculation, as per the report. Also Read | UN chief cancels meetings, isolates after COVID-19 exposure: Report Claiming to be pro-vaccine, the woman claimed that her son suffers from asthma and allergies. "It hurts to get to know that he got a shot without my permission, without knowing and without signing any papers for him to get the shot," Duarte said. "With the January 10, 2022, student vaccination deadline approaching, the district introduced the ‘Safe Schools to Safe Steps Incentive Programme’ throughout Los Angeles Unified Schools. This programme offers incentives to families, who upload proof of their vaccine, have an approved medical exemption or have conditional admissions," a spokesperson for Los Angeles Unified School District told the Washington Examiner. (With inputs from agencies)

US mother claims son got Covid jab in exchange for pizza without parental consent, says report

Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin has apologised for going clubbing after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient.

Marin had been drawing flak after it emerged that she had gone out on Saturday hours after her foreign minister&nbsp;Pekka Haavisto tested positive for the virus.

According to Finland’s Covid guidelines, fully vaccinated citizens are not required to self-isolate if they come into contact with a positive person, but it does advise citizens to avoid social contact and undergo testing.

Critiques had slammed the 36-year-old over after a local magazine had published photos of the prime minister attending a Helsinki nightclub with friends on Saturday.

The PM—who has received two doses of COVID-19 shots—initially defended her actions, saying she had followed the advice of her Secretary of State.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-apologises-for-video-but-still-denies-christmas-party-435183">Boris Johnson apologises for video but still denies Christmas party</a>

But in a&nbsp;post on Facebook on Monday, she apologised for her error of judgment and admitted she should have double-checked the measures.

“I should have used better judgment on Saturday evening and checked the instructions I had received a second time,” Marin said, adding that different advice had been sent to her official work telephone.

“For not realising that this was not the way to act, I am very sorry,” she stated.

The Social Democrat leader has since tested negative for COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-heavy-cost-peru-interior-minister-resigns-after-hosting-party-that-breached-covid-rules-426525">A heavy cost: Peru interior minister resigns after hosting party that breached Covid rules</a>

The Seiska magazine said, while citing witnesses, that she stayed at the club until 4 am.

Marin became the world's youngest prime minister when she elected to lead a centre-left coalition with four other parties in 2019.

Since September, infections have been creeping ever higher, with increases of more than 1,000 a day for weeks, reports BBC.

The country has also recorded eight cases of the new Omicron variant, which experts fear may be more transmissible and evade some immunity to Covid.

(With inputs from agencies)

Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin has apologised for going clubbing after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient. Marin had been drawing flak after it emerged that she had gone out on Saturday hours after her foreign minister Pekka Haavisto tested positive for the virus.

Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin has apologised for going clubbing after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient. Marin had been drawing flak after it emerged that she had gone out on Saturday hours after her foreign minister Pekka Haavisto tested positive for the virus. According to Finland’s Covid guidelines, fully vaccinated citizens are not required to self-isolate if they come into contact with a positive person, but it does advise citizens to avoid social contact and undergo testing. Critiques had slammed the 36-year-old over after a local magazine had published photos of the prime minister attending a Helsinki nightclub with friends on Saturday. The PM—who has received two doses of COVID-19 shots—initially defended her actions, saying she had followed the advice of her Secretary of State. Also read | Boris Johnson apologises for video but still denies Christmas party But in a post on Facebook on Monday, she apologised for her error of judgment and admitted she should have double-checked the measures. “I should have used better judgment on Saturday evening and checked the instructions I had received a second time,” Marin said, adding that different advice had been sent to her official work telephone. “For not realising that this was not the way to act, I am very sorry,” she stated. The Social Democrat leader has since tested negative for COVID-19. Also read | A heavy cost: Peru interior minister resigns after hosting party that breached Covid rules The Seiska magazine said, while citing witnesses, that she stayed at the club until 4 am. Marin became the world's youngest prime minister when she elected to lead a centre-left coalition with four other parties in 2019. Since September, infections have been creeping ever higher, with increases of more than 1,000 a day for weeks, reports BBC. The country has also recorded eight cases of the new Omicron variant, which experts fear may be more transmissible and evade some immunity to Covid. (With inputs from agencies)

Finland PM says ‘sorry’ for staying out clubbing after Covid exposure

The famous Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, earlier on the verge of collapse and destruction due to mass tourism, witness an ecological revival due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions worldwide.

