With concerns over the omicron variant grips the world, The UK recorded over a hundred thousand cases in 24 hours, the highest number of cases since the pandemic began.

United Kingdom records 100,000 Coronavirus cases in single day

Total number of Omicron cases stands at 269 in India today. The cases of the virus are surging across the nation.

Omicron cases see spike in India

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 imposes partial lockdown of up to 13 million people in Xi'an amid rising COVID-19 cases

Covid-19 pandemic is not yet over. The world has been through a lot ever since the pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe in early 2020. Just when one and all thought that they were in control of the Covid-19 crisis, another variant has emerged out of nowhere, i.e. the Omicron variant. Thus, things are again going out of hand with rising cases and panic across the globe.

In India, the cases are rising at a some pace and things are expected to get worse by early February, with many speculating a third wave by then. Hence, once again many top political gatherings, big-ticket events and sporting tournaments can get affected due to the Omicron variant. In this regard, the IPL 2022 edition can also get severely dented and, hence, the BCCI is looking to discuss Plan B with all franchises and can go ahead with conducting the mega tournament in only three cities.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-virat-kohli-shadab-khan-names-star-indian-opener-and-david-warner-as-toughest-batter-to-bowl-at-439078">Not Virat Kohli! Shadab Khan names star Indian opener and David Warner as 'toughest batter to bowl' at</a>

As per a report in&nbsp;Cricbuzz, the BCCI is looking to call a meeting with franchise owners in January, 2022 where they can discuss and prepare an alternate strategy to conduct the 15th edition of the league. Though the primary objective remains to host the tournament across the country in the usual home-away format, the Omicron threat can cause severe problems.

As per the portal, the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI is eyeing to begin the 15th edition on April 02 next year in Chennai. However, if the situation worsens due to the Omicron scare, the board might contemplate organising&nbsp;the tournament in just one or two states.

"The meeting will be mainly introductory in nature with the BCCI on-boarding the owners of the two new teams - Lucknow and Ahmedabad. They are also exploring the idea of holding the whole tournament just in Mumbai and Pune or in the Gujarat cities of Ahmedabad, Baroda and Rajkot if the Covid/Omicron situation worsens.&nbsp;

"The owners will be apprised of the alternatives as well as things to look forward to in the mega auction," multiple franchise owners confirmed to&nbsp;Cricbuzz.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mega-auction-dates-finalised-to-take-place-in-bengaluru-on-february-12-and-13-report-439205">IPL 2022 mega auction dates finalised, to take place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13: Report</a>

As of now, the BCCI have called all the ten franchises and informed them about the dates of the mega auction, before IPL 2022 edition. The forthcoming auction proceedings is very likely to take place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru, although an official confirmation from the board is still awaited.&nbsp;

The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the IPL 2021 edition, which was the first-ever season to be held in two halves (in India and the UAE) due to second wave of Covid-19. On the other hand, IPL 2020 was taken entirely out of India and held in the UAE after months of delay following the Covid outbreak worldwide.

Covid-19 pandemic is not yet over. The world has been through a lot ever since the pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe in early 2020. Just when one and all thought that they were in control of the Covid-19 crisis, another variant has emerged out of nowhere, i.

Covid-19 pandemic is not yet over. The world has been through a lot ever since the pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe in early 2020. Just when one and all thought that they were in control of the Covid-19 crisis, another variant has emerged out of nowhere, i.e. the Omicron variant. Thus, things are again going out of hand with rising cases and panic across the globe. In India, the cases are rising at a some pace and things are expected to get worse by early February, with many speculating a third wave by then. Hence, once again many top political gatherings, big-ticket events and sporting tournaments can get affected due to the Omicron variant. In this regard, the IPL 2022 edition can also get severely dented and, hence, the BCCI is looking to discuss Plan B with all franchises and can go ahead with conducting the mega tournament in only three cities. ALSO READ | Not Virat Kohli! Shadab Khan names star Indian opener and David Warner as 'toughest batter to bowl' at As per a report in Cricbuzz, the BCCI is looking to call a meeting with franchise owners in January, 2022 where they can discuss and prepare an alternate strategy to conduct the 15th edition of the league. Though the primary objective remains to host the tournament across the country in the usual home-away format, the Omicron threat can cause severe problems. As per the portal, the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI is eyeing to begin the 15th edition on April 02 next year in Chennai. However, if the situation worsens due to the Omicron scare, the board might contemplate organising the tournament in just one or two states. "The meeting will be mainly introductory in nature with the BCCI on-boarding the owners of the two new teams - Lucknow and Ahmedabad. They are also exploring the idea of holding the whole tournament just in Mumbai and Pune or in the Gujarat cities of Ahmedabad, Baroda and Rajkot if the Covid/Omicron situation worsens. "The owners will be apprised of the alternatives as well as things to look forward to in the mega auction," multiple franchise owners confirmed to Cricbuzz. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 mega auction dates finalised, to take place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13: Report As of now, the BCCI have called all the ten franchises and informed them about the dates of the mega auction, before IPL 2022 edition. The forthcoming auction proceedings is very likely to take place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru, although an official confirmation from the board is still awaited. The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the IPL 2021 edition, which was the first-ever season to be held in two halves (in India and the UAE) due to second wave of Covid-19. On the other hand, IPL 2020 was taken entirely out of India and held in the UAE after months of delay following the Covid outbreak worldwide.

IPL 2022 in 3 cities? BCCI to discuss Plan B with all franchises as Omicron threat looms large in India

New study has reported that hospitalization cases lower in Omicron patients than Delta patients. 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.

London's imperial college publishes study on risk of hospitalizations for Omicron patients

Omicron: The UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases for the first time in the last 24 hours

New study says hospitalization cases lower in Omicron patients than Delta patients

The omicron variant has turned a season of joy into one of weariness and resentment amid a new coronavirus surge.

With days to go before Christmas, Americans are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Of reworking plans to adapt to the latest virus risks. Of searching for at-home tests and not finding them. Of wondering whether, after two years of avoiding COVID-19, or surviving it, or getting vaccinated and maybe even boosted, omicron is the variant they inevitably catch.

A sense of dread about omicron’s rapid spread — the fastest of any variant yet — has swept through the Northeast and Upper Midwest, which were already swamped with delta variant cases and hospitalizations. And unease has burgeoned even in states and territories like Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico that had moved past a terrible summer of delta and, until recently, experienced a relative virus lull.

“I’m mad,” said Mabel De Beunza, a publicist in her early 40s who spent 90 minutes at a drive-thru testing line in downtown Miami on Monday after experiencing cold symptoms. No matter what her test result, she has decided against seeing her mother, who is immunocompromised, on Christmas.

“We’ve done so much, and still have this,” said De Beunza, whose family is vaccinated and boosted. “It’s been such a rough year.”

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden took new action to combat the surge, pledging to deploy 1,000 military medical professionals to hospitals, open new testing and vaccination sites and distribute 500 million rapid tests to the public for free.

Some state officials have also imposed new vaccination and mask requirements.

“I know you’re tired,” Biden said from the White House. “I know you’re frustrated.”

He emphasized that the tools available to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID are much more plentiful now than they were in the earliest days of the pandemic.

“We should all be concerned about omicron but not panicked,” he said. “This is not March of 2020.”

Conversations with more than two dozen people across the country revealed that, more than panicked, Americans are simply exhausted by the emotional pandemic roller coaster and confused by mixed messages from experts and leaders about appropriate precautions.

