Different strains of Covid continue to hit different parts of the world, debates are being held on whether vaccines are effective against the omicron variant let us take a quick look at what's happening in the fight against covid-19 worldwide.

Oxford Study: AstraZeneca booster shots are effective agianst Omicron

Virus concerns have gripped china as it is said to host the 2022 winter Olympics, and now dozens of officials have been punished in the lockdown city of Xi'an in China.

A day after locking down 13 million people of Xi'an city, China punishes dozens of officials

Amid the rising fear of Covid new variant Omicron, Sundance Film Festival has updated the covid-19 restrictions for its 2022 event.&nbsp; 
 
However, now the event, which will see all in-person attendees&nbsp;will require vaccination as well as boosters,&nbsp;if eligible, for all guests of the festival. 
The upcoming festival will be a hybrid event that has “flexibility for attendees to participate in-person and/or online.” 
 
“The health safety of our community is paramount,” Sundance organizers said in a press release. The film festival will run from Jan. 20 through 30.&nbsp; 
The previous requirement stated that attendees would have to be fully vaccinated with either a two-dose series of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/spider-man-no-way-home-is-the-highest-grossing-hollywood-movie-of-the-year-439509" hreflang="en">'Spider-Man: No Way Home' is the highest-grossing Hollywood movie of the year</a> 
 
As per the rules, all the attendees will have to show their vaccine status on-site at Vaccine Verification and Testing Hub. Once shown, the participant will be provided with a wristband that will need to be worn at all times at the festival. 
 
The festival will be providing free testing for both workers and attendees for the event. “We ask everyone to be vigilant about hand sanitizing, test often, and when outside of Festival-operated spaces to social distance when unmasked,” the site reads, “We will continue to monitor the general levels of community transmission and local COVID-19 vaccination coverage in our in-person communities, working to maximize their health safety and adjust any plans as needed for the safety of our community. Any further policy updates will be shared in early January.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sex-and-the-city-actor-chris-noth-accused-of-groping-by-fourth-woman-439452" hreflang="en">'Sex and the City' actor Chris Noth accused of groping by fourth woman</a>

Other new protocols include limited capacity in movie screenings. Masks will be required in all screenings, and eating and drinking will no longer be allowed inside the cinema halls.&nbsp;

Amid the rising fear of Covid new variant Omicron, Sundance Film Festival has updated the covid-19 restrictions for its 2022 event. However, now the event, which will see all in-person attendees will require vaccination as well as boosters, if eligible, for all guests of the festival.

Amid the rising fear of Covid new variant Omicron, Sundance Film Festival has updated the covid-19 restrictions for its 2022 event. However, now the event, which will see all in-person attendees will require vaccination as well as boosters, if eligible, for all guests of the festival. The upcoming festival will be a hybrid event that has “flexibility for attendees to participate in-person and/or online.” “The health safety of our community is paramount,” Sundance organizers said in a press release. The film festival will run from Jan. 20 through 30. The previous requirement stated that attendees would have to be fully vaccinated with either a two-dose series of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' is the highest-grossing Hollywood movie of the year As per the rules, all the attendees will have to show their vaccine status on-site at Vaccine Verification and Testing Hub. Once shown, the participant will be provided with a wristband that will need to be worn at all times at the festival. The festival will be providing free testing for both workers and attendees for the event. “We ask everyone to be vigilant about hand sanitizing, test often, and when outside of Festival-operated spaces to social distance when unmasked,” the site reads, “We will continue to monitor the general levels of community transmission and local COVID-19 vaccination coverage in our in-person communities, working to maximize their health safety and adjust any plans as needed for the safety of our community. Any further policy updates will be shared in early January.” 'Sex and the City' actor Chris Noth accused of groping by fourth woman Other new protocols include limited capacity in movie screenings. Masks will be required in all screenings, and eating and drinking will no longer be allowed inside the cinema halls.

Sundance Film Festival expands covid-19 protocols amid Omicron scare

Mary Kesterson, 67, was strolling maskless through Houston’s teeming Galleria mall this week, among a sea of shoppers hunting for last-minute gifts.

She was aware of the mounting anxiety across the country over the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus, and as an older American, she was a member of a group at heightened risk from the virus. But she saw no reason to do anything but forge ahead with her Christmas plans.

“I’m not worried about it,” Kesterson said. “I’m just going along with my life. We’re all vaccinated, everyone in the family.”

For the second year in a row, Americans have hurtled into the holiday season under a cloud of escalating coronavirus cases, forced again to decide whether to carry on or cancel celebrations that had, only weeks ago, appeared so promising and so certain.

Such calculations are particularly fraught for older Americans. They are a highly vaccinated group in the United States — 88 per cent of them are fully vaccinated, well above the national average of 62 per cent. But they have also been the most vulnerable to the pandemic since the beginning and more likely to get seriously ill and die from the virus: Seventy-five percent of people who have died of COVID in the United States — about 600,000 of the more than 800,000 who have perished — have been 65 or older.

In rural towns in Maine and Oregon and in urban centers in Texas and New York, holiday plans have been upended for many older Americans. Travel itineraries canceled. Gatherings postponed.