COVID-19 & travel restrictions breathes fresh life into the ecology of Phi Phi Islands in Thailand

The world is grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, and now with the new variant Omicron in picture, some countries are imposing stricter curbs to contain the spread, few are ramping vaccination campaign while several others are working towards lifting restriction, here's a round-up of covid-19 news around the globe.

Covid-19 Latest News: UN Chief António Guterres in self isolation, Brazil rules out jab certificates

Up to one million COVID-19 vaccines are estimated to have expired in Nigeria last month. In Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation and home to more than 200 million people, fewer than 4 per cent of adults have been fully vaccinated.

Up To 1 Million Covid Vaccine Doses Wasted In Nigeria: Report

Scientists have discovered a ‘stealth version’ of the Omicron Covid variant that is difficult to detect using the standard lab tests, the Guardian reported.

The scientists in the UK found that the stealth variant has a number of mutations similar to the Omicron variant, but it lacks a particular genetic change, called S-Gene drop-out, that helps PCR tests to flag probable cases.

As the variant needs to be confirmed through testing through genome analysis, the scientists are calling the new variant “stealth Omicron”.

The new version of Omicron was discovered in samples from South Africa, Australia, and Canada.

Professor Francois Balloux, director of the University College London Genetics Institute, told The Guardian that 6 per cent of the Omicron genome samples submitted to the Gisaid genome database were the new stealth version of the variant, which is known as BA.2.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-may-cause-third-wave-in-india-by-february-scientist-warns-434873">Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns</a>

“There are two lineages within Omicron, BA.1 and BA.2, that are quite differentiated genetically,” Balloux said, adding, “The two lineages may behave differently.”

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has said that the Omicron variant is “not more severe than the Delta variant” while adding that the existing vaccines would still protect people against the new variant.

“The preliminary data doesn't indicate that this is more severe. In fact, if anything, the direction is towards less severity,” WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan told AFP on Tuesday, insisting though that more research was needed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-proof-that-covid-pandemic-is-just-starting-warns-uk-scientist-434349">Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist</a>

Ryan also said there was no sign that Omicron could fully sidestep protections provided by existing Covid vaccines.

Echoing similar views, top US Anthony Fauci said that Omicron did not appear worse than prior strains based on early indications and was possibly milder.

The new variant is "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than&nbsp;the current dominant global strain, Fauci told AFP.

"It almost certainly is not more severe than Delta," he added. "There is some suggestion that it might even be less severe."

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have discovered a ‘stealth version’ of the Omicron Covid variant that is difficult to detect using the standard lab tests, the Guardian reported. The scientists in the UK found that the stealth variant has a number of mutations similar to the Omicron variant, but it lacks a particular genetic change, called S-Gene drop-out, that helps PCR tests to flag probable cases.

Scientists have discovered a ‘stealth version’ of the Omicron Covid variant that is difficult to detect using the standard lab tests, the Guardian reported. The scientists in the UK found that the stealth variant has a number of mutations similar to the Omicron variant, but it lacks a particular genetic change, called S-Gene drop-out, that helps PCR tests to flag probable cases. As the variant needs to be confirmed through testing through genome analysis, the scientists are calling the new variant “stealth Omicron”. The new version of Omicron was discovered in samples from South Africa, Australia, and Canada. Professor Francois Balloux, director of the University College London Genetics Institute, told The Guardian that 6 per cent of the Omicron genome samples submitted to the Gisaid genome database were the new stealth version of the variant, which is known as BA.2. Also read | Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns “There are two lineages within Omicron, BA.1 and BA.2, that are quite differentiated genetically,” Balloux said, adding, “The two lineages may behave differently.” Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has said that the Omicron variant is “not more severe than the Delta variant” while adding that the existing vaccines would still protect people against the new variant. “The preliminary data doesn't indicate that this is more severe. In fact, if anything, the direction is towards less severity,” WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan told AFP on Tuesday, insisting though that more research was needed. Also read | Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist Ryan also said there was no sign that Omicron could fully sidestep protections provided by existing Covid vaccines. Echoing similar views, top US Anthony Fauci said that Omicron did not appear worse than prior strains based on early indications and was possibly milder. The new variant is "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than the current dominant global strain, Fauci told AFP. "It almost certainly is not more severe than Delta," he added. "There is some suggestion that it might even be less severe." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover ‘stealth version’ of Omicron variant that is ‘harder to track’ using PCR tests