Alyssa Dipirro, 30, was waiting in line for a COVID test in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday but had not been vaccinated. Earlier in the pandemic, she did not want to do so while pregnant, despite assurances from public health experts that the shots were safe for pregnant women.

Since then, she has not been reassured by reports of vaccinated people getting COVID infections, as is happening more frequently with omicron, even though the vaccines remain effective at warding off severe disease. “They still have to get tested if they get exposed,” she said. “So what’s the point of this?”

Florida, which long ago did away with almost all virus restrictions, is recording an average of 7,068 daily coronavirus cases, a 294% increase over the past two weeks, according to data compiled by The New York Times.

The rise was sudden and jarring after a couple of months of relative virus quiet that followed a delta surge that killed more than 22,000 Floridians, more than any previous virus wave, according to Jason L. Salemi, an epidemiologist at the University of South Florida.

But winter is Florida’s high season, drawing part-time residents and throngs of visitors. Some attendees reported testing positive for COVID this month after going to events related to the Art Basel Miami Beach fair.

On Tuesday, CDR Health, a contractor providing monoclonal antibody treatments at some state-run clinics, temporarily closed its sites in Miami-Dade, Broward, Lee and St. Lucie counties because of a lack of supply. The Florida Department of Health insisted that some sites closed for training but acknowledged that some appointments had to be rescheduled and that the state was trying to secure a resupply.

“All my friends in Miami have COVID right now,” Fabiana Vegas, 21, said Tuesday as she waited in line to get tested in Orlando. “I wanted to go to Miami this Christmas, and I can’t.”

Cases have also skyrocketed in Hawaii, with the state reporting a daily average that is 468% higher than it was two weeks ago, according to data from The Times.

Hilton R. Raethel, president of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, called the increase dramatic and blamed pandemic fatigue for the low rates of booster shots among residents. About 17% of fully vaccinated residents had received a booster as of Sunday, the second-lowest rate in the country.

“ ‘I’ve done so much for so long, I’m sort of reluctant to do any more,’ ” Raethel said, summarizing public sentiment.

Nowhere has there been a larger explosion of cases than in Puerto Rico, which has recorded a daily average of 1,098 — a 762% increase from two weeks ago, according to data from the Times. The island has reported more cases in the past seven days than any other week in the pandemic, prompting Gov. Pedro R. Pierluisi to authorize new restrictions, including requiring vaccinations and negative tests for large events.

Marisa Gómez Cuevas, 34, tested positive after going out to a bar in Old San Juan to meet friends that she had not seen in months. A few days later, she started getting calls from some of those friends, saying they felt sick. One ended up in a hospital.

She lost a gig she had with a theater production last week, and is scared to return to her waitressing job.

“I worry there will be another outbreak, and it will have to close again,” she said of the small family-owned restaurant where she works.

In other parts of the country that have been suffering from high caseloads for longer, restrictions have offered residents some peace of mind. Boston mandated proof of vaccines in restaurants and other indoor spaces Monday, giving some relief to Christopher Glionna, the managing partner at the Aquitaine Group, which owns several eateries in the city’s South End.

“It is good for business,” he said. “People want to get together.”

And many people said they intended to keep their holiday travel plans, regardless of the news about omicron. At a train station in Providence, Rhode Island, on Monday, Sheryl Leary, 51, and her husband, Sean Leary, 53, prepared to leave for New York. The Rockettes concert they had tickets for was canceled, but they were still on to see “Wicked” on Broadway. Both Learys are vaccinated.

“We don’t want to have COVID or give it to anyone,” Sheryl Leary said. But, her husband added, those concerns were not enough to scrap their trip.

“It’s part of life,” Sean Leary said of the virus. “What are you going to do, stay home?”

Still, in states that have not yet experienced the latest virus surge, some people are already on edge.

In Berkeley, California, Brian Edwards-Tiekert, 43, a public radio host, and his wife changed their COVID protocols this week after realizing how fast omicron was spreading.

“We’re not going to see anyone without testing,” he said. “And we’re upgrading from cloth masks to N95s or the equivalent.”

His wife ran out to pharmacies in search of at-home rapid tests and found only three — enough to use before a dinner Wednesday, but not to prepare for another social engagement Thursday.

The emotional whiplash inherent in all the worry and planning is draining, Edwards-Tiekert said, describing two tabs permanently open on his web browser: the California rain forecast and a COVID tracking dashboard.

“I guess I’m a little bit numbed at this point,” he said.

The omicron variant has turned a season of joy into one of weariness and resentment amid a new coronavirus surge. With days to go before Christmas, Americans are sick and tired of being sick and tired.