“I feel that time is more precious because of my age and because of my health,” said Susan West, 68, who lives in Lake Ariel, in northeastern Pennsylvania, and has multiple sclerosis. “I don’t have more time in front of me — I have more time behind me. So that is getting irritating, knowing that I’m losing time for social gatherings.”

West and her husband are skipping their usual Christmas Eve gathering of extended family in New York City this year, opting for a smaller celebration at home.

For others, the steady rise in cases has not dampened their resolve to be together with family, or do the things they have always done at the holidays.

“I am not extremely worried other than trying to wear a mask when I go to stores and go out,” said Alice Broughton, 80, an artist in Basehor, Kansas. “I don’t really want to stop my life. When you’re 80, how many years do you have left, you know? You don’t want to stop doing the things that are most important to you.”

Researchers are still unsure how severe the effects of the omicron variant will be, weeks after the variant was identified in southern Africa. Three separate studies, in which researchers looked at populations in South Africa, Scotland and England, suggest that, more often than previous variants, omicron results in mild illness and is less likely to put people in hospitals.

But for older Americans in particular, the uncertainty has been enough to cause worry.

Just before the omicron variant began to spread, Barbara Karagosian, of Agoura Hills, California, was beginning to feel safe — or “safe-ish,” she said.

That sense of relief from the pandemic danger was then replaced by a sinking feeling, even though she and her husband — both in their 70s — are vaccinated and boosted.

“I feel a sense of dread if I get it because I’m older,” Karagosian said. “I have some mild lung issues. Am I doomed if I get it?”

Across the country, cases of the coronavirus are rising sharply, with three-quarters of new infections from the omicron variant. In New York, lines for testing have again stretched down city blocks, and in other cities, shelves have been picked clean of at-home tests.

President Joe Biden this week said the federal government would buy 500 million tests that could be sent to people at their homes for free, although they would not be available until January.

Public health experts have urged Americans of all ages to take the kinds of precautions that have become familiar through the pandemic: vaccination, masks, distancing, outdoor gathering when possible, testing before indoor gatherings.

“None of these are perfect, but if you layer those on, then that gives the best protection,” said Dr. Philip Huang, director of the health department for Dallas County in Texas. “The good thing is that our 65-and-older population had great vaccination success and are getting the boosters also.” Still, he said, “they may not be as protected by the vaccine as a younger person.”

What to do about the holidays is a top question for doctors who treat those 65 or older. Dr. Angela Catic, a gerontologist and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, said her patients have been increasingly concerned.

“The main question we are getting is ‘What can I do to avoid getting this?’” she said. “The other question that I get is that ‘My grandchild just tested positive; what does that mean about the holidays?’ And unfortunately, the answer is that you don’t want to spend the holidays with them.”

Catic faced a version of that situation herself at home in Houston, where she lives with her parents and her husband’s parents — all in their mid-70s — after the couple’s 9-year-old daughter tested positive Sunday. “She was symptomatic and she was with them. We tested immediately,” Catic said. “If we did not live with them, would we be canceling plans, absolutely.”

For Frank Jackson, former mayor of Prairie View, Texas, a small town outside of Houston, planning for Christmas has been focused on minimizing risk because of the omicron variant.

Jackson, 70, said he still planned to deliver bags of gifts to dozens of families on Christmas Eve, albeit with some changes: Santa would be seated on top of a firetruck, said Jackson, who is also the fire marshal, and he would have helpers on the ground to walk gifts to porches, in order to keep a safe distance.

As for his usual Christmas party, that is off. “Only immediate family that are fully boosted are invited for lunch on Christmas Day,” Jackson said.

Wesley Boots, 77, a retired schoolteacher, said he still planned to see his son’s family for the holidays since they live just next door in New Stanton, Pennsylvania. And the omicron surge would not force him to put off plans to fly to a second home in New Mexico in January, although he did say he would be making some changes out of caution.

“In the past, I’ve often taken very circuitous routes to save a few bucks,” he said. “But this time, I’m ticketed for a flight that has only one change.”

By contrast, Carmen Scott, 67, said she and her husband would usually go to Florida to see one relative or to Houston to see others, but this year, they would be doing “absolutely nothing.” Instead, she planned to cook for people in her town of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, who did not have anyone to do it for them on Christmas. “Food is love,” she said.

But Scott said she would not give up her Christmas tradition: seeing a movie in the theater. She grew up poor as a child, she said, and the one time her family went to a movie was on Christmas.

“We will go to a movie. 100 per cent,” she said. “If I don’t go to a Christmas movie, it is not Christmas for me.”

Mary Kesterson, 67, was strolling maskless through Houston’s teeming Galleria mall this week, among a sea of shoppers hunting for last-minute gifts. She was aware of the mounting anxiety across the country over the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus, and as an older American, she was a member of a group at heightened risk from the virus.