With Omicron variant spreading all across the globe, a number of countries have now imposed travel bans on South Africa where the mutant variant was first detected. On this, President Cyril Ramaphosa has now slammed west nations calling them 'hypocritical'.

Ramaphosa slams West on 'travel bans' calls them hypocrite

With the emergence of a new covid-19 mutant, the world has gone into a frenzy. On one hand, rich nations rush to offer booster shots, on the there are million of Africans who still haven't received their first job.

Covid Vaccine Inequality: African nations scramble for covid-19 vaccines

Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd expects to reach more than 115% of its pre-COVID domestic capacity levels by April as Australian state borders open.

Qantas expects to reach 115% of pre-COVID domestic capacity levels by April

A major reason behind coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world is its high transmissibility. The virus can easily be spread from one person to another. Strict measures like lockdown and social distancing had to be introduced because of this. The world waited with bated breath as vaccines were being developed. Time before introduction of the vaccines was tough indeed.

But a team of researchers including those from University of Pennsylvania has developed a chewing gum that they say decreases transmission of coronavirus from a patient to other people.

Coronavirus gains access to bodily cells by attaching to a protein called ACE2. The chewing gum has a copy of ACE2 protein in it. So in a way, it mimics bodily cells. This tricks coronavirus into attaching with chewing gum chemicals thereby sparing body cells.

A Covid patient has high concentration of coronavirus in his saliva.

The researchers took saliva samples from Covid patients and mixed them with powdered form of the gum. It was found that the virus attached to the ACE2 receptors present in the gum. Th researchers say that 50 mg of the chewing gum reduced viral entry by 95 per cent.

Result of the study has been published in scientific journal 'Molecular Therapy'.

A major reason behind coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world is its high transmissibility. The virus can easily be spread from one person to another. Strict measures like lockdown and social distancing had to be introduced because of this.

A major reason behind coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world is its high transmissibility. The virus can easily be spread from one person to another. Strict measures like lockdown and social distancing had to be introduced because of this. The world waited with bated breath as vaccines were being developed. Time before introduction of the vaccines was tough indeed. But a team of researchers including those from University of Pennsylvania has developed a chewing gum that they say decreases transmission of coronavirus from a patient to other people. Coronavirus gains access to bodily cells by attaching to a protein called ACE2. The chewing gum has a copy of ACE2 protein in it. So in a way, it mimics bodily cells. This tricks coronavirus into attaching with chewing gum chemicals thereby sparing body cells. A Covid patient has high concentration of coronavirus in his saliva. The researchers took saliva samples from Covid patients and mixed them with powdered form of the gum. It was found that the virus attached to the ACE2 receptors present in the gum. Th researchers say that 50 mg of the chewing gum reduced viral entry by 95 per cent. Result of the study has been published in scientific journal 'Molecular Therapy'.

A special chewing gum to reduce Covid transmission? Scientists say yes

India has vaccinated more than 50% of its adults with two jabs within 11 months of the launch of its anti-Covid programme. A total of 127.93 crore doses have been administered with over 85% of the 18+ population covered with at least one dose.

India: 50% of adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus

In what comes as a new milestone, India has vaccinated 50 per cent of its adult population against the deadly coronavirus by administrating 1,04,18,707 vaccine doses in 24 hours. The total Covid vaccine doses given in the country has now exceeded 127.61 crores.