The omicron variant has turned a season of joy into one of weariness and resentment amid a new coronavirus surge. With days to go before Christmas, Americans are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Of reworking plans to adapt to the latest virus risks. Of searching for at-home tests and not finding them. Of wondering whether, after two years of avoiding COVID-19, or surviving it, or getting vaccinated and maybe even boosted, omicron is the variant they inevitably catch. A sense of dread about omicron’s rapid spread — the fastest of any variant yet — has swept through the Northeast and Upper Midwest, which were already swamped with delta variant cases and hospitalizations. And unease has burgeoned even in states and territories like Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico that had moved past a terrible summer of delta and, until recently, experienced a relative virus lull. “I’m mad,” said Mabel De Beunza, a publicist in her early 40s who spent 90 minutes at a drive-thru testing line in downtown Miami on Monday after experiencing cold symptoms. No matter what her test result, she has decided against seeing her mother, who is immunocompromised, on Christmas. “We’ve done so much, and still have this,” said De Beunza, whose family is vaccinated and boosted. “It’s been such a rough year.” On Tuesday, President Joe Biden took new action to combat the surge, pledging to deploy 1,000 military medical professionals to hospitals, open new testing and vaccination sites and distribute 500 million rapid tests to the public for free. Some state officials have also imposed new vaccination and mask requirements. “I know you’re tired,” Biden said from the White House. “I know you’re frustrated.” He emphasized that the tools available to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID are much more plentiful now than they were in the earliest days of the pandemic. “We should all be concerned about omicron but not panicked,” he said. “This is not March of 2020.” Conversations with more than two dozen people across the country revealed that, more than panicked, Americans are simply exhausted by the emotional pandemic roller coaster and confused by mixed messages from experts and leaders about appropriate precautions. Alyssa Dipirro, 30, was waiting in line for a COVID test in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday but had not been vaccinated. Earlier in the pandemic, she did not want to do so while pregnant, despite assurances from public health experts that the shots were safe for pregnant women. Since then, she has not been reassured by reports of vaccinated people getting COVID infections, as is happening more frequently with omicron, even though the vaccines remain effective at warding off severe disease. “They still have to get tested if they get exposed,” she said. “So what’s the point of this?” Florida, which long ago did away with almost all virus restrictions, is recording an average of 7,068 daily coronavirus cases, a 294% increase over the past two weeks, according to data compiled by The New York Times. The rise was sudden and jarring after a couple of months of relative virus quiet that followed a delta surge that killed more than 22,000 Floridians, more than any previous virus wave, according to Jason L. Salemi, an epidemiologist at the University of South Florida. But winter is Florida’s high season, drawing part-time residents and throngs of visitors. Some attendees reported testing positive for COVID this month after going to events related to the Art Basel Miami Beach fair. On Tuesday, CDR Health, a contractor providing monoclonal antibody treatments at some state-run clinics, temporarily closed its sites in Miami-Dade, Broward, Lee and St. Lucie counties because of a lack of supply. The Florida Department of Health insisted that some sites closed for training but acknowledged that some appointments had to be rescheduled and that the state was trying to secure a resupply. “All my friends in Miami have COVID right now,” Fabiana Vegas, 21, said Tuesday as she waited in line to get tested in Orlando. “I wanted to go to Miami this Christmas, and I can’t.” Cases have also skyrocketed in Hawaii, with the state reporting a daily average that is 468% higher than it was two weeks ago, according to data from The Times. Hilton R. Raethel, president of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, called the increase dramatic and blamed pandemic fatigue for the low rates of booster shots among residents. About 17% of fully vaccinated residents had received a booster as of Sunday, the second-lowest rate in the country. “ ‘I’ve done so much for so long, I’m sort of reluctant to do any more,’ ” Raethel said, summarizing public sentiment. Nowhere has there been a larger explosion of cases than in Puerto Rico, which has recorded a daily average of 1,098 — a 762% increase from two weeks ago, according to data from the Times. The island has reported more cases in the past seven days than any other week in the pandemic, prompting Gov. Pedro R. Pierluisi to authorize new restrictions, including requiring vaccinations and negative tests for large events. Marisa Gómez Cuevas, 34, tested positive after going out to a bar in Old San Juan to meet friends that she had not seen in months. A few days later, she started getting calls from some of those friends, saying they felt sick. One ended up in a hospital. She lost a gig she had with a theater production last week, and is scared to return to her waitressing job. “I worry there will be another outbreak, and it will have to close again,” she said of the small family-owned restaurant where she works. In other parts of the country that have been suffering from high caseloads for longer, restrictions have offered residents some peace of mind. Boston mandated proof of vaccines in restaurants and other indoor spaces Monday, giving some relief to Christopher Glionna, the managing partner at the Aquitaine Group, which owns several eateries in the city’s South End. “It is good for business,” he said. “People want to get together.” And many people said they intended to keep their holiday travel plans, regardless of the news about omicron. At a train station in Providence, Rhode Island, on Monday, Sheryl Leary, 51, and her husband, Sean Leary, 53, prepared to leave for New York. The Rockettes concert they had tickets for was canceled, but they were still on to see “Wicked” on Broadway. Both Learys are vaccinated. “We don’t want to have COVID or give it to anyone,” Sheryl Leary said. But, her husband added, those concerns were not enough to scrap their trip. “It’s part of life,” Sean Leary said of the virus. “What are you going to do, stay home?” Still, in states that have not yet experienced the latest virus surge, some people are already on edge. In Berkeley, California, Brian Edwards-Tiekert, 43, a public radio host, and his wife changed their COVID protocols this week after realizing how fast omicron was spreading. “We’re not going to see anyone without testing,” he said. “And we’re upgrading from cloth masks to N95s or the equivalent.” His wife ran out to pharmacies in search of at-home rapid tests and found only three — enough to use before a dinner Wednesday, but not to prepare for another social engagement Thursday. The emotional whiplash inherent in all the worry and planning is draining, Edwards-Tiekert said, describing two tabs permanently open on his web browser: the California rain forecast and a COVID tracking dashboard. “I guess I’m a little bit numbed at this point,” he said.

Omicron is just beginning and Americans are already tired

Throughout the world, the Omicron variant of Coronavirus has been spreading at an alarming rate. According to WHO, the variant has been reported in 77 countries and has spread faster than any other strain.

Owing to this rapid spread, scientists throughout the world are working together to understand the behaviour of Omicron, which is thought to be highly resistant to existing vaccines.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/citing-risk-of-clotting-us-expert-panel-votes-for-the-use-of-moderna-pfizer-vaccines-over-jj-437545" hreflang="en">Citing risk of clotting, US expert panel votes for the use of Moderna, Pfizer vaccines, over J&amp;J</a>

Compared to early versions of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, the results so far indicate that this new strain causes fewer severe symptoms.

However, those infected with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus report one common symptom - scratchy throat.

In contrast, previous variants caused a sore throat in infected people.

Recently, Discovery Health's chief executive announced at a briefing that doctors have observed a slightly different set of symptoms among people who tested positive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-drug-regulator-gives-go-ahead-for-pfizer-covid-pills-emergency-use-437518" hreflang="en">EU drug regulator gives go-ahead for Pfizer Covid pill's emergency use</a>

According to CEO Dr Ryan Noach, the most common early symptom is a scratchy throat, followed by nasal congestion, a dry cough, and lower back pain due to myalgia.

While most of these symptoms are mild, Dr Noach emphasized that this does not mean Omicron is less virulent.

Dr Noach's findings were also echoed by a British health expert who noted Omicron is acting "rather differently" from previous coronavirus strains.

This virus causes different symptoms to those caused by the previous variants, Sir John Bell said on BBC Radio 4's Today program on Tuesday. He added that stuffy noses, sore throats, myalgia and loose stools are the most common symptoms.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Lab leak "most likely" source of Covid-19, British MPs told

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-lab-leak-most-likely-source-of-covid-19-british-mps-told-437529/embed" width="560"></iframe>

According to him, some things are known about Omicron, but others are yet to be determined by data.

One thing scientists do know, he explained, is that the disease is highly transmissible.

The new variant is highly infectious, two to three times as infectious as the Delta variant, which was also quite infectious, he added.

The severity of the illness, however, has yet to be determined according to Sir John, and he said the next few weeks will reveal how severe it is in the UK.

Throughout the world, the Omicron variant of Coronavirus has been spreading at an alarming rate. According to WHO, the variant has been reported in 77 countries and has spread faster than any other strain.

Throughout the world, the Omicron variant of Coronavirus has been spreading at an alarming rate. According to WHO, the variant has been reported in 77 countries and has spread faster than any other strain. Owing to this rapid spread, scientists throughout the world are working together to understand the behaviour of Omicron, which is thought to be highly resistant to existing vaccines. Also read | Citing risk of clotting, US expert panel votes for the use of Moderna, Pfizer vaccines, over J&J Compared to early versions of COVID-19, the results so far indicate that this new strain causes fewer severe symptoms. However, those infected with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus report one common symptom - scratchy throat. In contrast, previous variants caused a sore throat in infected people. Recently, Discovery Health's chief executive announced at a briefing that doctors have observed a slightly different set of symptoms among people who tested positive. Also read | EU drug regulator gives go-ahead for Pfizer Covid pill's emergency use According to CEO Dr Ryan Noach, the most common early symptom is a scratchy throat, followed by nasal congestion, a dry cough, and lower back pain due to myalgia. While most of these symptoms are mild, Dr Noach emphasized that this does not mean Omicron is less virulent. Dr Noach's findings were also echoed by a British health expert who noted Omicron is acting "rather differently" from previous coronavirus strains. This virus causes different symptoms to those caused by the previous variants, Sir John Bell said on BBC Radio 4's Today program on Tuesday. He added that stuffy noses, sore throats, myalgia and loose stools are the most common symptoms. Watch | Gravitas: Lab leak "most likely" source of Covid-19, British MPs told According to him, some things are known about Omicron, but others are yet to be determined by data. One thing scientists do know, he explained, is that the disease is highly transmissible. The new variant is highly infectious, two to three times as infectious as the Delta variant, which was also quite infectious, he added. The severity of the illness, however, has yet to be determined according to Sir John, and he said the next few weeks will reveal how severe it is in the UK.