Mary Kesterson, 67, was strolling maskless through Houston’s teeming Galleria mall this week, among a sea of shoppers hunting for last-minute gifts. She was aware of the mounting anxiety across the country over the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus, and as an older American, she was a member of a group at heightened risk from the virus. But she saw no reason to do anything but forge ahead with her Christmas plans. “I’m not worried about it,” Kesterson said. “I’m just going along with my life. We’re all vaccinated, everyone in the family.” For the second year in a row, Americans have hurtled into the holiday season under a cloud of escalating coronavirus cases, forced again to decide whether to carry on or cancel celebrations that had, only weeks ago, appeared so promising and so certain. Such calculations are particularly fraught for older Americans. They are a highly vaccinated group in the United States — 88 per cent of them are fully vaccinated, well above the national average of 62 per cent. But they have also been the most vulnerable to the pandemic since the beginning and more likely to get seriously ill and die from the virus: Seventy-five percent of people who have died of COVID in the United States — about 600,000 of the more than 800,000 who have perished — have been 65 or older. In rural towns in Maine and Oregon and in urban centers in Texas and New York, holiday plans have been upended for many older Americans. Travel itineraries canceled. Gatherings postponed. “I feel that time is more precious because of my age and because of my health,” said Susan West, 68, who lives in Lake Ariel, in northeastern Pennsylvania, and has multiple sclerosis. “I don’t have more time in front of me — I have more time behind me. So that is getting irritating, knowing that I’m losing time for social gatherings.” West and her husband are skipping their usual Christmas Eve gathering of extended family in New York City this year, opting for a smaller celebration at home. For others, the steady rise in cases has not dampened their resolve to be together with family, or do the things they have always done at the holidays. “I am not extremely worried other than trying to wear a mask when I go to stores and go out,” said Alice Broughton, 80, an artist in Basehor, Kansas. “I don’t really want to stop my life. When you’re 80, how many years do you have left, you know? You don’t want to stop doing the things that are most important to you.” Researchers are still unsure how severe the effects of the omicron variant will be, weeks after the variant was identified in southern Africa. Three separate studies, in which researchers looked at populations in South Africa, Scotland and England, suggest that, more often than previous variants, omicron results in mild illness and is less likely to put people in hospitals. But for older Americans in particular, the uncertainty has been enough to cause worry. Just before the omicron variant began to spread, Barbara Karagosian, of Agoura Hills, California, was beginning to feel safe — or “safe-ish,” she said. That sense of relief from the pandemic danger was then replaced by a sinking feeling, even though she and her husband — both in their 70s — are vaccinated and boosted. “I feel a sense of dread if I get it because I’m older,” Karagosian said. “I have some mild lung issues. Am I doomed if I get it?” Across the country, cases of the coronavirus are rising sharply, with three-quarters of new infections from the omicron variant. In New York, lines for testing have again stretched down city blocks, and in other cities, shelves have been picked clean of at-home tests. President Joe Biden this week said the federal government would buy 500 million tests that could be sent to people at their homes for free, although they would not be available until January. Public health experts have urged Americans of all ages to take the kinds of precautions that have become familiar through the pandemic: vaccination, masks, distancing, outdoor gathering when possible, testing before indoor gatherings. “None of these are perfect, but if you layer those on, then that gives the best protection,” said Dr. Philip Huang, director of the health department for Dallas County in Texas. “The good thing is that our 65-and-older population had great vaccination success and are getting the boosters also.” Still, he said, “they may not be as protected by the vaccine as a younger person.” What to do about the holidays is a top question for doctors who treat those 65 or older. Dr. Angela Catic, a gerontologist and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, said her patients have been increasingly concerned. “The main question we are getting is ‘What can I do to avoid getting this?’” she said. “The other question that I get is that ‘My grandchild just tested positive; what does that mean about the holidays?’ And unfortunately, the answer is that you don’t want to spend the holidays with them.” Catic faced a version of that situation herself at home in Houston, where she lives with her parents and her husband’s parents — all in their mid-70s — after the couple’s 9-year-old daughter tested positive Sunday. “She was symptomatic and she was with them. We tested immediately,” Catic said. “If we did not live with them, would we be canceling plans, absolutely.” For Frank Jackson, former mayor of Prairie View, Texas, a small town outside of Houston, planning for Christmas has been focused on minimizing risk because of the omicron variant. Jackson, 70, said he still planned to deliver bags of gifts to dozens of families on Christmas Eve, albeit with some changes: Santa would be seated on top of a firetruck, said Jackson, who is also the fire marshal, and he would have helpers on the ground to walk gifts to porches, in order to keep a safe distance. As for his usual Christmas party, that is off. “Only immediate family that are fully boosted are invited for lunch on Christmas Day,” Jackson said. Wesley Boots, 77, a retired schoolteacher, said he still planned to see his son’s family for the holidays since they live just next door in New Stanton, Pennsylvania. And the omicron surge would not force him to put off plans to fly to a second home in New Mexico in January, although he did say he would be making some changes out of caution. “In the past, I’ve often taken very circuitous routes to save a few bucks,” he said. “But this time, I’m ticketed for a flight that has only one change.” By contrast, Carmen Scott, 67, said she and her husband would usually go to Florida to see one relative or to Houston to see others, but this year, they would be doing “absolutely nothing.” Instead, she planned to cook for people in her town of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, who did not have anyone to do it for them on Christmas. “Food is love,” she said. But Scott said she would not give up her Christmas tradition: seeing a movie in the theater. She grew up poor as a child, she said, and the one time her family went to a movie was on Christmas. “We will go to a movie. 100 per cent,” she said. “If I don’t go to a Christmas movie, it is not Christmas for me.”