States and Union territories with more than 50 per cent of the adult population fully vaccinated include, Andaman Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttrakhand, and Tripura.&nbsp;

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हम होंगे कामयाब ✌🏼 
 
Congratulations India 🇮🇳 
 
It is a moment of great pride as over 50% of the eligible population are now fully vaccinated 💉 
 
We will win the battle against COVID-19 together ✌🏼<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarGharDastak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarGharDastak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabkoMuftVaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabkoMuftVaccine</a> <a href="https://t.co/q4evljMChk">pic.twitter.com/q4evljMChk</a>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1467351665690906626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Congratulations India. It is a moment of great pride as over 50 per cent of the eligible population is now fully vaccinated. We will win the battle against COVID-19 together," said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on his Twitter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-india-reports-16-new-cases-of-omicron-variant-tally-rises-to-21-434362">Also read |&nbsp;Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21</a>

Earlier, in October, India administered a billion vaccine doses.

India achieved this milestone at a time when the new variant of Covid, Omicron is rapidly spreading in the nation. India reported its first case of Omicron variant when a 72-year-old Zimbabwe resident travelled to Jamnagar, Gujarat and tested positive for coronavirus. The total tally for the Omicron variant in India now stands at 21.&nbsp;Out of these 21, eight are in Maharashtra, nine in Jaipur, one in Delhi and Gujarat each, and two in Bangalore.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has urged the government and experts to do an efficacy check on the existing vaccines against coronavirus.

"The committee believes that timely detection and isolation of potentially infectious people is very crucial in reducing the impact of the pandemic," the panel said in its report.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what comes as a new milestone, India has vaccinated 50 per cent of its adult population against the deadly coronavirus by administrating 1,04,18,707 vaccine doses in 24 hours.

In what comes as a new milestone, India has vaccinated 50 per cent of its adult population against the deadly coronavirus by administrating 1,04,18,707 vaccine doses in 24 hours. The total Covid vaccine doses given in the country has now exceeded 127.61 crores. States and Union territories with more than 50 per cent of the adult population fully vaccinated include, Andaman Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttrakhand, and Tripura. हम होंगे कामयाब ✌🏼 Congratulations India 🇮🇳 It is a moment of great pride as over 50% of the eligible population are now fully vaccinated 💉 We will win the battle against COVID-19 together ✌🏼#HarGharDastak #SabkoMuftVaccine pic.twitter.com/q4evljMChk — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 5, 2021 × "Congratulations India. It is a moment of great pride as over 50 per cent of the eligible population is now fully vaccinated. We will win the battle against COVID-19 together," said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on his Twitter. Also read | Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21 Earlier, in October, India administered a billion vaccine doses. India achieved this milestone at a time when the new variant of Covid, Omicron is rapidly spreading in the nation. India reported its first case of Omicron variant when a 72-year-old Zimbabwe resident travelled to Jamnagar, Gujarat and tested positive for coronavirus. The total tally for the Omicron variant in India now stands at 21. Out of these 21, eight are in Maharashtra, nine in Jaipur, one in Delhi and Gujarat each, and two in Bangalore. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has urged the government and experts to do an efficacy check on the existing vaccines against coronavirus. "The committee believes that timely detection and isolation of potentially infectious people is very crucial in reducing the impact of the pandemic," the panel said in its report. (With inputs from agencies)

India achieves new milestone as over 50% of adult population now vaccinated against Covid

The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday.

EU states had agreed to &nbsp;impose travel curbs on travellers coming from seven southern African countries. This was done after these countries reported Omicron variant which is considered more infectious than previous variants

Bloomberg News, citing one diplomat familiar with the matter, reported on Monday that EU health ministers at a meeting on Tuesday may agree on the need for a PCR test for vaccinated third-country nationals from that region, which could allow some travel bans to be eased or lifted within a week.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-spreads-in-south-africa-as-president-ramaphosa-urges-vaccination-434673">Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination</a>

The travel ban "was meant always as a time-limited measure", one senior EU official told Reuters, adding however that there was no plan at the moment to lift it. "We are not yet working in that direction."

Another two EU sources familiar with the work of health ministers said no decision on travel bans was expected at Tuesday's meeting.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-resulted-in-alarming-increase-in-malaria-deaths-who-434686">Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO</a>

Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the southern African countries that have been targeted.

South Africa has criticised the travel ban which it said penalised the country for having the expertise to first identify the variant. The United States, Britain and many other countries imposed bans similar to those of the EU.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday.