Scientists identify a common symptom of highly transmissible Omicron variant

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday attempted to strike a balance between informing Americans about the impending surge of omicron infections while simultaneously attempting to persuade the public to take safeguards.

During talks at the White House, Biden announced a plan to enhance testing, speed up the vaccine programme, and boost the capacity of hospitals that may be overburdened in the coming weeks.

He made it clear that, despite the fact that infections are on the rise, the country is in much better condition than it was a year ago.&nbsp;

"We should all be concerned about omicron, but not panicked," Biden said, emphasising that vaccinated individuals, especially those with a booster shot, are "highly protected" against the virus.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-500mn-free-tests-deploy-military-personnel-to-fight-covid-19-surge-438722">Also read | US to send 500mn free tests, deploy military personnel to fight COVID-19 surge</a>

"This is not March of 2020," he continued. "Two hundred million people are fully vaccinated. We're prepared, we know more. We just have to stay focused."

Biden indicated that the United States will establish new federal testing locations across the country, assisting states that require more testing capacity. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-within-a-week-the-strain-increased-from-3-to-73-of-us-covid-19-cases-438597">Also Read:&nbsp;Within a week, Omicron strain increased from 3% to 73% of US COVID-19 cases</a>

The first will be set up this week in New York City.

He also stated that the administration intends to purchase 500 million fast COVID-19 tests to give away to everybody in the United States who requests one.

However, the tests won't be accessible until January, and administration officials said they're still ironing out the details, such as the look of the website where the tests may be obtained.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Omicron variant has spurred a new wave of infections in the US

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-omicron-variant-has-spurred-a-new-wave-of-infections-in-the-us-438698/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Omicron accounted for 73.2 per cent of new US cases over the past week ending Saturday, according to the latest official data.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it was too early to decide if drug companies needed to produce an Omicron-specific vaccination due to concerns that vaccinations might not be as effective against the highly mutated version.

Biden emphasised that the US vaccination effort would help prevent serious cases among the 62 per cent of the people who are now fully vaccinated, while criticising those who are not for failing to do their "patriotic duty."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday attempted to strike a balance between informing Americans about the impending surge of omicron infections while simultaneously attempting to persuade the public to take safeguards.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday attempted to strike a balance between informing Americans about the impending surge of omicron infections while simultaneously attempting to persuade the public to take safeguards. During talks at the White House, Biden announced a plan to enhance testing, speed up the vaccine programme, and boost the capacity of hospitals that may be overburdened in the coming weeks. He made it clear that, despite the fact that infections are on the rise, the country is in much better condition than it was a year ago. "We should all be concerned about omicron, but not panicked," Biden said, emphasising that vaccinated individuals, especially those with a booster shot, are "highly protected" against the virus. Also read | US to send 500mn free tests, deploy military personnel to fight COVID-19 surge "This is not March of 2020," he continued. "Two hundred million people are fully vaccinated. We're prepared, we know more. We just have to stay focused." Biden indicated that the United States will establish new federal testing locations across the country, assisting states that require more testing capacity. Also Read: Within a week, Omicron strain increased from 3% to 73% of US COVID-19 cases The first will be set up this week in New York City. He also stated that the administration intends to purchase 500 million fast COVID-19 tests to give away to everybody in the United States who requests one. However, the tests won't be accessible until January, and administration officials said they're still ironing out the details, such as the look of the website where the tests may be obtained. Watch: Omicron variant has spurred a new wave of infections in the US Omicron accounted for 73.2 per cent of new US cases over the past week ending Saturday, according to the latest official data. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it was too early to decide if drug companies needed to produce an Omicron-specific vaccination due to concerns that vaccinations might not be as effective against the highly mutated version. Biden emphasised that the US vaccination effort would help prevent serious cases among the 62 per cent of the people who are now fully vaccinated, while criticising those who are not for failing to do their "patriotic duty." (With inputs from agencies)

We should be concerned about omicron, not panicked: Biden

Several countries in Europe have started the inoculation drive against coronavirus for children with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

Inoculating children and young people, who can unwittingly transmit COVID-19 to others, is considered a critical step towards taming the pandemic.<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-eases-covid-isolation-rules-ahead-of-christmas-amid-omicron-surge-globally-439072/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Authorities in Belgium and France have announced that children aged 5-11 are now eligible for voluntary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccination in both the countries.

“This vaccination will be carried out with a paediatric version of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which is administered in two doses injected 21 days apart. This vaccine has been approved by the European Medicines Agency,” said Belgium’s Interministerial Conference on Public Health (CIM).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fears-of-new-variant-looms-europe-surpasses-75-million-covid-cases-433994">Also read |&nbsp;As fears of new variant looms, Europe surpasses 75 million Covid cases</a>

Over 76 per cent people living in Belgium are fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, 72 per cent of the youngest age group, between 12 and 15 years old has been inoculated.&nbsp;

“We have observed that 80 per cent of children with severe forms had no comorbidities,” said the French National Authority for Health (HAS).

Vaccinating children “could diminish the virus’s circulation in schools and reduce the risk of classroom closures,” it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-warns-of-massive-fifth-wave-as-omicron-cases-surge-in-europe-437731">Also read |&nbsp;Germany warns of 'massive fifth wave' as Omicron cases surge in Europe</a>

France is reporting about 70,000 coronavirus infections a day as it battles a fifth wave of the epidemic.

Germany, Spain, Greece and Hungary have also started the vaccination drive for children as young as five in a bid to keep schools open.

Finland also revealed plans to expand its vaccination programme to children aged between five and 12, a day after announcing bars must close at 9:00 pm on Christmas Eve to fight record Covid infection levels.

Since it emerged in late November, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/omicron">Omicron</a>&nbsp;has been detected in at least 38 of the 53 countries in the WHO's European region and is already dominant in many of them including Denmark, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.

The latest data suggests Omicron does not cause more severe illness than previous variants, including Delta, but scientists warn it could cause more deaths if soaring infection numbers overwhelm health systems.

According to the World Health Organization's regional director of Europe, Hans Kluge, "We can see another storm coming."

"Within weeks, Omicron will dominate in more countries of the region, pushing already stretched health systems further to the brink."

Germany, Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands are among countries that have reimposed partial or full lockdowns or other social distancing measures.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Several countries in Europe have started the inoculation drive against coronavirus for children with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Inoculating children and young people, who can unwittingly transmit COVID-19 to others, is considered a critical step towards taming the pandemic.

