The Omicron variant of coronavirus is disrupting the holiday season worldwide as global cases hit a record high with 1.44 million&nbsp;cases on Monday.

Covid surges have wreaked havoc around the world, with many nations in Europe and North America trying to strike a balance between economically punishing restrictions and controlling the spread of the virus.

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The surges in many countries have been propelled by the highly transmissible Omicron virus variant, hammering vulnerable sectors such as travel.

The seven-day rolling average of COVID-19 cases, which is considered a more conservative gauge, is also at an all-time high. It has jumped 49 per cent from last month and currently stands at 841,000.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/yearender-2021-vaccine-drive-virus-resurgence-omicron-lockdown-20-440154" hreflang="en">Yearender 2021: Vaccine drive, virus resurgence, Omicron &amp; lockdown 2.0</a>

Some 11,500 flights have been scrapped worldwide since Friday, and tens of thousands more delayed, during one of the year's busiest travel periods.

Multiple airlines have blamed staffing shortages caused by spikes of Omicron cases. Airlines encouraged workers to quit in 2020 when air travel collapsed, and carriers have struggled to make up ground this year when air travel rebounded faster than almost anyone had expected. The arrival of the omicron variant only exacerbated the problem.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11500-flights-grounded-worldwide-since-friday-as-omicron-fuels-another-wave-of-infections-440622" hreflang="en">11,500 flights grounded worldwide since Friday as Omicron fuels another wave of infections</a>

Authorities worry the Omicron variant could be the most transmissible yet but studies are still ongoing regarding the short and long-term effects of the variant that was originally detected in southern Africa and Hong Kong.

The coronavirus has killed at least 5,400,024 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally compiled by John Hopkins University.

Overall, the United States has recorded the most Covid deaths with 816,819, followed by Brazil with 618,448, India with 479,997, and Russia with 305,155.

Taking into account excess mortality linked to Covid-19, the World Health Organization estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Omicron variant of coronavirus is disrupting the holiday season worldwide as global cases hit a record high with 1.44 million cases on Monday. Covid surges have wreaked havoc around the world, with many nations in Europe and North America trying to strike a balance between economically punishing restrictions and controlling the spread of the virus.

The Omicron variant of coronavirus is disrupting the holiday season worldwide as global cases hit a record high with 1.44 million cases on Monday. Covid surges have wreaked havoc around the world, with many nations in Europe and North America trying to strike a balance between economically punishing restrictions and controlling the spread of the virus. The surges in many countries have been propelled by the highly transmissible Omicron virus variant, hammering vulnerable sectors such as travel. The seven-day rolling average of COVID-19 cases, which is considered a more conservative gauge, is also at an all-time high. It has jumped 49 per cent from last month and currently stands at 841,000. Also see | Yearender 2021: Vaccine drive, virus resurgence, Omicron & lockdown 2.0 Some 11,500 flights have been scrapped worldwide since Friday, and tens of thousands more delayed, during one of the year's busiest travel periods. Multiple airlines have blamed staffing shortages caused by spikes of Omicron cases. Airlines encouraged workers to quit in 2020 when air travel collapsed, and carriers have struggled to make up ground this year when air travel rebounded faster than almost anyone had expected. The arrival of the omicron variant only exacerbated the problem. Also read | 11,500 flights grounded worldwide since Friday as Omicron fuels another wave of infections Authorities worry the Omicron variant could be the most transmissible yet but studies are still ongoing regarding the short and long-term effects of the variant that was originally detected in southern Africa and Hong Kong. The coronavirus has killed at least 5,400,024 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally compiled by John Hopkins University. Overall, the United States has recorded the most Covid deaths with 816,819, followed by Brazil with 618,448, India with 479,997, and Russia with 305,155. Taking into account excess mortality linked to Covid-19, the World Health Organization estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron disrupts holiday season: Global cases hit record high with over 1 million infections

As many as 20,403,255 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While more than 13,286,580 have recovered, 742,018 have died so far.

The US accounted for the highest number of infections and fatalities in the world. The total number of coronavirus cases in the US stood at 5,141,208 and the death toll is now 164,537, according to the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE).

Nearly eight months into the coronavirus outbreak, Russia has become the first country to grant regulatory approval to a corona vaccine, dubbed “Sputnik V” (a reference to the world's first satellite), for civilian use, according to President Vladimir Putin.

Brazil is at second place in terms of coronavirus cases with 3,057,470 infections and 101,752 deaths.

In terms of cases, India ranks third (2,329,638), and is followed by Russia (895,691), South Africa (566,109), Mexico (492,522), Peru (489,680). 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As many as 20,403,255 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While more than 13,286,580 have recovered, 742,018 have died so far. The US accounted for the highest number of infections and fatalities in the world.