The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday. EU states had agreed to impose travel curbs on travellers coming from seven southern African countries. This was done after these countries reported Omicron variant which is considered more infectious than previous variants Bloomberg News, citing one diplomat familiar with the matter, reported on Monday that EU health ministers at a meeting on Tuesday may agree on the need for a PCR test for vaccinated third-country nationals from that region, which could allow some travel bans to be eased or lifted within a week. Also Read | Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination The travel ban "was meant always as a time-limited measure", one senior EU official told Reuters, adding however that there was no plan at the moment to lift it. "We are not yet working in that direction." Another two EU sources familiar with the work of health ministers said no decision on travel bans was expected at Tuesday's meeting. Also Read | Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the southern African countries that have been targeted. South Africa has criticised the travel ban which it said penalised the country for having the expertise to first identify the variant. The United States, Britain and many other countries imposed bans similar to those of the EU. (With inputs from agencies)

EU unlikely to lift Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries

A US health authority said that 10 Covid cases were detected among crew and passengers of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. The ship has thousands on board and was returning to New Orleans.

"The Norwegian Breakaway departed from New Orleans on Nov. 28 and stopped in Belize, Honduras and Mexico on its voyage," the Louisiana Department of Health tweeted Saturday.

"There are more than 3,200 individuals onboard."

Health department said that every individual aboard would be tested for Covid before they disembark.

"Those who test positive for COVID-19 will either (1) travel by personal vehicle directly to their personal residence or (2) self-isolate according to current (US Centers for Disease Control) guidelines in accommodations provided by NCL," the health department tweeted.

The global cruise industry has taken a severe hit during the pandemic.&nbsp;

In February 2020, when little was known about the new coronavirus, a cruise ship named "Diamond Princess" was quarantined off Japan.

More than 700 people on board tested positive for Covid-19 and 13 died, with Japanese authorities heavily criticised for insisting passengers and crew stay on the boat, where the virus continued to spread.

Cruise operations in the US were suspended in March 2020 when the CDC issued a "no sail order" to prevent the spread of Covid.&nbsp;

Some cruise ships resumed operations in Europe and elsewhere last year, but the ban remained in place in the United States.

After a year of crippling losses, cruise industry giants resumed trips from the US in May this year when the CDC gave the green light to allow trips with passengers and crew who are vaccinated.

Canada lifted its ban on cruise ships in its waters last month.

(With inputs from agencies)

A US health authority said that 10 Covid cases were detected among crew and passengers of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. The ship has thousands on board and was returning to New Orleans.

A US health authority said that 10 Covid cases were detected among crew and passengers of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. The ship has thousands on board and was returning to New Orleans. "The Norwegian Breakaway departed from New Orleans on Nov. 28 and stopped in Belize, Honduras and Mexico on its voyage," the Louisiana Department of Health tweeted Saturday. "There are more than 3,200 individuals onboard." Health department said that every individual aboard would be tested for Covid before they disembark. "Those who test positive for COVID-19 will either (1) travel by personal vehicle directly to their personal residence or (2) self-isolate according to current (US Centers for Disease Control) guidelines in accommodations provided by NCL," the health department tweeted. The global cruise industry has taken a severe hit during the pandemic. In February 2020, when little was known about the new coronavirus, a cruise ship named "Diamond Princess" was quarantined off Japan. More than 700 people on board tested positive for Covid-19 and 13 died, with Japanese authorities heavily criticised for insisting passengers and crew stay on the boat, where the virus continued to spread. Cruise operations in the US were suspended in March 2020 when the CDC issued a "no sail order" to prevent the spread of Covid. Some cruise ships resumed operations in Europe and elsewhere last year, but the ban remained in place in the United States. After a year of crippling losses, cruise industry giants resumed trips from the US in May this year when the CDC gave the green light to allow trips with passengers and crew who are vaccinated. Canada lifted its ban on cruise ships in its waters last month. (With inputs from agencies)

Ten Covid cases detected on cruise ship having thousands on board

As fears of a new variant Omicron looms, Britain has tightened curbs for travellers. According to the new measures, Britain will now require all inbound travellers to have a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test.&nbsp;

Also, Health Minister Sajid Javid on Saturday said that travellers coming in from Nigeria will have to quarantine in hotels. These changes will come in from Tuesday.&nbsp;

Along with this, the travellers will need to take a PCR test before the end of their second day in the UK. After which, they are required to self-isolate until their negative result comes back.