Several countries in Europe have started the inoculation drive against coronavirus for children with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Inoculating children and young people, who can unwittingly transmit COVID-19 to others, is considered a critical step towards taming the pandemic. Authorities in Belgium and France have announced that children aged 5-11 are now eligible for voluntary COVID-19 vaccination in both the countries. “This vaccination will be carried out with a paediatric version of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which is administered in two doses injected 21 days apart. This vaccine has been approved by the European Medicines Agency,” said Belgium’s Interministerial Conference on Public Health (CIM). Also read | As fears of new variant looms, Europe surpasses 75 million Covid cases Over 76 per cent people living in Belgium are fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, 72 per cent of the youngest age group, between 12 and 15 years old has been inoculated. “We have observed that 80 per cent of children with severe forms had no comorbidities,” said the French National Authority for Health (HAS). Vaccinating children “could diminish the virus’s circulation in schools and reduce the risk of classroom closures,” it added. Also read | Germany warns of 'massive fifth wave' as Omicron cases surge in Europe France is reporting about 70,000 coronavirus infections a day as it battles a fifth wave of the epidemic. Germany, Spain, Greece and Hungary have also started the vaccination drive for children as young as five in a bid to keep schools open. Finland also revealed plans to expand its vaccination programme to children aged between five and 12, a day after announcing bars must close at 9:00 pm on Christmas Eve to fight record Covid infection levels. Since it emerged in late November, Omicron has been detected in at least 38 of the 53 countries in the WHO's European region and is already dominant in many of them including Denmark, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. The latest data suggests Omicron does not cause more severe illness than previous variants, including Delta, but scientists warn it could cause more deaths if soaring infection numbers overwhelm health systems. According to the World Health Organization's regional director of Europe, Hans Kluge, "We can see another storm coming." "Within weeks, Omicron will dominate in more countries of the region, pushing already stretched health systems further to the brink." Germany, Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands are among countries that have reimposed partial or full lockdowns or other social distancing measures. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron update: Europe begins COVID-19 vaccination drive for children

Global markets are reacting to the new scare of the Omicron variant. Here's a report on how wall street reacted to the Omicron scare in America.

Will global markets stage a comeback?

Japan&nbsp;reported on Wednesday its first instance of community spread infection from the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Health minister Shigeyuki Goto said three infections of the Omicron variant in the prefecture of Osaka were a cases of community transfer because the infection route was not clear.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-defends-capital-punishment-to-combat-atrocious-crimes-as-it-executes-3-death-row-inmates-438938/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-orders-us-military-officials-in-okinawa-base-to-follow-covid-rules-amid-omicron-fears-439077">Omicron alert: Japan orders US military in Okinawa base to follow Covid rules</a>

The cases are from the same family and none of the people traveled abroad, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura told a coronavirus policy meeting on Wednesday.

"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.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-hangs-3-defends-capital-punishment-calls-it-necessary-for-atrocious-crimes-438987" hreflang="en">Japan hangs 3, defends 'capital punishment', calls it necessary for 'atrocious crimes'</a>

As Omicron fears grow, the world's third-largest economy has tightened up border restrictions and promised to speed up booster shots.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday said its COVID-19 border controls, some of the strictest in the world, would remain in place for the time being.

Japan&nbsp;has had 1.73 million coronavirus infections and 18,391 deaths since the pandemic began, but the rate of new infections has been falling.

Japan reported on Wednesday its first instance of community spread infection from the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Health minister Shigeyuki Goto said three infections of the Omicron variant in the prefecture of Osaka were a cases of community transfer because the infection route was not clear.

Japan reported on Wednesday its first instance of community spread infection from the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Health minister Shigeyuki Goto said three infections of the Omicron variant in the prefecture of Osaka were a cases of community transfer because the infection route was not clear. Also read | Omicron alert: Japan orders US military in Okinawa base to follow Covid rules The cases are from the same family and none of the people traveled abroad, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura told a coronavirus policy meeting on Wednesday. "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. Also read | Japan hangs 3, defends 'capital punishment', calls it necessary for 'atrocious crimes' As Omicron fears grow, the world's third-largest economy has tightened up border restrictions and promised to speed up booster shots. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday said its COVID-19 border controls, some of the strictest in the world, would remain in place for the time being. Japan has had 1.73 million coronavirus infections and 18,391 deaths since the pandemic began, but the rate of new infections has been falling.

Japan reports first case of community spread of Omicron

US president Joe Biden has set down his government's response to the Omicron variant, as he did so he also gave credit to the Trump administration for the development of the covid-19 vaccine and also praised Donald Trump for getting a booster shot.

'Maybe one of the few things he and I agree on,' Biden appreciates Trump on getting booster shot

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant. Nightclubs and bars have been ordered to closen and people have been told to work from home for two weeks at least, starting December 25.

"This still isn't the normal Christmas we are used to," Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference. "If we don't adopt preventively the necessary measures the consequences in everyone's lives will be much bigger after Christmas and New Year."

The prime minister made announcement of capacity restrictions at stores as well. He further said that negative Covid test will be needed to be required to go to event and to stay at hotels.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-institute-eyes-single-vaccine-against-covid-19-including-omicron-439036">US Army institute eyes single vaccine against COVID-19 including Omicron</a>

Authorities will also limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people per group on New Year's Eve, when a negative test will be needed to enter restaurants, casinos or attend parties in public spaces, Costa said.

Most of these measures were meant to come into force in January but current situation has forced their implementation ahead of time.

Portugal, which has one of the world's highest rates of vaccination against COVID-19 with around 87% of its 10 million population fully inoculated, is facing a surge in infections along with the rest of Europe, in part due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazenecas-covid-vaccine-immunity-declines-after-3-months-says-lancet-study-438907">AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study</a>

Close to 50% of new coronavirus cases in Portugal are from the Omicron variant, the national health institute said in a report on Tuesday.

The country reported 5,754 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, returning to levels last seen in February, when it faced its toughest battle against the illness, but deaths and hospitalisations remain low compared to that period.

Health Minister Marta Temido said last week Omicron infections were doubling every two days and could account for 80% of all new cases by the end of the month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant.

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant. Nightclubs and bars have been ordered to closen and people have been told to work from home for two weeks at least, starting December 25. "This still isn't the normal Christmas we are used to," Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference. "If we don't adopt preventively the necessary measures the consequences in everyone's lives will be much bigger after Christmas and New Year." The prime minister made announcement of capacity restrictions at stores as well. He further said that negative Covid test will be needed to be required to go to event and to stay at hotels. Also Read | US Army institute eyes single vaccine against COVID-19 including Omicron Authorities will also limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people per group on New Year's Eve, when a negative test will be needed to enter restaurants, casinos or attend parties in public spaces, Costa said. Most of these measures were meant to come into force in January but current situation has forced their implementation ahead of time. Portugal, which has one of the world's highest rates of vaccination against COVID-19 with around 87% of its 10 million population fully inoculated, is facing a surge in infections along with the rest of Europe, in part due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Also Read | AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study Close to 50% of new coronavirus cases in Portugal are from the Omicron variant, the national health institute said in a report on Tuesday. The country reported 5,754 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, returning to levels last seen in February, when it faced its toughest battle against the illness, but deaths and hospitalisations remain low compared to that period. Health Minister Marta Temido said last week Omicron infections were doubling every two days and could account for 80% of all new cases by the end of the month. (With inputs from agencies)

Portugal announces post-Christmas Covid curbs in light of Omicron threat

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place.

It ordered the district magistrates (DMs) to identify potential COVID-19 superspreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year.

The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have also been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure that people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks.

"All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area falling under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of coronavirus and its Omicron variant," the DDMA said in the order.

It stated that all DMs and DCPs shall deploy a sufficient number of enforcement teams on the field for keeping utmost vigil at public places to enforce strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour to avoid any possible surge in COVID-19 cases.

With over 200 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in India, the health experts treating the patients infected with the virus say that so far cases are mild and the recovery rate is high but it is high time to be cautious otherwise India will be in trouble.

The country has reported 213 cases of Omicron so far, with two states-- Maharashtra and Delhi-- and topping the number of cases

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place.