As many as 20,403,255 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While more than 13,286,580 have recovered, 742,018 have died so far. The US accounted for the highest number of infections and fatalities in the world. The total number of coronavirus cases in the US stood at 5,141,208 and the death toll is now 164,537, according to the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE). Nearly eight months into the coronavirus outbreak, Russia has become the first country to grant regulatory approval to a corona vaccine, dubbed “Sputnik V” (a reference to the world's first satellite), for civilian use, according to President Vladimir Putin. Brazil is at second place in terms of coronavirus cases with 3,057,470 infections and 101,752 deaths. In terms of cases, India ranks third (2,329,638), and is followed by Russia (895,691), South Africa (566,109), Mexico (492,522), Peru (489,680). (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus death toll crosses 740,000

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide passed 19.7 million on Monday, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, which relies on official government data. Known coronavirus deaths numbers are at 729,393.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-a-grim-record-as-coronavirus-cases-top-5-million-319162">Also read: US sets a grim record as coronavirus cases top 5 million</a>

According to the latest data, the world has witnessed a total of 19,773,447 confirmed coronavirus cases. &nbsp; 
The US has been hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic, recording nearly 163,000 deaths — by far the highest of any country, ahead only of Brazil, which on Saturday became the second country to pass 100,000 deaths.

Health officials believe the actual number is perhaps 10 times higher, or closer to 50 million, given testing limitations and the fact that as many as 40% of all those who are infected have no symptoms.

Nearly 20 million cases have been registered worldwide -- probably reflecting only a fraction of the actual number of infections.

As around much of the globe, the small African country of Malawi on Sunday imposed tight social restrictions to try to contain the disease, shutting all bars and churches, while hot weekend weather drew crowds in Europe to the beach.

In Washington, the new virus relief package -- announced by Trump on Saturday after talks between Republican and Democrat lawmakers hit a wall -- was "absurdly unconstitutional," senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi told CNN.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide passed 19.7 million on Monday, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, which relies on official government data.

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide passed 19.7 million on Monday, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, which relies on official government data. Known coronavirus deaths numbers are at 729,393. Also read: US sets a grim record as coronavirus cases top 5 million According to the latest data, the world has witnessed a total of 19,773,447 confirmed coronavirus cases. The US has been hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic, recording nearly 163,000 deaths — by far the highest of any country, ahead only of Brazil, which on Saturday became the second country to pass 100,000 deaths. Health officials believe the actual number is perhaps 10 times higher, or closer to 50 million, given testing limitations and the fact that as many as 40% of all those who are infected have no symptoms. Nearly 20 million cases have been registered worldwide -- probably reflecting only a fraction of the actual number of infections. As around much of the globe, the small African country of Malawi on Sunday imposed tight social restrictions to try to contain the disease, shutting all bars and churches, while hot weekend weather drew crowds in Europe to the beach. In Washington, the new virus relief package -- announced by Trump on Saturday after talks between Republican and Democrat lawmakers hit a wall -- was "absurdly unconstitutional," senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi told CNN. (With inputs from agencies)

Global Covid-19 cases near 20 million; death toll exceeds 720,000

The number of&nbsp;people infected with the novel coronavirus has reached&nbsp;18,469,834 globally while the&nbsp;death toll nears 700,000.

Far from slowing down, the latest figures show that the rate of infection is accelerating.

The US on Tuesday added 1,302 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

Australia's second most populous state of Victoria on Wednesday reported its deadliest day of the coronavirus outbreak with 15 fatalities in the last 24 hours and a record daily rise in infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-victoria-reports-deadliest-day-of-coronavirus-pandemic-318237" hreflang="en">Australia's Victoria reports deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic</a>

The state reported 725 new cases compared with 439 a day earlier. It recorded its previous one-day high of 723 cases and 13 deaths last week.&nbsp;

Brazil is driving a surge in Latin America and the Caribbean, where infections passed five million on Monday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latin-america-now-has-worlds-highest-coronavirus-death-toll-318236" hreflang="en">Latin America now has world's highest coronavirus death toll</a>

South America's largest country has recorded more than 2.75 million cases, and nearly 95,000 deaths, nearly half the region's 203,800 deaths.

Latin America surpassed Europe on Tuesday to become the region with the highest coronavirus death toll worldwide, according to a Reuters tally.&nbsp;

The region has now recorded more than 206,000 deaths, approximately 30 per cent&nbsp;of the global total.&nbsp;

France and the Netherlands are gearing up for stricter mask-wearing rules to fight the coronavirus.&nbsp;Paris, Toulouse and other cities announced that the wearing of masks would be compulsory in particularly busy streets and squares. People already have to wear them inside most private businesses and all public buildings.

Millions of people in the Philippines were ordered to stay home Tuesday in a bid to contain the rising rate of infections, and relieve pressure on overwhelmed hospitals.

