<p>As the world reels under a new threat -- COVID-19’s new variant called Omicron, we wonder if we’ve heard the name before and in what context!</p>

<p>Well, the name has been used as titles for films before. If you haven’t heard of the films then don’t blame yourself as these didn’t ever quite create a hype for themselves and before you jump the gun, they are not anywhere close to being based on a virus outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Omicron was used as film titles for two films produced in 1963 and 2013. The posters of these films have started trending on the internet now courtesy the new COVID variant that threatens the world. Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-scam-1992-co-director-shooting-in-south-africa-amid-omicron-variant-scare-432986" hreflang="en">'Scam 1992' co-director shooting in South Africa amid Omicron variant scare</a></p>

<p>The 2013 movie Omicron is a comedy and science fiction. In the movie Omicron, an alien comes to Earth with a botanical virus and this virus threatens the whole world. A brave woman living in Arizona wins the alien with the plants in her garden and tries to overthrow the government.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW4mQUBIer8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW4mQUBIer8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW4mQUBIer8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW4mQUBIer8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Bollywoodirect (@bollywoodirect)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, the plot of the 1963 movie Omicron is of an alien taking over the body of an earthling in order to learn about the planet and threatens the human race. Omicron is a 1963 Italian science fiction comedy film directed by Ugo Gregoretti. So, thankfully nothing about the pandemic that threatens the world.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-bill-cosby-slams-%E2%80%9Cmetoo-mob%E2%80%9D-on-wanting-to-overturn-rape-conviction-432939" hreflang="en">Bill Cosby slams “#MeToo mob” on wanting to overturn rape conviction</a></h2>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dhanush-wins-best-actor-for-asuran-at-brics-film-festival-432901" hreflang="en">BRICS Film Festival 2021: Dhanush wins Best Actor for 'Asuran'</a></h2>

<p>As for the coronavirus variant, the Omicron variant was first seen in the Republic of South Africa and Botswana. The variant was first detected in Belgium in Europe. Germany, Czechia, Netherlands, Israel, Australia, Italy are among other countries where the variant is seen.</p>


As the world reels under a new threat -- COVID-19’s new variant called Omicron, we wonder if we’ve heard the name before and in what context! Well, the name has been used as titles for films before.

As the world reels under a new threat -- COVID-19’s new variant called Omicron, we wonder if we’ve heard the name before and in what context! Well, the name has been used as titles for films before. If you haven’t heard of the films then don’t blame yourself as these didn’t ever quite create a hype for themselves and before you jump the gun, they are not anywhere close to being based on a virus outbreak. Omicron was used as film titles for two films produced in 1963 and 2013. The posters of these films have started trending on the internet now courtesy the new COVID variant that threatens the world. Also read: 'Scam 1992' co-director shooting in South Africa amid Omicron variant scare The 2013 movie Omicron is a comedy and science fiction. In the movie Omicron, an alien comes to Earth with a botanical virus and this virus threatens the whole world. A brave woman living in Arizona wins the alien with the plants in her garden and tries to overthrow the government. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywoodirect (@bollywoodirect) × Meanwhile, the plot of the 1963 movie Omicron is of an alien taking over the body of an earthling in order to learn about the planet and threatens the human race. Omicron is a 1963 Italian science fiction comedy film directed by Ugo Gregoretti. So, thankfully nothing about the pandemic that threatens the world. Bill Cosby slams “#MeToo mob” on wanting to overturn rape conviction BRICS Film Festival 2021: Dhanush wins Best Actor for 'Asuran' As for the coronavirus variant, the Omicron variant was first seen in the Republic of South Africa and Botswana. The variant was first detected in Belgium in Europe. Germany, Czechia, Netherlands, Israel, Australia, Italy are among other countries where the variant is seen.