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place. It ordered the district magistrates (DMs) to identify potential COVID-19 superspreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year. The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have also been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure that people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks. "All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area falling under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of coronavirus and its Omicron variant," the DDMA said in the order. It stated that all DMs and DCPs shall deploy a sufficient number of enforcement teams on the field for keeping utmost vigil at public places to enforce strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour to avoid any possible surge in COVID-19 cases. With over 200 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in India, the health experts treating the patients infected with the virus say that so far cases are mild and the recovery rate is high but it is high time to be cautious otherwise India will be in trouble. The country has reported 213 cases of Omicron so far, with two states-- Maharashtra and Delhi-- and topping the number of cases (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron: Indian capital New Delhi bans Christmas and New Year gatherings

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is not stopping Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, who has been tested positive for the virus, as she continues to work from isolation.&nbsp;

On Monday (December 20) she informed on Twitter: "I have taken a rapid test and tested positive for COVID-19. Following public health guidelines, I am in isolation and will continue my work virtually, as I have been for a number of days until I get the results of my PCR test."

She also highlighted the importance of Covid vaccines as it is helping in curbing the spread of the deadly virus. She said that vaccines remained the best protection against contracting the coronavirus or suffering serious symptoms from the disease.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-reports-first-death-due-to-omicron-variant-an-unvaccinated-man-in-his-50s-438710">US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s</a>

"I'm grateful for the protection that vaccines offer us and encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted. It's the best thing we can do to keep our families safe this holiday season and all year long," she said.&nbsp;

Joly, 42, took over as foreign minister in October after serving Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as his minister of economic development and official languages.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-variants-properties-keep-surprising-experts-claim-438696">Omicron variant's properties keep 'surprising', experts claim</a>

Meanwhile, Trudeau said on Friday a spike in cases related to the Omicron variant was "scary," while a top medical official suggested the healthcare system could soon be swamped.

Earlier in the day, Quebec, Canada's second-most-populous province, ordered bars, gyms and casinos shut on Monday and directed people to work only from home.

(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is not stopping Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, who has been tested positive for the virus, as she continues to work from isolation.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is not stopping Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, who has been tested positive for the virus, as she continues to work from isolation. On Monday (December 20) she informed on Twitter: "I have taken a rapid test and tested positive for COVID-19. Following public health guidelines, I am in isolation and will continue my work virtually, as I have been for a number of days until I get the results of my PCR test." She also highlighted the importance of Covid vaccines as it is helping in curbing the spread of the deadly virus. She said that vaccines remained the best protection against contracting the coronavirus or suffering serious symptoms from the disease. ALSO READ | US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s "I'm grateful for the protection that vaccines offer us and encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted. It's the best thing we can do to keep our families safe this holiday season and all year long," she said. Joly, 42, took over as foreign minister in October after serving Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as his minister of economic development and official languages. ALSO READ | Omicron variant's properties keep 'surprising', experts claim Meanwhile, Trudeau said on Friday a spike in cases related to the Omicron variant was "scary," while a top medical official suggested the healthcare system could soon be swamped. Earlier in the day, Quebec, Canada's second-most-populous province, ordered bars, gyms and casinos shut on Monday and directed people to work only from home. (With inputs from agencies)

'Will continue my work virtually,' says Canada foreign minister after testing positive for COVID-19

Austria is the first European country to demand compulsory vaccinations for all citizens. Now, employees will be tasked with enforcing fines on those who refuse to acquire the COVID vaccine in the Austrian city of Linz.

The recruitment drive comes just weeks before the European country implements a broad vaccination mandate.

According to a job posting posted by the Austrian city of Linz, successful candidates will be issuing penalties, handling appeals, and taking action against people who fail to pay their fine for being unvaccinated.

According to the opening line, the job will suit those who "like working with legislation and administrative procedures." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blame-it-on-wife-guests-urged-to-be-vaccinated-at-anti-vaxxers-party-438076">Also read | 'Blame it on wife': Guests urged to be vaccinated at anti-vaxxer’s party</a>

Employees will be paid monthly for their hard work, with salaries starting at €2,774 ($3,126).

To be considered for the position, applicants must be Austrian nationals, have completed secondary education, be resilient and willing to work overtime, be free of criminal records, and, last but not least, have a valid Covid vaccine or recovery certificate.

Furthermore, when competing for the position against males with equivalent qualifications, women will be given preference.

Linz, which has a population of 200,000 people, is notable for having the lowest COVID vaccination rate in Austria.

According to a website tracking the issuance of digital vaccination certificates in the country, only 63 percent of the city's population has gotten a complete dosage of the COVID vaccine so far.&nbsp;

In November, Vienna became the first city in the world to enforce a rigorous statewide lockdown for the unvaccinated, only to have it expanded to include vaccinated citizens weeks later.

The curfew was lifted on December 12, but unvaccinated Austrians were still barred from going on non-essential outings.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Austria is the first European country to demand compulsory vaccinations for all citizens. Now, employees will be tasked with enforcing fines on those who refuse to acquire the COVID vaccine in the Austrian city of Linz.

Austria is the first European country to demand compulsory vaccinations for all citizens. Now, employees will be tasked with enforcing fines on those who refuse to acquire the COVID vaccine in the Austrian city of Linz. The recruitment drive comes just weeks before the European country implements a broad vaccination mandate. According to a job posting posted by the Austrian city of Linz, successful candidates will be issuing penalties, handling appeals, and taking action against people who fail to pay their fine for being unvaccinated. According to the opening line, the job will suit those who "like working with legislation and administrative procedures." Also read | 'Blame it on wife': Guests urged to be vaccinated at anti-vaxxer’s party Employees will be paid monthly for their hard work, with salaries starting at €2,774 ($3,126). To be considered for the position, applicants must be Austrian nationals, have completed secondary education, be resilient and willing to work overtime, be free of criminal records, and, last but not least, have a valid Covid vaccine or recovery certificate. Furthermore, when competing for the position against males with equivalent qualifications, women will be given preference. Linz, which has a population of 200,000 people, is notable for having the lowest COVID vaccination rate in Austria. According to a website tracking the issuance of digital vaccination certificates in the country, only 63 percent of the city's population has gotten a complete dosage of the COVID vaccine so far. In November, Vienna became the first city in the world to enforce a rigorous statewide lockdown for the unvaccinated, only to have it expanded to include vaccinated citizens weeks later. The curfew was lifted on December 12, but unvaccinated Austrians were still barred from going on non-essential outings. (With inputs from agencies)

Hiring alert: Austria seeks hunters of the unvaccinated 

In two new studies, two very intriguing facts about Coronavirus have been revealed. One of these findings deals with the severity of the relatively new Omicron variant, which was first discovered in South Africa, and the other reveals that there is a correlation between the virus and male fertility.

Omicron infections are no less severe

According to early data from the UK, infections caused by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus are not less severe than those caused by Delta.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-variants-properties-keep-surprising-experts-claim-438696" hreflang="en">Omicron variant's properties keep 'surprising', experts claim</a>

<a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/232698/modelling-suggests-rapid-spread-omicron-england/">The Imperial College London</a> researchers compared 11,329 people who were confirmed or likely to have Omicron infections with nearly 200,000 people who were infected with other variants. According to a report released ahead of peer review and updated on Monday, there is so far "no evidence of Omicron having lower severity than Delta, judged by either the proportion of people testing positive who report symptoms, or by the proportion of cases seeking hospital care after infection."