For seniors, the season brings worry and resolve

Hugging is fast becoming a forgotten concept in the UK due to the fear of coronavirus, a survey has revealed recently. <o:p></o:p>

As per a survey conducted by YouGov and PA news agency, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, nearly 70 per cent people are to shy away from shaking hands with someone who does not live in the same house as them.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delmicron-new-variant-behind-surge-in-covid-19-cases-in-us-europe-439469">'Delmicron': New variant behind surge in COVID-19 cases in US, Europe?</a></o:p>

It has been revealed that nearly two-thirds of people&nbsp;do not want to shake hands with anyone who do not live with them as they fear that the deadly coronavirus may spread this way.<o:p></o:p>

In another independent study it was observed that more than a third of adults are now experiencing high levels of anxiety amid the rising fear of Omicron variant’s spread. As per the data collected by Office for National Statistics (ONS), at least 38 per cent adults are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety.<o:p></o:p>

This figure has seen an increase from the last one, which was collected in January 2021. As per the experts, the levels have been increasing since the end of November, the time period when the new variant, Omicron, was identified in African nations and started spreading all around the world.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-cases-rise-in-united-kingdom-authorities-ramp-up-measures-to-curb-growing-outbreak-439496">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-cases-rise-in-united-kingdom-authorities-ramp-up-measures-to-curb-growing-outbreak-439496/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In addition to this, people have also admitted to increased use of hand sanitizer. Some people also claimed that they make it a point to wipe down trolleys or baskets in supermarket amid fears of community spread of the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

More than a third of interviewed people also reported that they prefer meeting people outdoors now, as experts have claimed that the possibility of catching the virus is more in indoor spaces.<o:p></o:p>

Also, out of 1,652 people in the UK, a third of people said they fear that coronavirus pandemic will never be effectively over in the country, whereas four per cent said it is already over and rest believe that it will eradicate within a year or two.

<o:p>(Inputs from agencies)</o:p>

Hugging is fast becoming a forgotten concept in the UK due to the fear of coronavirus, a survey has revealed recently. As per a survey conducted by YouGov and PA news agency, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, nearly 70 per cent people are to shy away from shaking hands with someone who does not live in the same house as them.

Hugging is fast becoming a forgotten concept in the UK due to the fear of coronavirus, a survey has revealed recently. As per a survey conducted by YouGov and PA news agency, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, nearly 70 per cent people are to shy away from shaking hands with someone who does not live in the same house as them. Also read | 'Delmicron': New variant behind surge in COVID-19 cases in US, Europe? It has been revealed that nearly two-thirds of people do not want to shake hands with anyone who do not live with them as they fear that the deadly coronavirus may spread this way. In another independent study it was observed that more than a third of adults are now experiencing high levels of anxiety amid the rising fear of Omicron variant’s spread. As per the data collected by Office for National Statistics (ONS), at least 38 per cent adults are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety. This figure has seen an increase from the last one, which was collected in January 2021. As per the experts, the levels have been increasing since the end of November, the time period when the new variant, Omicron, was identified in African nations and started spreading all around the world. WATCH | In addition to this, people have also admitted to increased use of hand sanitizer. Some people also claimed that they make it a point to wipe down trolleys or baskets in supermarket amid fears of community spread of the deadly coronavirus. More than a third of interviewed people also reported that they prefer meeting people outdoors now, as experts have claimed that the possibility of catching the virus is more in indoor spaces. Also, out of 1,652 people in the UK, a third of people said they fear that coronavirus pandemic will never be effectively over in the country, whereas four per cent said it is already over and rest believe that it will eradicate within a year or two. (Inputs from agencies)

Amid Omicron spread, hugging has decreased and anxiety has increased: Survey

Indian PM Narendra Modi chairs a COVID-19 review meeting over rising Omicron cases. PM also urged caution and asked states to ramp up Health facilities.

Indian PM Narendra Modi chairs COVID review meeting over rising Omicron cases in the country

As concerns over the Omicron variant has gripped the world, the UK has recorded over 1 lakh cases in a single day, the highest recorded number of the cases since the pandemic began.

Omicron cases continues to rise but hospitalization rate remains low

The highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to rage across Europe. Watch this report for more.

Omicron variant cases increase in Europe

The Omicron surge has triggered a debate on boosters. Should governments donate jabs instead of rolling out a third shot? How has the WHO's confused messaging muddled the booster debate? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: The Wests's boosters are extending the pandemic

Omicron variant may produce more infections than Delta, but the risk of hospitalisation is lesser by 40 to 45 per cent, two new studies from Britain have&nbsp;revealed.

The preliminary studies — one paper from Scotland and the other from England — that are&nbsp;yet to be peer reviewed stated that the Omicron variant was associated with milder symptoms and likely to cause less hospitalisation than Delta.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, Jim McMenamin, director at Public Health Scotland and co-author, called the research “qualified good news.”