Was Omicron brought by an alien? Here's what we know of films with same name

<p>With the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, creating a scare in the world, hit series ‘Scam 1992’ co-director Jai Mehta and team are busy shooting for their upcoming project in South Africa where the variant has been detected.</p>

<p>It has been learnt that Scam 1992 director Hansal Mehta and his son Jai have teamed up for a big-scale thriller series revolving around the Somalian Pirates for which they have been shooting in South Africa.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dhanush-wins-best-actor-for-asuran-at-brics-film-festival-432901" hreflang="en">BRICS Film Festival 2021: Dhanush wins Best Actor for 'Asuran'</a></p>

<p>The show has tentatively been named Pirates and will stream on Disney+ Hotstar. It will feature an ensemble cast of Rajat Kapoor, Deepak Tijori, Vivek Gomber, Chandan Roy Sanyal and Amruta Khanvilkar, among others. The cast and crew is currently shooting in Cape Town, South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-watch-83-trailer-ranveer-singh-brings-the-trophy-home-in-a-nostalgia-rich-film-432899" hreflang="en">Watch 83 trailer: Ranveer Singh brings the trophy home in a nostalgia-rich film</a></p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-miley-cyrus-and-pete-davidson-to-host-saturday-night-live-new-years-eve-special-432882" hreflang="en">Miley Cyrus and Pete Davidson to host Saturday Night Live New Year's Eve special</a></h2>

<p>The team is yet to shoot a large portion of the series and its said that they are currently in a bio bubble as they follow safety protocols to stay safe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, countries around the world are planning to impose stringent restrictions to restrict the spread of the new variant, Omicron.&nbsp;</p>


With the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, creating a scare in the world, hit series ‘Scam 1992’ co-director Jai Mehta and team are busy shooting for their upcoming project in South Africa where the variant has been detected.

With the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, creating a scare in the world, hit series ‘Scam 1992’ co-director Jai Mehta and team are busy shooting for their upcoming project in South Africa where the variant has been detected. It has been learnt that Scam 1992 director Hansal Mehta and his son Jai have teamed up for a big-scale thriller series revolving around the Somalian Pirates for which they have been shooting in South Africa. Also read: BRICS Film Festival 2021: Dhanush wins Best Actor for 'Asuran' The show has tentatively been named Pirates and will stream on Disney+ Hotstar. It will feature an ensemble cast of Rajat Kapoor, Deepak Tijori, Vivek Gomber, Chandan Roy Sanyal and Amruta Khanvilkar, among others. The cast and crew is currently shooting in Cape Town, South Africa. Watch 83 trailer: Ranveer Singh brings the trophy home in a nostalgia-rich film Miley Cyrus and Pete Davidson to host Saturday Night Live New Year's Eve special The team is yet to shoot a large portion of the series and its said that they are currently in a bio bubble as they follow safety protocols to stay safe. Meanwhile, countries around the world are planning to impose stringent restrictions to restrict the spread of the new variant, Omicron.

'Scam 1992' co-director shooting in South Africa amid Omicron variant scare

<p>World cricket is now functioning at a good pace with plenty of action across the globe. However, cricketing series might again get affected due to the new Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, pointed out by the World Health Organisation (WHO).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this regard, with the fast spread&nbsp;of the Omicron&nbsp;(B.1.1.529)&nbsp;variant of the Coronavirus in the African countries, the adverse impact is already being felt as the Netherlands-South Africa series got abandoned in the African nation. In addition, the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe has been cancelled. Hence, the onus has fallen on Team India's upcoming tour of South Africa, starting from mid-December.</p>

<p>For the unversed, Virat Kohli's Team India will travel to the African nation for an all-format tour, comprising three Tests, equal number of ODIs and four T20Is. Due to the threat of the new variant Omicron, there are talks that India's tour of SA might get affected, however, no such discussion has been held between the BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/omicron-will-lead-to-challenges-for-the-winter-olympics-china-432950"><strong>Omicron will 'lead to challenges' for the winter Olympics: China</strong></a></p>

<p>CSA acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki has revealed that the two boards are in discussion. Revealing their conversation with the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI, Moseki has said that the Indian board remains committed and is keen to continue with the tour. On the other hand, CSA also remains positive that the tour will go on as scheduled unless the situation&nbsp;gets completely out of grasp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition, the BCCI has stressed upon the fact that at the moment, there has been no advisory or travel ban from the Indian government with regards to touring South Africa. Hence, CSA is confident of making all the required bio-bubble arrangements for India's successful tour of SA.</p>

<p>As of now, the tour very much remains as per schedule. However, the final decision will be taken by both the boards in the coming days, depending on how the situation turns out globally in the near future. A final decision will be made after giving full consideration to players' safety and travel regulations.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kevin-pietersen-lauds-pm-modi-as-india-ready-to-help-african-nations-amid-omicron-scare-432914"><strong>Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare</strong></a></p>