After two doses, vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic Omicron infection ranged from 0 per cent to 20 per cent. Following a booster shot, effectiveness ranged from 55 per cent to 80 per cent.&nbsp;

Based on the report's analysis of individual risk factors, the odds of reinfection with Omicron are 5.4 times greater than those with Delta.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-identify-a-common-symptom-of-highly-transmissible-omicron-variant-437575">Scientists identify a common symptom of highly transmissible Omicron variant</a>

Healthcare workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the pre-Omicron era had 85 per cent protection against a second infection over six months after the infection, according to a study, while "the protection against reinfection by Omicron afforded by past infection may be as low as 19%."

After COVID-19, sperm count and motility may be low for months

Researchers have discovered that some people's <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028221021567">sperm quality remains impaired for months</a> after recovering from COVID-19.

Researchers found that the semen itself was not infectious. Men who provided samples within a month of recovering from symptomatic infection showed a reduction in sperm motility in 60 per cent of cases and a reduction in sperm count in 37 per cent of cases.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-announces-fourth-booster-dose-for-over-60s-and-medics-as-omicron-rages-438890" hreflang="en">Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages</a>

Semen samples were collected from 120 Belgian men with an average age of 35, 52 days after their COVID-19 symptoms resolved, as described in Fertility and Sterility on Monday. The results from 51 men tested between one and two months after recovery showed that 37 per cent had reduced sperm motility and 29 per cent had low sperm counts.&nbsp;

Twenty-eight per cent of men who provided semen samples at least two months after recovery had impaired sperm motility, and six per cent had low sperm counts. There was no correlation between COVID-19 infection severity and sperm characteristics.

Watch |&nbsp;Omicron Variant spreads across the world

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-variant-spreads-across-the-world-438894/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Couples with a desire for pregnancy should be warned that sperm quality after COVID-19 infection can be suboptimal," the researchers concluded.&nbsp;

It is estimated that the recovery time is three months, but further follow-up studies are being conducted to determine if any permanent damage occurred.

(With inputs from agencies)

In two new studies, two very intriguing facts about Coronavirus have been revealed. One of these findings deals with the severity of the relatively new Omicron variant, which was first discovered in South Africa, and the other reveals that there is a correlation between the virus and male fertility.

In two new studies, two very intriguing facts about Coronavirus have been revealed. One of these findings deals with the severity of the relatively new Omicron variant, which was first discovered in South Africa, and the other reveals that there is a correlation between the virus and male fertility. Omicron infections are no less severe According to early data from the UK, infections caused by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus are not less severe than those caused by Delta. Also read | Omicron variant's properties keep 'surprising', experts claim The Imperial College London researchers compared 11,329 people who were confirmed or likely to have Omicron infections with nearly 200,000 people who were infected with other variants. According to a report released ahead of peer review and updated on Monday, there is so far "no evidence of Omicron having lower severity than Delta, judged by either the proportion of people testing positive who report symptoms, or by the proportion of cases seeking hospital care after infection." After two doses, vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic Omicron infection ranged from 0 per cent to 20 per cent. Following a booster shot, effectiveness ranged from 55 per cent to 80 per cent. Based on the report's analysis of individual risk factors, the odds of reinfection with Omicron are 5.4 times greater than those with Delta. Also read | Scientists identify a common symptom of highly transmissible Omicron variant Healthcare workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the pre-Omicron era had 85 per cent protection against a second infection over six months after the infection, according to a study, while "the protection against reinfection by Omicron afforded by past infection may be as low as 19%." After COVID-19, sperm count and motility may be low for months Researchers have discovered that some people's sperm quality remains impaired for months after recovering from COVID-19. Researchers found that the semen itself was not infectious. Men who provided samples within a month of recovering from symptomatic infection showed a reduction in sperm motility in 60 per cent of cases and a reduction in sperm count in 37 per cent of cases. Also read | Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages Semen samples were collected from 120 Belgian men with an average age of 35, 52 days after their COVID-19 symptoms resolved, as described in Fertility and Sterility on Monday. The results from 51 men tested between one and two months after recovery showed that 37 per cent had reduced sperm motility and 29 per cent had low sperm counts. Twenty-eight per cent of men who provided semen samples at least two months after recovery had impaired sperm motility, and six per cent had low sperm counts. There was no correlation between COVID-19 infection severity and sperm characteristics. Watch | Omicron Variant spreads across the world "Couples with a desire for pregnancy should be warned that sperm quality after COVID-19 infection can be suboptimal," the researchers concluded. It is estimated that the recovery time is three months, but further follow-up studies are being conducted to determine if any permanent damage occurred. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus findings: Omicron no less severe than Delta, Covid impacts sperm count

India logged 6,317 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, and 213 cases due to the Omicron variant, India’s health ministry said on Wednesday.

The Omicron cases have been detected across 15 states and union territories in which 90 people have recovered or migrated.

Delhi topped the list of Omicron cases with 57 infections, followed by Maharashtra at 54, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15) and Gujarat (14).

Meanwhile, the death toll has climbed to 4,78,325 with 318 fresh fatalities, the data by the government stated.

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 55 days now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-announces-fourth-booster-dose-for-over-60s-and-medics-as-omicron-rages-438890">Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages</a>

The active cases comprise 0.22 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further improved to 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said.

<img alt="State-wise list of Omicron cases" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fb744a8-852b-4bc9-be06-3cdcf4d8ca05" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oj.jpeg" />

A decline of 907 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.51 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 79 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 0.58 per cent. It has been below one per cent for the last 38 days, according to the ministry.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-3-times-more-transmissible-than-delta-centre-askes-states-to-take-prompt-action-438911">‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’: Centre askes states to take prompt action</a>

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,42,01,966, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.38 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 138.96 crore.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

(With inputs from agencies)

India logged 6,317 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, and 213 cases due to the Omicron variant, India’s health ministry said on Wednesday. The Omicron cases have been detected across 15 states and union territories in which 90 people have recovered or migrated.

India logged 6,317 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, and 213 cases due to the Omicron variant, India’s health ministry said on Wednesday. The Omicron cases have been detected across 15 states and union territories in which 90 people have recovered or migrated. Delhi topped the list of Omicron cases with 57 infections, followed by Maharashtra at 54, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15) and Gujarat (14). Meanwhile, the death toll has climbed to 4,78,325 with 318 fresh fatalities, the data by the government stated. The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 55 days now. Also read | Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages The active cases comprise 0.22 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further improved to 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said. A decline of 907 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.51 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 79 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 0.58 per cent. It has been below one per cent for the last 38 days, according to the ministry. Also read | ‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’: Centre askes states to take prompt action The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,42,01,966, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.38 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 138.96 crore. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

India logs over 6,300 new coronavirus infections as Omicron tally reaches 213

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates.

The latest directive comes as India has 213 Omicron cases, with states Delhi and Maharashtra reporting 57 and 54 cases, respectively.

"Omicron is at least three times more transmissible than Delta. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making, and strict and prompt containment action are required at the local and district level," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan&nbsp;said in his letter to the state governments on Tuesday.

“The decision making at the State/UT and district level must be very prompt and focused and take containment measures and restrictions even before these thresholds are reached,” Bhushan added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazenecas-covid-vaccine-immunity-declines-after-3-months-says-lancet-study-438907">AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study</a>

Emphasising the local-level containment to prevent the further spread of the virus, Bhushan said, “Kindly activate the war rooms/EOCs (emergency operation centres) and keep analysing all trends and surges, no matter how small and keep taking proactive action at the district/local level. Regular reviews with field officers and proactive action in this regard will definitely control the spread of infection and flatten the curve.”