“Qualified because these are early observations, they are statistically significant, and we are showing a reduced risk of hospitalisations,” AFP quoted McMenamin as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-panic-due-to-the-rapid-surge-of-omicron-us-stores-put-limits-on-at-home-covid-test-purchase-439154">Amid panic due to the rapid surge of Omicron, US stores put limits on at-home Covid test purchase</a>

The <a href="https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/severity-of-omicron-variant-of-concern-and-vaccine-effectiveness-">Scottish paper</a> examined Covid cases reported in November and December and compared the infections caused by Delta against Omicron.

The study also found that a booster dose would provide&nbsp;significant additional protection against symptomatic infection.

The study was small and there were no people under 60 hospitalised at the time, but the authors said they had adjusted for these limitations using statistical methods.

The second paper from Imperial College London had similar findings, suggesting that there was a 20 to 25 per cent reduction in hospitalisation for Omicron compared to Delta, and a 40 to 45 per cent reduction in hospitalisations lasting one night or longer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-alert-uk-records-over-100000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-439145">Omicron alert: UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours</a>

The <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mrc-global-infectious-disease-analysis/covid-19/report-50-severity-omicron/">London study,</a> which included 56,000 omicron cases and 269,000 delta cases, also called for a booster dose for additional protection against the Omicron.

Azra Ghani of the Imperial College London, who co-authored the study, said in a statement, “Whilst the reduced risk of hospitalisation with the Omicron variant is reassuring, the risk of infection remains extremely high.”

“With the addition of the booster dose, vaccines continue to offer the best protection against infection and hospitalisation.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant may produce more infections than Delta, but the risk of hospitalisation is lesser by 40 to 45 per cent, two new studies from Britain have revealed.

Omicron variant may produce more infections than Delta, but the risk of hospitalisation is lesser by 40 to 45 per cent, two new studies from Britain have revealed. The preliminary studies — one paper from Scotland and the other from England — that are yet to be peer reviewed stated that the Omicron variant was associated with milder symptoms and likely to cause less hospitalisation than Delta. During a media briefing on Wednesday, Jim McMenamin, director at Public Health Scotland and co-author, called the research “qualified good news.” “Qualified because these are early observations, they are statistically significant, and we are showing a reduced risk of hospitalisations,” AFP quoted McMenamin as saying. Also read | Amid panic due to the rapid surge of Omicron, US stores put limits on at-home Covid test purchase The Scottish paper examined Covid cases reported in November and December and compared the infections caused by Delta against Omicron. The study also found that a booster dose would provide significant additional protection against symptomatic infection. The study was small and there were no people under 60 hospitalised at the time, but the authors said they had adjusted for these limitations using statistical methods. The second paper from Imperial College London had similar findings, suggesting that there was a 20 to 25 per cent reduction in hospitalisation for Omicron compared to Delta, and a 40 to 45 per cent reduction in hospitalisations lasting one night or longer. Also read | Omicron alert: UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours The London study, which included 56,000 omicron cases and 269,000 delta cases, also called for a booster dose for additional protection against the Omicron. Azra Ghani of the Imperial College London, who co-authored the study, said in a statement, “Whilst the reduced risk of hospitalisation with the Omicron variant is reassuring, the risk of infection remains extremely high.” “With the addition of the booster dose, vaccines continue to offer the best protection against infection and hospitalisation.” (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies

The Governors Awards -- an annual gala where honorary Oscars are handed out -- became the latest glitzy Hollywood event postponed Wednesday, as fears grow of a surge in coronavirus cases fueled by the Omicron variant.

Actors Samuel L Jackson and Danny Glover, Norway's Liv Ullmann and actress-director Elaine May had been due to receive golden statuettes to honour their careers next month at an event that typically draws a who's who of Tinseltown.

"We have made the difficult decision to change our plans in hosting the Governors Awards in person&nbsp;on January 15," the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement.

"Given the uncertainties around the variants and the impact this could have on our community, we feel this is the best and safest decision for our honorees and guests." The Academy said, "rescheduled plans will come at a later date" for this season's Governors Awards. The main Oscars ceremony is still currently set to take place on March 27.

In recent months, Hollywood's annual film award season had kicked off with a return to the usual in-person premieres, galas and receptions. But several events have been scrapped or delayed in just the past few days.

On Wednesday, the starry Critics Choice Awards gala was also postponed from its early January slot. "We are currently working diligently to find a new date during the upcoming awards season in which to host our annual gala in-person with everyone's safety and health remaining our top priority," said the Critics Choice Association in a statement.

Others to delay or cancel included a red-carpet event for the new Star Wars series 'The Book of Boba Fett,'&nbsp;the Palm Springs International Film Festival gala, the annual BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party and a premiere for Peter Dinklage musical 'Cyrano.'

California currently boasts the lowest positivity rate of any US state at 3.3 per cent, and continues "to lead the nation in terms of administered doses of vaccine," Governor Gavin Newsom said Wednesday.

But California has still "seen a significant increase in the number of identified cases of Covid" in the past week, he warned.

Data suggests Omicron has become the main variant for new cases in the state. While A-list film events are disappearing, movie theatres are enjoying a rare spell of positive news, with 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'&nbsp;obliterating box office records.

The superhero film took in $260 million at domestic theatres on its first weekend. No other film opening during the pandemic had previously reached $100 million.