This comes in as the total number of Omicron cases in the country has risen to 160.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-in-60-people-in-england-estimated-to-be-infected-with-covid-19-britains-ons-433957">Also read |&nbsp;One in 60 people in England estimated to be infected with COVID-19: Britain's ONS</a>

"We've kept the data under review over the last week or so since we learned about Omicron, and we're seeing increasing number of cases linked to travel," Javid said.

He further added, "We've always said we will act swiftly if we need to... and that's why we decided to bring in this change on pre-departure tests."

Britain is one of the worst countries hit with the virus with over 145,000 fatalities and over 10 million Covid&nbsp;cases.

Meanwhile, according to Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS), one in 60 people in England would test positive for coronavirus in the week ending November 27 with an estimated 898,900 people in England who have the virus. 
ONS said the percentage of people who had contacted the virus in England had increased.&nbsp;

In Wales, the trends were uncertain. However, the agency claimed that 1 in 45 people were estimated to be infected with a similar number in Northern Ireland and 1 in 65 in Scotland.

(With inputs from agencies)

As fears of a new variant Omicron looms, Britain has tightened curbs for travellers. According to the new measures, Britain will now require all inbound travellers to have a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test.

As fears of a new variant Omicron looms, Britain has tightened curbs for travellers. According to the new measures, Britain will now require all inbound travellers to have a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test. Also, Health Minister Sajid Javid on Saturday said that travellers coming in from Nigeria will have to quarantine in hotels. These changes will come in from Tuesday. Along with this, the travellers will need to take a PCR test before the end of their second day in the UK. After which, they are required to self-isolate until their negative result comes back. This comes in as the total number of Omicron cases in the country has risen to 160. Also read | One in 60 people in England estimated to be infected with COVID-19: Britain's ONS "We've kept the data under review over the last week or so since we learned about Omicron, and we're seeing increasing number of cases linked to travel," Javid said. He further added, "We've always said we will act swiftly if we need to... and that's why we decided to bring in this change on pre-departure tests." Britain is one of the worst countries hit with the virus with over 145,000 fatalities and over 10 million Covid cases. Meanwhile, according to Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS), one in 60 people in England would test positive for coronavirus in the week ending November 27 with an estimated 898,900 people in England who have the virus. ONS said the percentage of people who had contacted the virus in England had increased. In Wales, the trends were uncertain. However, the agency claimed that 1 in 45 people were estimated to be infected with a similar number in Northern Ireland and 1 in 65 in Scotland. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain introduces new travel measures as Omicron cases rise to 160

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 variant Omicron, Japan will add India, Greece, Romania and four US states under strict quarantine vigilance.

Japanese nationals and foreign residents travelling to Japan from India, Greece, Romania and four US states will have to undergo stringent quarantine regulations Sunday onwards, in order to control the spread of the Omicron variant, reported Kyodo news.

While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo news.

With emerging Omicron cases in the country and to curb the further spread, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno on Friday announced the expansion of the list addressing a press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-reports-first-case-of-omicron-variant-taking-countrys-total-to-5-434252">Also read |&nbsp;Indian capital reports first case of Omicron variant, taking country's total to 5</a>

A government task force made the decision to control the increasing number of new variant cases in Japan.

The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France.

While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News.

The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant.

The country has further banned new entries by foreigners from around the globe.

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 variant Omicron, Japan will add India, Greece, Romania and four US states under strict quarantine vigilance. Japanese nationals and foreign residents travelling to Japan from India, Greece, Romania and four US states will have to undergo stringent quarantine regulations Sunday onwards, in order to control the spread of the Omicron variant, reported Kyodo news.

