Several Chinese cities have been put under a strict lockdown as Beijing is struggling to contain the latest spark in the number of new Covid-19 infections.

China: Beijing under rigid lockdown amid a surge in COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 cases in Beijing have doubled. Schools have been forced to shut close amid a rapid rise in cases. Parks and museums have also been shut down.

COVID-19 cases in Beijing double, schools shut amid the rise in cases

Despite a rise in infections, China has eased its COVID policies triggering a rise in stocks and oil prices. Meanwhile, 5 million residents are under lockdown in Guangzhou. Neha Khanna brings you the details

WION Fineprint | China eases COVID restrictions

Amid the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases, China has decided to ease restrictions. The quarantine period for travellers has been shortened.

China eases COVID-19 restrictions: Quarantine period for travellers shortened

After appearing in Singapore for the first time, the Omicron sub-lineage XBB of COVID-19 has found its way to the Indian public. The virus strain is known for its highly contagious nature but an expert panel has observed that Indian patients have reported mild illness and no increase in severity, even after contracting it.

What are the experts saying about the highly transmissible XBB Covid variant?

The Omicron sub-variant BQ.1 has been detected in India. This comes just as India's festive season begins. What is this new variant? What can be done to tackle the continuing mutations of the COVID virus?

Gravitas: New COVID strain makes its way to India

United States has approved updated COVID-19 booster shots which specifically target the Omicron variant in children under the age of 18 years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Wednesday that it has authorised one shot from Pfizer-BioNTech and one from Moderna.

United States approves COVID-19 Omicron vaccine for children as young as 5

Now the US state of New York has dropped its mask requirements on public transportation. However, masks are still required in adult care and health care facilities. NY governor said that booster jobs are effective against Omicron.

New York state drops mask mandate; residents encouraged to take booster

In an effort to stop a new wave of dreaded illnesses this winter, US officials on Wednesday approved enhanced Covid-19 immunizations made by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech that specifically target the most recent strains of the Omicron form.

US approves Moderna and Pfizer shots targeting omicron variant of Covid

Moderna has come up with a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose tailored specifically for the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron and the company is currently waiting for authorisation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

Moderna seeks FDA approval for booster shot aimed at Omicron BA.4, BA.5

The United Kingdom has become the first nation to approve a booster dose against COVID-19 that targets both the original virus and mutated Omicron variant.

UK first country to approve booster dose that targets both Omicron & original virus

The Chinese authorities imposed a lockdown in Hainan province’s southern beach holiday city of Sanya on Saturday and shut its public transport system as a preventive measure against COVID-19 outbreak during its peak tourist season.

Chinese beach holiday city imposes lockdown as Covid cases spike

Nearly a million people have been placed under a covid lockdown in the suburb of Wuhan in China. The government has asked residents to stay inside their homes for three days.

Millions put under lockdown again in China; residents told to quarantine for 3 days

A new study, that is yet to be certified by peer review, has shown that a piece of experimental chewing gum can reduce Omicron particles in saliva. According to the study, the gum "traps" SARS-CoV-2 particles in saliva and holds promise for curbing the transmission of new variants of the virus.

Study shows experimental chewing gum reduces Omicron particles in saliva

China is witnessing a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant. Despite taking a toll on the local economy, authorities are sticking to the 'Zero-COVID policy'.

China: Omicron variant driving fresh COVID-19 outbreaks

The world is reporting a fresh surge in COVID-19 outbreaks driven by the Omicron variant. China has recorded 450 local infections in a day. Meanwhile, Macao has decided to keep its casinos shut till Friday.

Omicron variant driving fresh COVID-19 outbreaks worldwide

A more contagious subvariant of COVID-19’s Omicron, BA.2.75 variant —nicknamed “Centaurus”—has now emerged in The Netherlands, alarming experts who are concerned over the strain’s rapid spread.

Netherlands detects first case of ‘more contagious’ Centaurus Covid subvariant

The United States has relaxed most of the Covid-19 restrictions in many parts for a long time. But since then, the Covid-19 cases have also started to increase. It is feared that the US is moving towards its second-largest wave, which may have already begun.

Is America heading towards its second-largest Covid-19 wave?

Australia on Thursday (July 7) announced that starting this week it would increase the roll out of the fourth Covid vaccine as it fights a persistent rise in hospital admissions fuelled by the highly contagious new Omicron subvariants BA.

COVID-19: Australia to offer fourth shot amid new Omicron variants threat

Australia is witnessing a spurt in Covid hospital admissions since February, putting a massive strain on the country’s healthcare system. This new wave of Covid cases is being primarily driven by the highly transmissible BA.

Omicron subvariants driving fresh Covid wave in Australia

After a fresh amount of COVID-19 infections that have been reported in China, tens of millions of people have now been put under a lockdown yet again as authorities are trying to curb the spread of the virus.

New Omicron variant found in China, Shanghai carries out new rounds of covid-19 testing

China on Tuesday (June 28) has reduced the period of mandatory quarantine for inbound travellers. The country has banked on a strict zero coronavirus (COVID-19) policy throughout the pandemic to minimise the spread of the virus.

Travelling to China? Quarantine time for international travellers slashed - latest updates

Pfizer and BioNTech said that the updated version of their COVID-19 vaccine has shown a higher immune response against the Omicron variant. According to the statement, which was released on Saturday, the booster shot which was modified specifically to combat the variant has been showing better results.

Pfizer says updated COVID-19 shots boost protection against Omicron

India is witnessing a surge in covid-19 cases. According to the government's data released today, the country recorded over 13,000 new infections in the last 24 hours.

India witnesses surge in covid cases, positivity rate stands at 2.73%

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