The Governors Awards -- an annual gala where honorary Oscars are handed out -- became the latest glitzy Hollywood event postponed Wednesday, as fears grow of a surge in coronavirus cases fueled by the Omicron variant.

The Governors Awards -- an annual gala where honorary Oscars are handed out -- became the latest glitzy Hollywood event postponed Wednesday, as fears grow of a surge in coronavirus cases fueled by the Omicron variant. Actors Samuel L Jackson and Danny Glover, Norway's Liv Ullmann and actress-director Elaine May had been due to receive golden statuettes to honour their careers next month at an event that typically draws a who's who of Tinseltown. "We have made the difficult decision to change our plans in hosting the Governors Awards in person on January 15," the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement. "Given the uncertainties around the variants and the impact this could have on our community, we feel this is the best and safest decision for our honorees and guests." The Academy said, "rescheduled plans will come at a later date" for this season's Governors Awards. The main Oscars ceremony is still currently set to take place on March 27. In recent months, Hollywood's annual film award season had kicked off with a return to the usual in-person premieres, galas and receptions. But several events have been scrapped or delayed in just the past few days. On Wednesday, the starry Critics Choice Awards gala was also postponed from its early January slot. "We are currently working diligently to find a new date during the upcoming awards season in which to host our annual gala in-person with everyone's safety and health remaining our top priority," said the Critics Choice Association in a statement. Others to delay or cancel included a red-carpet event for the new Star Wars series 'The Book of Boba Fett,' the Palm Springs International Film Festival gala, the annual BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party and a premiere for Peter Dinklage musical 'Cyrano.' California currently boasts the lowest positivity rate of any US state at 3.3 per cent, and continues "to lead the nation in terms of administered doses of vaccine," Governor Gavin Newsom said Wednesday. But California has still "seen a significant increase in the number of identified cases of Covid" in the past week, he warned. Data suggests Omicron has become the main variant for new cases in the state. While A-list film events are disappearing, movie theatres are enjoying a rare spell of positive news, with 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' obliterating box office records. The superhero film took in $260 million at domestic theatres on its first weekend. No other film opening during the pandemic had previously reached $100 million.

Honorary Oscars gala delayed as Hollywood braces for Omicron

Despite the Omicron scare, Indian politicians are campaigning in full swing. From packed political rallies to roadshows, it's like the virus curbs do not apply to them. Palki Sharma tells you why everything except election rallies have changed in this pandemic.

Gravitas: Politicians shrug off Omicron scare

Coronavirus cases are surging across the world. Scientists and researchers across the world are still gathering more information on the new variant that was first detected in late November in South Africa.

Coronavirus cases surge across the world

A new study on the Omicron variant has now suggested that there is a reduced risk of hospitalisations and severe disease in people infected with the omicron strain as when compared to the people who were infected earlier with the delta variant.

Study suggests Omicron milder than Delta variant

Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases worldwide, countries are contemplating strict measures to curb the spread and so as Australia as some states are re-instating rules.&nbsp;

The Victorian government has expanded its face mask mandate across all indoor settings as well as outdoors at major events.&nbsp;

James Merlino, who is Victoria's acting premier, has announced that masks will become mandatory for those eight years and above from 11.59pm (local time) Thursday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-astrazeneca-says-its-third-jab-significantly-boosts-omicron-antibodies-439290">COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies</a>

Merlino said, "This is a sensible response which will allow businesses to stay open, bars and restaurants to continue to stay open and major events to go ahead."

"Masks are a cheap and effective way to maintain the health of the community – it’s something public health experts have been calling for," he added.&nbsp;

Not just Victoria, New South Wales (NSW) also said it was again making it mandatory to wear masks indoors in public places, while venues were told to limit visitors and re-activate customer check-in via QR code.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-causes-40-45-less-hospitalisation-than-delta-variant-reveal-uk-studies-439162">Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies</a>

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet told reporters, "Today's changes are modest, cautious and take a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January."

It is important to note that Australia is reporting a major spike in Covid infections, however, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that there won't be lockdowns.&nbsp;

New South Wales listed 5,715 new cases Thursday, which was up from 3,763 a day earlier. Victoria recorded 2,005 new Covid cases and 10 deaths on Thursday.&nbsp;

COVID-19 situation in Australia

Hospitalisations remain far lower than during the Delta wave, with about 800 people in hospitals out of nearly 44,000 active cases. But only 37 of those are Omicron cases, the health department said in an emailed response as reported by Reuters.

Amid the Omicron wave, Australia's tally of 273,000 infections and 2,173 deaths is far lower than many countries.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Report: Booster shot effective against Omicron variant

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-booster-shot-effective-against-omicron-variant-covid-19-news-439317/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases worldwide, countries are contemplating strict measures to curb the spread and so as Australia as some states are re-instating rules.

Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases worldwide, countries are contemplating strict measures to curb the spread and so as Australia as some states are re-instating rules. The Victorian government has expanded its face mask mandate across all indoor settings as well as outdoors at major events. James Merlino, who is Victoria's acting premier, has announced that masks will become mandatory for those eight years and above from 11.59pm (local time) Thursday. ALSO READ | COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies Merlino said, "This is a sensible response which will allow businesses to stay open, bars and restaurants to continue to stay open and major events to go ahead." "Masks are a cheap and effective way to maintain the health of the community – it’s something public health experts have been calling for," he added. Not just Victoria, New South Wales (NSW) also said it was again making it mandatory to wear masks indoors in public places, while venues were told to limit visitors and re-activate customer check-in via QR code. ALSO READ | Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet told reporters, "Today's changes are modest, cautious and take a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January." It is important to note that Australia is reporting a major spike in Covid infections, however, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that there won't be lockdowns. New South Wales listed 5,715 new cases Thursday, which was up from 3,763 a day earlier. Victoria recorded 2,005 new Covid cases and 10 deaths on Thursday. COVID-19 situation in Australia Hospitalisations remain far lower than during the Delta wave, with about 800 people in hospitals out of nearly 44,000 active cases. But only 37 of those are Omicron cases, the health department said in an emailed response as reported by Reuters. Amid the Omicron wave, Australia's tally of 273,000 infections and 2,173 deaths is far lower than many countries. WATCH | Report: Booster shot effective against Omicron variant × (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Amid Omicron threat, Australian states reinstate curbs as cases rise

Even after a case of community spread infection from the Omicron variant was reported in Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno has said that the government is not considering any immediate change in current restrictions.

Even after a case of community spread infection from the Omicron variant was reported in Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno has said that the government is not considering any immediate change in current restrictions. As per reports by news agency Jiji, the government has started preparations to expand free testing to people who are not showing any symptoms. This is being done to prevent the Omicron variant from spreading. This comes a day after Health minister Shigeyuki Goto said that three infections of the Omicron variant in Osaka were cases of community transfer. The infection route, however, is not yet clear. Also read | Japan reports first case of community spread of Omicron "I believe this counts as a case of community transfer. I think this will become the first in Osaka prefecture and the first in the country," Yoshimura said. Omicron, which was detected in late November, has now spread to many parts of the world. Meanwhile, the Japanese government has told the US military to comply with coronavirus rules after US Marine corps camp Hansen in central Okinawa Prefecture were hit with multiple Covid cases. Matsuno told the US officials that in case of a violation, strict measures will be taken "including some form of punishment" while urging the US military to comply with "instructions on behavioural management". (With inputs from agencies)

Even after surge in Omicron cases, Japan rules out changes in existing curbs

The United States has authorised Pfizer's anti-covid pill for people aged 12 or above who are at high risk, it's called Paxlovid; the pill comprises of two types of tablets. WION's correspondent Susan Tehrani brings in more information.

Omicron cases rise in the United States, authorities approve anti-covid pill Paxlovid

As a result of the return to travel during the holiday season and the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, Americans were scrambling Wednesday to find at-home Covid diagnostic kits, causing multiple major distributors to restrict the number of kits available per customer.

The number of tests per person was limited starting Wednesday by both Amazon and vendors on its platform.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-is-just-beginning-and-americans-are-already-tired-439140" hreflang="en">Omicron is just beginning and Americans are already tired</a>

Pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens have set maximum kits per customer to six and four, respectively.

Walgreens made the decision after "incredible demand for at-home rapid testing" stretched its inventory, according to a company press release.

As part of its plan, the company said it will "work diligently" with suppliers to get more samples on its shelves, although some stores may be affected by the temporary shortage.

"We ask that our customers please show patience and understanding as together, we continue to navigate the evolving pandemic environment," said Walgreen President John Standley in the statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boosters-cannot-be-seen-as-a-ticket-to-go-ahead-says-who-chief-tedros-amid-omicron-threat-439113" hreflang="en">Boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead, says WHO chief Tedros amid Omicron threat</a>

The shortage of rapid at-home tests has forced Americans to line up across the nation -- sometimes for hours -- to get a test at a clinic or mobile testing site.

One centre near the capital, Washington said the number of tests it is performing daily has quadrupled in the last two weeks.

Health officials report that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is the principal coronavirus strain in the United States, contributing to 73.2 per cent of new cases in the week ending December 18.

Watch |&nbsp;'Maybe one of the few things he and I agree on,' Biden appreciates Trump on getting booster shot

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maybe-one-of-the-few-things-he-and-i-agree-on-biden-appreciates-trump-on-getting-booster-shot-439063/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden announced that the federal government would purchase 500 million rapid tests. However, these additional tests aren't expected to be available until January.

(With inputs from agencies)

As a result of the return to travel during the holiday season and the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, Americans were scrambling Wednesday to find at-home Covid diagnostic kits, causing multiple major distributors to restrict the number of kits available per customer.