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 variant Omicron, Japan will add India, Greece, Romania and four US states under strict quarantine vigilance. Japanese nationals and foreign residents travelling to Japan from India, Greece, Romania and four US states will have to undergo stringent quarantine regulations Sunday onwards, in order to control the spread of the Omicron variant, reported Kyodo news. While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo news. With emerging Omicron cases in the country and to curb the further spread, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno on Friday announced the expansion of the list addressing a press conference. Also read | Indian capital reports first case of Omicron variant, taking country's total to 5 A government task force made the decision to control the increasing number of new variant cases in Japan. The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News. The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant. The country has further banned new entries by foreigners from around the globe.

Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India

As fear of a new variant has taken over the region, a Reuters tally state that Europe has surpassed 75 million coronavirus cases. The European Union's public health agency has warned that within a few months, the new Covid variant could be responsible for more than half of all the cases.&nbsp;

Before Omicron was even discovered, Europe had become the epicentre of the pandemic, for the second time.&nbsp;

As of now, the UK has reported the highest total number of coronavirus cases in the region followed by Russia, France and Germany.

The WHO had warned that 700,000 more people could die from coronavirus by March 2022, taking the total to above 2.2 million.&nbsp;WHO had said that it is expected that there will be high or extreme stress on hospital beds in 25 countries, and high or extreme stress in intensive care units in 49 out of 53 countries until March 1, 2022.

Eastern Europe comprised 33 per cent of the total reported cases and nearly 53 per cent of the total reported deaths. This accounts for around 39 per cent of the population in the region.

As per data by Reuters, the pandemic started speeding up in the second half of 2021.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-as-europe-could-hit-over-2-million-covid-19-deaths-by-march-2022-431737">Also read |&nbsp;WHO warns as Europe could hit over 2 million COVID-19 deaths by March 2022</a>

In order to battle with the growing cases, the ECDC has recommended vaccine boosters for all adults, prioritising those over 40.&nbsp;

"Available evidence emerging from Israel and the UK shows a significant increase in protection against infection and severe disease following a booster dose in all age groups in the short term," the ECDC said.

Many countries in Europe have already started rolling out the booster shots. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday tweeted that "boosters should be available for adults, with priority for people over 40 and vulnerable people."

Latvia, which is one of the least vaccinated countries in the EU, bodies at were seen piled up on top of each other, unclaimed for days. In the Czech Republic, where only 62 per cent of the population has received just one dose of the vaccine, hospitals are burdened with patients infected by the deadly virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

As fear of a new variant has taken over the region, a Reuters tally state that Europe has surpassed 75 million coronavirus cases. The European Union's public health agency has warned that within a few months, the new Covid variant could be responsible for more than half of all the cases.

As fear of a new variant has taken over the region, a Reuters tally state that Europe has surpassed 75 million coronavirus cases. The European Union's public health agency has warned that within a few months, the new Covid variant could be responsible for more than half of all the cases. Before Omicron was even discovered, Europe had become the epicentre of the pandemic, for the second time. As of now, the UK has reported the highest total number of coronavirus cases in the region followed by Russia, France and Germany. The WHO had warned that 700,000 more people could die from coronavirus by March 2022, taking the total to above 2.2 million. WHO had said that it is expected that there will be high or extreme stress on hospital beds in 25 countries, and high or extreme stress in intensive care units in 49 out of 53 countries until March 1, 2022. Eastern Europe comprised 33 per cent of the total reported cases and nearly 53 per cent of the total reported deaths. This accounts for around 39 per cent of the population in the region. As per data by Reuters, the pandemic started speeding up in the second half of 2021. Also read | WHO warns as Europe could hit over 2 million COVID-19 deaths by March 2022 In order to battle with the growing cases, the ECDC has recommended vaccine boosters for all adults, prioritising those over 40. "Available evidence emerging from Israel and the UK shows a significant increase in protection against infection and severe disease following a booster dose in all age groups in the short term," the ECDC said. Many countries in Europe have already started rolling out the booster shots. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday tweeted that "boosters should be available for adults, with priority for people over 40 and vulnerable people." Latvia, which is one of the least vaccinated countries in the EU, bodies at were seen piled up on top of each other, unclaimed for days. In the Czech Republic, where only 62 per cent of the population has received just one dose of the vaccine, hospitals are burdened with patients infected by the deadly virus. (With inputs from agencies)

As fears of new variant looms, Europe surpasses 75 million Covid cases

While the world struggles to battle with the delta variant, another variant of Covid has already emerged.&nbsp; 
The World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, has said that the Omicron variant could become dominant because it is highly transmissible. She further added that a different vaccine may not be needed.