The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has reached 18,469,834 globally while the death toll nears 700,000. Far from slowing down, the latest figures show that the rate of infection is accelerating.

The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has reached 18,469,834 globally while the death toll nears 700,000. Far from slowing down, the latest figures show that the rate of infection is accelerating. The US on Tuesday added 1,302 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Australia's second most populous state of Victoria on Wednesday reported its deadliest day of the coronavirus outbreak with 15 fatalities in the last 24 hours and a record daily rise in infections. Also read: Australia's Victoria reports deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic The state reported 725 new cases compared with 439 a day earlier. It recorded its previous one-day high of 723 cases and 13 deaths last week. Brazil is driving a surge in Latin America and the Caribbean, where infections passed five million on Monday. Also read: Latin America now has world's highest coronavirus death toll South America's largest country has recorded more than 2.75 million cases, and nearly 95,000 deaths, nearly half the region's 203,800 deaths. Latin America surpassed Europe on Tuesday to become the region with the highest coronavirus death toll worldwide, according to a Reuters tally. The region has now recorded more than 206,000 deaths, approximately 30 per cent of the global total. France and the Netherlands are gearing up for stricter mask-wearing rules to fight the coronavirus. Paris, Toulouse and other cities announced that the wearing of masks would be compulsory in particularly busy streets and squares. People already have to wear them inside most private businesses and all public buildings. Millions of people in the Philippines were ordered to stay home Tuesday in a bid to contain the rising rate of infections, and relieve pressure on overwhelmed hospitals.

COVID-19: Global tally rises to 18,469,834; death toll nears nears 700,000

The global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 700,000 on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, with the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico leading the rise in fatalities.

Nearly 5,900 people are dying every 24 hours from COVID-19 on average, according to Reuters calculations based on data from the past two weeks. That equates to 247 people per hour, or one person every 15 seconds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-global-tally-rises-to-18469834-death-toll-nears-nears-700000-318251" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Global tally rises to 18,469,834; death toll nears nears 700,000</a>

President Donald Trump said the coronavirus outbreak is as under control as it can get in the United States, where more than 155,000 people have died amid a patchy response to the public health crisis that has failed to stem a rise in cases.

"They are dying, that's true," Trump said in an interview with the Axios news website. "It is what it is. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t doing everything we can. It’s under control as much as you can control it. This is a horrible plague."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latin-america-now-has-worlds-highest-coronavirus-death-toll-318236" hreflang="en">Latin America now has world's highest coronavirus death toll</a>

In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has minimized the gravity of the pandemic and opposed lockdown measures, even as he and several of his cabinet tested positive for the virus.

The pandemic was initially slower to reach Latin America, which is home to about 640 million people, than much of the world. But officials have since struggled to control its spread because of the region's poverty and densely packed cities.

More than 100 million people across Latin America and the Caribbean live in slums, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Many have jobs in the informal sector with little in the way of a social safety net and have continued to work throughout the pandemic.

Even in parts of the world that had appeared to have curbed the spread of the virus, countries have recently seen single-day records in new cases, signaling the battle is far from over.

Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Bolivia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Belgium, Uzbekistan and Israel all recently had record increases in cases.

Australia also reported a record number of new deaths on Wednesday, taking the country's total to 247.

The global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 700,000 on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, with the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico leading the rise in fatalities.

The global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 700,000 on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, with the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico leading the rise in fatalities. Nearly 5,900 people are dying every 24 hours from COVID-19 on average, according to Reuters calculations based on data from the past two weeks. That equates to 247 people per hour, or one person every 15 seconds. Also read: COVID-19: Global tally rises to 18,469,834; death toll nears nears 700,000 President Donald Trump said the coronavirus outbreak is as under control as it can get in the United States, where more than 155,000 people have died amid a patchy response to the public health crisis that has failed to stem a rise in cases. "They are dying, that's true," Trump said in an interview with the Axios news website. "It is what it is. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t doing everything we can. It’s under control as much as you can control it. This is a horrible plague." Also read: Latin America now has world's highest coronavirus death toll In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has minimized the gravity of the pandemic and opposed lockdown measures, even as he and several of his cabinet tested positive for the virus. The pandemic was initially slower to reach Latin America, which is home to about 640 million people, than much of the world. But officials have since struggled to control its spread because of the region's poverty and densely packed cities. More than 100 million people across Latin America and the Caribbean live in slums, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Many have jobs in the informal sector with little in the way of a social safety net and have continued to work throughout the pandemic. Even in parts of the world that had appeared to have curbed the spread of the virus, countries have recently seen single-day records in new cases, signaling the battle is far from over. Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Bolivia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Belgium, Uzbekistan and Israel all recently had record increases in cases. Australia also reported a record number of new deaths on Wednesday, taking the country's total to 247.

Global coronavirus deaths exceed 700,000, one person dies every 15 seconds on average