As a result of the return to travel during the holiday season and the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, Americans were scrambling Wednesday to find at-home Covid diagnostic kits, causing multiple major distributors to restrict the number of kits available per customer. The number of tests per person was limited starting Wednesday by both Amazon and vendors on its platform. Also read | Omicron is just beginning and Americans are already tired Pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens have set maximum kits per customer to six and four, respectively. Walgreens made the decision after "incredible demand for at-home rapid testing" stretched its inventory, according to a company press release. As part of its plan, the company said it will "work diligently" with suppliers to get more samples on its shelves, although some stores may be affected by the temporary shortage. "We ask that our customers please show patience and understanding as together, we continue to navigate the evolving pandemic environment," said Walgreen President John Standley in the statement. Also read | Boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead, says WHO chief Tedros amid Omicron threat The shortage of rapid at-home tests has forced Americans to line up across the nation -- sometimes for hours -- to get a test at a clinic or mobile testing site. One centre near the capital, Washington said the number of tests it is performing daily has quadrupled in the last two weeks. Health officials report that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is the principal coronavirus strain in the United States, contributing to 73.2 per cent of new cases in the week ending December 18. Watch | 'Maybe one of the few things he and I agree on,' Biden appreciates Trump on getting booster shot Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden announced that the federal government would purchase 500 million rapid tests. However, these additional tests aren't expected to be available until January. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid panic due to the rapid surge of Omicron, US stores put limits on at-home Covid test purchase

The Omicron variant is gaining pace across India as well. The total number of confirmed omicron cases in India today stands at 269.

Indian PM Narendra Modi to hold review meeting over rising Omicron cases in the country

China has now imposed a partial lockdown in its northern city of Xi'an, ordering all 13 million residents to stay at home. According to reports, city officials have ordered all residents to remain at home unless they have a pressing reason to go out.

China locks down around 13 million people in Xi'an city amid rising COVID-19 cases

Amid growing concerns of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, countries are now ramping up efforts to launch booster shots for their citizens.

Report: Booster shot effective against Omicron variant | Covid-19 News

London's Imperial College has published research on the need for hospitalization for omicron cases. The study says the risk of hospitalization for omicron patients is 40 to 45 per cent lower than for patients with a delta variant.

UK Study: The risk of hospitalization for Omicron patients is 40-45% lower than the Delta variant

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has said that its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is effective against the Omicron variant, which is spreading fast across the world after it was first detected a month ago.&nbsp;

Citing a study, the British pharmaceutical giant said that a third, or "booster" dose of its Covid vaccine Vaxzevria lifted antibody levels "significantly" against the Omicron strain in a <a href="https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2021/vaxzevria-significantly-boosted-antibody-levels-against-omicron.html">laboratory study</a>.&nbsp;

"Vaxzevria significantly boosted levels of antibodies against the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.529) following a third dose booster," the company said in a statement citing a study which is yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-causes-40-45-less-hospitalisation-than-delta-variant-reveal-uk-studies-439162">Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies</a>

A part of the report, published by AstraZeneca on its website stated that neutralising antibody levels against Omicron following a third dose boost of Vaxzevria were broadly similar to levels achieved after two doses against the Delta variant.&nbsp;

The study analysed blood samples taken from individuals infected with Covid-19; those vaccinated with two doses plus a booster; and those who had reported previous Covid infection.

Investigators from the University of Oxford, which is the academic institution that helped AstraZeneca develop the vaccine last year, conducted the study.&nbsp;

Professor Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK and one of the study investigators, said: "It is very encouraging to see that current vaccines have the potential to protect against Omicron following a third dose booster. These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron."

WHO's warning over Omicron

Recently,&nbsp;the World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the world to pull together and make difficult decisions needed within the next year as he said that "2022 must be the year we end the pandemic."

He also said that it's better to cancel events "now and celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later" and urged the countries to avoid crowd gatherings as it would be a "perfect platform" for Omicron to spread.&nbsp;

"An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled," he said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;United Kingdom records 100,000 Coronavirus cases in single day

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-records-100000-coronavirus-cases-in-single-day-439270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has said that its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is effective against the Omicron variant, which is spreading fast across the world after it was first detected a month ago.

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has said that its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is effective against the Omicron variant, which is spreading fast across the world after it was first detected a month ago. Citing a study, the British pharmaceutical giant said that a third, or "booster" dose of its Covid vaccine Vaxzevria lifted antibody levels "significantly" against the Omicron strain in a laboratory study. "Vaxzevria significantly boosted levels of antibodies against the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.529) following a third dose booster," the company said in a statement citing a study which is yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. ALSO READ | Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies A part of the report, published by AstraZeneca on its website stated that neutralising antibody levels against Omicron following a third dose boost of Vaxzevria were broadly similar to levels achieved after two doses against the Delta variant. The study analysed blood samples taken from individuals infected with Covid-19; those vaccinated with two doses plus a booster; and those who had reported previous Covid infection. Investigators from the University of Oxford, which is the academic institution that helped AstraZeneca develop the vaccine last year, conducted the study. Professor Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK and one of the study investigators, said: "It is very encouraging to see that current vaccines have the potential to protect against Omicron following a third dose booster. These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron." WHO's warning over Omicron Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the world to pull together and make difficult decisions needed within the next year as he said that "2022 must be the year we end the pandemic." He also said that it's better to cancel events "now and celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later" and urged the countries to avoid crowd gatherings as it would be a "perfect platform" for Omicron to spread. "An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled," he said. WATCH | United Kingdom records 100,000 Coronavirus cases in single day × (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies

Covid-19 | UK records over 1 lakh Omicron cases

omicron

Omicron, News on Omicron, stories on Omicron, articles on Omicron, Omicron stories at Wion, Omicron news, Omicron latest news