"It is possible that it could become (the) dominant variant," Swaminathan said.&nbsp;She further added that it is too early to predict if the Omicron variant is milder than other variants of the deadly coronavirus.&nbsp; "How worried should we be? We need to be prepared and cautious, not panic, because we're in a different situation to a year ago," Swaminathan said.&nbsp;

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The World Health Organization's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReutersNext?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReutersNext</a> conference that while the Omicron coronavirus variant appeared to be very transmissible, the right response was to be prepared, cautious and not panic <a href="https://t.co/POlVHCPEcd">https://t.co/POlVHCPEcd</a> <a href="https://t.co/x93cE5gBHe">pic.twitter.com/x93cE5gBHe</a>
— Reuters (@Reuters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1466795611747876867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Several scientists in the EU and Australia have predicted that Omicron may lead to more infections than Delta as it may spread more rapidly.&nbsp;

Earlier, Dr Tom Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College had deemed the combination of mutations found in the new Covid variant as "horrific".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-world-continues-to-battle-the-delta-variant-a-new-variant-worse-than-delta-emerges-431786">Also read |&nbsp;As world continues to battle the Delta variant, a new variant 'worse than delta' emerges</a>

He further said that the variant could be 'worse than nearly anything else about', including the highly transmissible Delta strain.&nbsp;

Taking to his Twitter, he wrote, "Worth emphasising this is at super low numbers right now in a region of Africa that is fairly well sampled, however it very very much should be monitored due to that horrific spike profile."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fears-of-new-covid-variant-looms-europe-surpasses-75-million-covid-cases-433994">Also read |&nbsp;As fears of new Covid variant looms, Europe surpasses 75 million Covid cases</a>

However, Swaminathan in her interview with Reuters said that as of now, there is conclusive evidence about Omicron's impact on the effectiveness of antibodies. "It does seem to be able to overcome some of the natural immunity from previous infection.

The fact that they're not getting sick ... that means the vaccines are still providing protection and we would hope that they would continue to provide protection," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

While the world struggles to battle with the delta variant, another variant of Covid has already emerged. The World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, has said that the Omicron variant could become dominant because it is highly transmissible.

While the world struggles to battle with the delta variant, another variant of Covid has already emerged. The World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, has said that the Omicron variant could become dominant because it is highly transmissible. She further added that a different vaccine may not be needed. "It is possible that it could become (the) dominant variant," Swaminathan said. She further added that it is too early to predict if the Omicron variant is milder than other variants of the deadly coronavirus. "How worried should we be? We need to be prepared and cautious, not panic, because we're in a different situation to a year ago," Swaminathan said. The World Health Organization's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told the #ReutersNext conference that while the Omicron coronavirus variant appeared to be very transmissible, the right response was to be prepared, cautious and not panic https://t.co/POlVHCPEcd pic.twitter.com/x93cE5gBHe — Reuters (@Reuters) December 3, 2021 × Several scientists in the EU and Australia have predicted that Omicron may lead to more infections than Delta as it may spread more rapidly. Earlier, Dr Tom Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College had deemed the combination of mutations found in the new Covid variant as "horrific". Also read | As world continues to battle the Delta variant, a new variant 'worse than delta' emerges He further said that the variant could be 'worse than nearly anything else about', including the highly transmissible Delta strain. Taking to his Twitter, he wrote, "Worth emphasising this is at super low numbers right now in a region of Africa that is fairly well sampled, however it very very much should be monitored due to that horrific spike profile." Also read | As fears of new Covid variant looms, Europe surpasses 75 million Covid cases However, Swaminathan in her interview with Reuters said that as of now, there is conclusive evidence about Omicron's impact on the effectiveness of antibodies. "It does seem to be able to overcome some of the natural immunity from previous infection. The fact that they're not getting sick ... that means the vaccines are still providing protection and we would hope that they would continue to provide protection," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist

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