<p>Team India is currently involved in a two-match Test versus WTC champions New Zealand at home. After the series ends, by December 7, the national side will get few days off before leaving for South Africa. At present, India's A team is involved in a two-match unofficial Test series versus SA A. The second Test got underway from Tuesday (November 30).</p>

<p><strong>India tour of South Africa schedule:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>First Test – Johannesburg (December 17-21)</p>

<p>Second Test – Centurion (December 26-30)</p>

<p>Third Test – Cape Town (January 3-7)</p>

<p>First ODI – Paarl (January 11)</p>

<p>Second ODI – Cape Town (January 14)</p>

<p>Third ODI – Cape Town (January 16)</p>

<p>First T20 International – Cape Town (January 19)</p>

<p>Second T20 International – Cape Town (January 21)</p>

<p>Third T20 International – Paarl (January 23)</p>

<p>Fourth T20 International – Paarl (January 26)</p>


World cricket is now functioning at a good pace with plenty of action across the globe. However, cricketing series might again get affected due to the new Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, pointed out by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

World cricket is now functioning at a good pace with plenty of action across the globe. However, cricketing series might again get affected due to the new Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, pointed out by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In this regard, with the fast spread of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the Coronavirus in the African countries, the adverse impact is already being felt as the Netherlands-South Africa series got abandoned in the African nation. In addition, the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe has been cancelled. Hence, the onus has fallen on Team India's upcoming tour of South Africa, starting from mid-December. For the unversed, Virat Kohli's Team India will travel to the African nation for an all-format tour, comprising three Tests, equal number of ODIs and four T20Is. Due to the threat of the new variant Omicron, there are talks that India's tour of SA might get affected, however, no such discussion has been held between the BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA). ALSO READ | Omicron will 'lead to challenges' for the winter Olympics: China CSA acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki has revealed that the two boards are in discussion. Revealing their conversation with the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI, Moseki has said that the Indian board remains committed and is keen to continue with the tour. On the other hand, CSA also remains positive that the tour will go on as scheduled unless the situation gets completely out of grasp. In addition, the BCCI has stressed upon the fact that at the moment, there has been no advisory or travel ban from the Indian government with regards to touring South Africa. Hence, CSA is confident of making all the required bio-bubble arrangements for India's successful tour of SA. As of now, the tour very much remains as per schedule. However, the final decision will be taken by both the boards in the coming days, depending on how the situation turns out globally in the near future. A final decision will be made after giving full consideration to players' safety and travel regulations. ALSO READ | Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare Team India is currently involved in a two-match Test versus WTC champions New Zealand at home. After the series ends, by December 7, the national side will get few days off before leaving for South Africa. At present, India's A team is involved in a two-match unofficial Test series versus SA A. The second Test got underway from Tuesday (November 30). India tour of South Africa schedule: First Test – Johannesburg (December 17-21) Second Test – Centurion (December 26-30) Third Test – Cape Town (January 3-7) First ODI – Paarl (January 11) Second ODI – Cape Town (January 14) Third ODI – Cape Town (January 16) First T20 International – Cape Town (January 19) Second T20 International – Cape Town (January 21) Third T20 International – Paarl (January 23) Fourth T20 International – Paarl (January 26)

Will India's tour of SA go ahead amid Omicron scare? BCCI and CSA in touch, monitoring situation closely

<p>China`s foreign ministry said on Tuesday the new Omicron COVID-19 variant will pose challenges for prevention and control, but it nonetheless believes the Winter Olympics will go smoothly. Beijing is set to host the Games from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kevin-pietersen-lauds-pm-modi-as-india-ready-to-help-african-nations-amid-omicron-scare-432914">Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare</a></strong></p>


China`s foreign ministry said on Tuesday the new Omicron COVID-19 variant will pose challenges for prevention and control, but it nonetheless believes the Winter Olympics will go smoothly.