“This evidence should be the basis for effective decision making at the district level itself. Such a strategy ensures that infection is contained at the local level itself before it spreads to other parts of the state,” the letter stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-gradually-spreads-in-india-200-cases-detected-so-far-says-govt-438646">Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt</a>

He provided a framework that states and union territories may use to decide on restrictions to be imposed in any district.&nbsp;

Bhushan said that if test positivity of 10 per cent or more has been reported in the last week in any district, or if the bed occupancy has reached 40 per cent or more on oxygen supported or ICU beds, then states can impose COVID-19 restrictions to prevent further spread of infection.&nbsp;

“In case any one of these parameters are met in any district, district-level containment measures and restrictions may be put in place forthwith. Equally important, the restrictions must be strictly enforced," he wrote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates.

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates. The latest directive comes as India has 213 Omicron cases, with states Delhi and Maharashtra reporting 57 and 54 cases, respectively. "Omicron is at least three times more transmissible than Delta. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making, and strict and prompt containment action are required at the local and district level," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in his letter to the state governments on Tuesday. “The decision making at the State/UT and district level must be very prompt and focused and take containment measures and restrictions even before these thresholds are reached,” Bhushan added. Also read | AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study Emphasising the local-level containment to prevent the further spread of the virus, Bhushan said, “Kindly activate the war rooms/EOCs (emergency operation centres) and keep analysing all trends and surges, no matter how small and keep taking proactive action at the district/local level. Regular reviews with field officers and proactive action in this regard will definitely control the spread of infection and flatten the curve.” “This evidence should be the basis for effective decision making at the district level itself. Such a strategy ensures that infection is contained at the local level itself before it spreads to other parts of the state,” the letter stated. Also read | Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt He provided a framework that states and union territories may use to decide on restrictions to be imposed in any district. Bhushan said that if test positivity of 10 per cent or more has been reported in the last week in any district, or if the bed occupancy has reached 40 per cent or more on oxygen supported or ICU beds, then states can impose COVID-19 restrictions to prevent further spread of infection. “In case any one of these parameters are met in any district, district-level containment measures and restrictions may be put in place forthwith. Equally important, the restrictions must be strictly enforced," he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’: Centre asks states to take prompt action

As the Omicron strain of COVID-19 spread its wings globally, European Union prepares to contain the strain by tweaking the vaccine shots accordingly.

EU prepares to contain highly-mutated Omicron strain of COVID-19 by tweaking vaccine shots

India's Union Health Ministry said today that 200 cases of the novel Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in India so far.

According to the most recent statement, 77 of the 200 patients have recovered from the viral infection.

Maharashtra and Delhi, with 54 instances apiece, have the most infections from the extremely contagious strain, followed by Telangana (20), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15), and Gujarat (14).

So far, 12 states in the country have reported cases of the Omicron strain, which was discovered in South Africa in November and was classified as a variety of concerns by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Meanwhile, India has registered 5,326 cases of COVID infections over the past 24 hours, the lowest daily case count in 581 days, according to the ministry's data released on Tuesday. 
 
<img alt="Covid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92da4ec4-a8b4-490b-b680-2ffa3707a07d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/omicron111.png" />

Covid instances have already been detected in 35 million people across the country.

Watch | Gravitas: Omicron spooks Indian markets, investors lose over USD130 billion in a day

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-omicron-spooks-indian-markets-investors-lose-over-usd130-billion-in-a-day-438558/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the bulletin, the country today has 79,097 active cases, the lowest number in 574 days.

With 453 deaths in the last 24 hours, the pandemic's total death toll has risen to 478,000.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Union Health Ministry said today that 200 cases of the novel Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in India so far. According to the most recent statement, 77 of the 200 patients have recovered from the viral infection.

India's Union Health Ministry said today that 200 cases of the novel Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in India so far. According to the most recent statement, 77 of the 200 patients have recovered from the viral infection. Maharashtra and Delhi, with 54 instances apiece, have the most infections from the extremely contagious strain, followed by Telangana (20), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15), and Gujarat (14). So far, 12 states in the country have reported cases of the Omicron strain, which was discovered in South Africa in November and was classified as a variety of concerns by the World Health Organization (WHO). Meanwhile, India has registered 5,326 cases of COVID infections over the past 24 hours, the lowest daily case count in 581 days, according to the ministry's data released on Tuesday. Covid instances have already been detected in 35 million people across the country. Watch | Gravitas: Omicron spooks Indian markets, investors lose over USD130 billion in a day According to the bulletin, the country today has 79,097 active cases, the lowest number in 574 days. With 453 deaths in the last 24 hours, the pandemic's total death toll has risen to 478,000. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt

Despite growing number of Covid cases and mounting pressure from locals, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country till Christmas.<o:p></o:p>

The leader, who is battling personal controversies, decided that his officials will keep a close eye on the situation and the Covid surge will stay "under constant review".

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-hospitals-may-close-if-health-workers-refuse-to-get-vaccinated-nhs-leader-438467">Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant</a></o:p>

"In view of the balance of risks and uncertainties, particularly around the infection hospitalisation rate of Omicron... we agreed that we should keep the data from now on under constant review, keep following it hour by hour," Johnson said.<o:p></o:p>

This announcement comes at a time when scientific experts had been telling the government officials that strong action plan is needed to control the wide spread of the deadly coronavirus, especially its new Omicron variant.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-says-its-booster-shot-is-effective-against-omicron-variant-438395">Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant</a></o:p>

However, Johnson’s ministers decided that social distancing, limited gatherings and other such measures can be implemented after Christmas.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Johnson has assured that the health experts at the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) will not suffer due to this surge in Covid cases. "We will have to reserve the possibility of taking further action to protect the public and to protect public health and protect our NHS (National Health Service) -- and we won't hesitate to take that action," Johnson said.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-variant-fifth-covid-19-wave-has-begun-says-israeli-pm-naftali-bennett-438524">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-variant-fifth-covid-19-wave-has-begun-says-israeli-pm-naftali-bennett-438524/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We're looking at all kinds of things to keep Omicron under control and we will rule nothing out, but at the moment we want people to focus on exercising caution."<o:p></o:p>

This announcement by the government comes at a time when the country reported 91,743 new infections on Monday, with highest number of cases in London.<o:p></o:p>

Despite growing number of Covid cases and mounting pressure from locals, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country till Christmas.

Despite growing number of Covid cases and mounting pressure from locals, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country till Christmas. The leader, who is battling personal controversies, decided that his officials will keep a close eye on the situation and the Covid surge will stay "under constant review". Also read | Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant "In view of the balance of risks and uncertainties, particularly around the infection hospitalisation rate of Omicron... we agreed that we should keep the data from now on under constant review, keep following it hour by hour," Johnson said. This announcement comes at a time when scientific experts had been telling the government officials that strong action plan is needed to control the wide spread of the deadly coronavirus, especially its new Omicron variant. Also read | Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant However, Johnson’s ministers decided that social distancing, limited gatherings and other such measures can be implemented after Christmas. Meanwhile, Johnson has assured that the health experts at the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) will not suffer due to this surge in Covid cases. "We will have to reserve the possibility of taking further action to protect the public and to protect public health and protect our NHS (National Health Service) -- and we won't hesitate to take that action," Johnson said. WATCH | "We're looking at all kinds of things to keep Omicron under control and we will rule nothing out, but at the moment we want people to focus on exercising caution." This announcement by the government comes at a time when the country reported 91,743 new infections on Monday, with highest number of cases in London.

Boris Johnson decides on 'no lockdown' before Christmas

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