China`s foreign ministry said on Tuesday the new Omicron COVID-19 variant will pose challenges for prevention and control, but it nonetheless believes the Winter Olympics will go smoothly. Beijing is set to host the Games from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20. ALSO READ | Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare

China claims Winter Olympics will go smoothly despite Omicron scare

<p>Scientists are hunting for links in the genes of people that might make them more susceptible to Omicron.</p>

<p>The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, says that even young, healthy people can succumb to the variant.</p>

<p>As scientists race to understand the consequences of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, one of the most important questions is whether this new version of the coronavirus can outrun the globally dominant Delta variant.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-do-we-know-about-the-omicron-variant-432780/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>According to Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine expert and professor of molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, ''We'll get a better handle on the severity of the illness within two weeks."</p>

<p>"We're hearing different reports,&nbsp;some saying it's a very mild disease and others (reporting) some severe cases in South African hospitals."</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/omicron-chaos-a-list-of-countries-that-have-reported-cases-of-new-variant-432677" hreflang="en">Omicron chaos: A list of countries that have reported cases of new variant</a></strong></p>

<p>Within a similar time frame, researchers said they expect early answers on whether Omicron can evade protection from vaccines. Initial data will come from lab tests of blood samples from vaccinated people or lab animals, analyzing antibodies in the samples after exposure to the new variant.</p>

<p>David Ho, professor of microbiology and immunology at Columbia University in New York, believes Omicron will show a substantial degree of resistance, based on the location of its mutations in the virus's spike protein.</p>

<p>"The vaccine antibodies target three regions on the coronavirus spike, and Omicron has mutations in all three of those regions," Ho said.</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/omicron-travel-chaos-countries-that-imposed-travel-curbs-over-new-covid-variant-432196">Omicron travel chaos: Countries that imposed travel curbs over new Covid variant</a></strong></p>

<p>"You can have people of the same age, same-sex and same health overall and they may still react very differently to an infection from SARS-Cov-2," says epidemiologist Seiamak Bahram.</p>

<p>"Some of the genes included in this signature could ultimately become therapeutic targets for severe forms of COVID-19 or acute respiratory distress syndrome," the study concluded.</p>

<p>The first real-world studies of vaccine effectiveness against Omicron in the community are likely to take at least three to four weeks, as experts study rates of so-called "breakthrough" infections in people who are already inoculated, said Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists are hunting for links in the genes of people that might make them more susceptible to Omicron. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, says that even young, healthy people can succumb to the variant.

Scientists are hunting for links in the genes of people that might make them more susceptible to Omicron. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, says that even young, healthy people can succumb to the variant. As scientists race to understand the consequences of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, one of the most important questions is whether this new version of the coronavirus can outrun the globally dominant Delta variant. According to Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine expert and professor of molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, ''We'll get a better handle on the severity of the illness within two weeks." "We're hearing different reports, some saying it's a very mild disease and others (reporting) some severe cases in South African hospitals." Also see | Omicron chaos: A list of countries that have reported cases of new variant Within a similar time frame, researchers said they expect early answers on whether Omicron can evade protection from vaccines. Initial data will come from lab tests of blood samples from vaccinated people or lab animals, analyzing antibodies in the samples after exposure to the new variant. David Ho, professor of microbiology and immunology at Columbia University in New York, believes Omicron will show a substantial degree of resistance, based on the location of its mutations in the virus's spike protein. "The vaccine antibodies target three regions on the coronavirus spike, and Omicron has mutations in all three of those regions," Ho said. Also see | Omicron travel chaos: Countries that imposed travel curbs over new Covid variant "You can have people of the same age, same-sex and same health overall and they may still react very differently to an infection from SARS-Cov-2," says epidemiologist Seiamak Bahram. "Some of the genes included in this signature could ultimately become therapeutic targets for severe forms of COVID-19 or acute respiratory distress syndrome," the study concluded. The first real-world studies of vaccine effectiveness against Omicron in the community are likely to take at least three to four weeks, as experts study rates of so-called "breakthrough" infections in people who are already inoculated, said Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota. (With inputs from agencies)

How will people's genes make them more susceptible to Omicron?

<p>Reports say at least six <strong>Omicron</strong> variant cases have been detected in Scotland taking the total number of new virus variant cases in the UK to nine.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We're taking action to prevent the spread of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OmicronVariant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OmicronVariant</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>.<br />
<br />
From 4am on Tuesday:<br />
<br />
➡️ face coverings will be compulsory in shops &amp; on public transport<br />
<br />
➡️ arrivals into the country will need to take a day two PCR test &amp; self isolate until negative test result</p>
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1465035072801751051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ministers from<strong> Scotland</strong> and Wales have reportedly written to PM Boris Johnson to impose tougher travel restrictions amid a rise in&nbsp;variant cases in the country.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-omicron-has-high-number-of-mutations-compared-to-delta-shows-first-image-432671">Also Read:&nbsp;Omicron has high number of mutations compared to Delta, shows first image</a></p>

<p>PM Boris Johnson had announced stricter rules for <strong>international travellers</strong> as people arriving in the&nbsp;country were directed to take a PCR test and self-isolate until a negative test result is issued. Also, all those who have come in contact with suspected Omicron cases are to self-isolate for at least ten days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;What do we know about the Omicron variant?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-do-we-know-about-the-omicron-variant-432780/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Johnson warned that "storm clouds" were gathering across Europe as the continent battles the virus as he urged citizens not to be complacent and take the <strong>booster shots</strong>. School kids have also been asked to wear masks in crowded areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccines-save-lives-but-does-not-fully-prevent-virus-transmission-who-chief-432747">Also Read:&nbsp;Vaccines save lives but does not fully prevent virus transmission, says&nbsp;WHO chief</a></p>

<p>Britain is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 143,000 COVID-19 <strong>fatalities</strong> and over 10 million cases. The country has been witnessing a surge in virus cases in the past month.</p>

<p>The Boris Johnson government has called a meeting of<strong> G7</strong> health ministers on Monday to discuss the response to the new virus variant.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the<strong> Australian government </strong>declared it won't reopen its borders on December 1 as two more Omicron variant cases were detected taking the number of variant cases in the country&nbsp;to five. The move is set to hit <strong>students</strong> and skilled workers who were set to enter the country after over 20 months.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/will-the-vaccines-stop-omicron-scientists-are-racing-to-find-out-432692">Also Read:&nbsp;Will the vaccines stop Omicron? Scientists are racing to find out.</a></p>

<p><strong>Morocco</strong> became the latest country to halt incoming passenger flights for two weeks to protect citizens after South Africa last week revealed&nbsp;it had detected the Omicron variant which had shown several mutations.</p>

<p>Several countries including the UK, France, the Netherlands and other countries moved to ban travellers from South Africa and other southern African countries. Another African country Rwanda also barred flights from nine countries in southern Africa.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


Reports say at least six Omicron variant cases have been detected in Scotland taking the total number of new virus variant cases in the UK to nine. We're taking action to prevent the spread of the #OmicronVariant of #COVID19.

Reports say at least six Omicron variant cases have been detected in Scotland taking the total number of new virus variant cases in the UK to nine. We're taking action to prevent the spread of the #OmicronVariant of #COVID19. From 4am on Tuesday: ➡️ face coverings will be compulsory in shops & on public transport ➡️ arrivals into the country will need to take a day two PCR test & self isolate until negative test result — Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) November 28, 2021 × Ministers from Scotland and Wales have reportedly written to PM Boris Johnson to impose tougher travel restrictions amid a rise in variant cases in the country. Also Read: Omicron has high number of mutations compared to Delta, shows first image PM Boris Johnson had announced stricter rules for international travellers as people arriving in the country were directed to take a PCR test and self-isolate until a negative test result is issued. Also, all those who have come in contact with suspected Omicron cases are to self-isolate for at least ten days. Watch: What do we know about the Omicron variant? Johnson warned that "storm clouds" were gathering across Europe as the continent battles the virus as he urged citizens not to be complacent and take the booster shots. School kids have also been asked to wear masks in crowded areas. Also Read: Vaccines save lives but does not fully prevent virus transmission, says WHO chief Britain is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 143,000 COVID-19 fatalities and over 10 million cases. The country has been witnessing a surge in virus cases in the past month. The Boris Johnson government has called a meeting of G7 health ministers on Monday to discuss the response to the new virus variant. Meanwhile, the Australian government declared it won't reopen its borders on December 1 as two more Omicron variant cases were detected taking the number of variant cases in the country to five. The move is set to hit students and skilled workers who were set to enter the country after over 20 months. Also Read: Will the vaccines stop Omicron? Scientists are racing to find out. Morocco became the latest country to halt incoming passenger flights for two weeks to protect citizens after South Africa last week revealed it had detected the Omicron variant which had shown several mutations. Several countries including the UK, France, the Netherlands and other countries moved to ban travellers from South Africa and other southern African countries. Another African country Rwanda also barred flights from nine countries in southern Africa. (With inputs from Agencies)

Scotland detects six Omicron variant cases as UK tightens restrictions