The President said the number of daily infections has increased five-fold in the past week, with nearly a quarter of all COVID-19 tests now returning positive. Two weeks ago, only two per cent of tests were positive.

President Cyril Ramaphosa warned on Monday that South Africa is preparing its hospitals for additional admissions as the Omicron variant drives the country into a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections.

The appearance of the new Omicron form was unavoidable, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who called the increase in infections a "grave concern."

In a weekly communication, Ramaphosa stated that Omicron looked to be dominating new infections in most provinces and recommended more people to acquire COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-acts-as-a-wake-up-call-for-rich-nations-about-vaccine-inequality-experts-434570">Also read | Omicron acts as a wake-up call for rich nations about vaccine inequality: Experts</a>

The number of daily infections has surged fivefold in the last week, according to the President, with roughly a quarter of all COVID-19 tests now returning positive.

Only 2% of tests were positive only two weeks earlier.&nbsp;

"While the surge in infections is of great concern, we should remember that we anticipated it. Disease modellers in our country have told us that we would likely experience a fourth wave around this time and that it was almost inevitable that new variants of the virus would emerge, " Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday.

"As the country heads into a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, we are experiencing a rate of infections that we have not seen since the pandemic started. The Omicron variant that was brought to global attention by South African scientists nearly two weeks ago appears to be dominating new infections in most provinces, " he said.

Scientists in South Africa and throughout the globe are still working to answer key issues regarding the novel Omicron variation, including its transmissibility, progression, whether it produces more severe illness, and how effective vaccinations will be against it, he added.&nbsp;

Without waiting for stronger lockdown laws, Ramaphosa advised citizens to be vaccinated and take steps to protect communal safety.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The President said the number of daily infections has increased five-fold in the past week, with nearly a quarter of all COVID-19 tests now returning positive. Two weeks ago, only two per cent of tests were positive.

The President said the number of daily infections has increased five-fold in the past week, with nearly a quarter of all COVID-19 tests now returning positive. Two weeks ago, only two per cent of tests were positive. President Cyril Ramaphosa warned on Monday that South Africa is preparing its hospitals for additional admissions as the Omicron variant drives the country into a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. The appearance of the new Omicron form was unavoidable, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who called the increase in infections a "grave concern." In a weekly communication, Ramaphosa stated that Omicron looked to be dominating new infections in most provinces and recommended more people to acquire COVID-19 vaccines. Also read | Omicron acts as a wake-up call for rich nations about vaccine inequality: Experts The number of daily infections has surged fivefold in the last week, according to the President, with roughly a quarter of all COVID-19 tests now returning positive. Only 2% of tests were positive only two weeks earlier. "While the surge in infections is of great concern, we should remember that we anticipated it. Disease modellers in our country have told us that we would likely experience a fourth wave around this time and that it was almost inevitable that new variants of the virus would emerge, " Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday. "As the country heads into a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, we are experiencing a rate of infections that we have not seen since the pandemic started. The Omicron variant that was brought to global attention by South African scientists nearly two weeks ago appears to be dominating new infections in most provinces, " he said. Scientists in South Africa and throughout the globe are still working to answer key issues regarding the novel Omicron variation, including its transmissibility, progression, whether it produces more severe illness, and how effective vaccinations will be against it, he added. Without waiting for stronger lockdown laws, Ramaphosa advised citizens to be vaccinated and take steps to protect communal safety. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid cases increase five-fold in South Africa; President says emergence of Omicron was inevitable

A family decided to send their child to school even after they were aware that their kid had tested positive for coronavirus. This carelessness resulted in putting several other children’s lives in danger.<o:p></o:p>

Parents of an elementary student continued to send the child to school for seven days after the student had tested positive for COVID-19, Dr. Brett Geithman, superintendent of Larkspur-Corte Madera School District in Marin County, told CNN.<o:p></o:p>

A student of Neil Cummins Elementary School in Corte Madera, near San Francisco, the student’s attendance in school resulted in 75 other students having to quarantine from November 19.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-resulted-in-alarming-increase-in-malaria-deaths-who-434686">Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO</a></o:p>

The school authorities got to know about the positive case only when the Marin County Public Health contacted the authorities to make sure the case was registered in the company’s database.<o:p></o:p>

"In this case both the school and public health were given inaccurate information by the parents, which led to a prolonged interval of exposure." Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County's public health officer, told CNN.<o:p></o:p>

Public health departments make sure that the laboratories inform them about all new infections. The authorities then follow up with concerned school authorities to make sure the infected students are following the necessary quarantine protocols.<o:p></o:p>

It was when the authorities were following this process, when this violation was caught and reported. "This is not only a violation of basic ethics, it's a violation of law." Willis told CNN. "Violation can lead to a fine or criminal prosecution as a misdemeanor. Because of the seriousness of this violation we've referred the case to the District Attorney."

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-vaccine-inequality-african-nations-scramble-for-covid-19-vaccines-434822">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-vaccine-inequality-african-nations-scramble-for-covid-19-vaccines-434822/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We did not know this positive case existed." Superintendent Brett Geithman said in a written statement to CNN. "Upon calling the household, we learned that the student tested positive, did not inform the schools, and then sent the student and their sibling to school for seven days."<o:p></o:p>

As soon as the school was made aware of this case, they hurried to alert and test everyone who had come in contact with the student — primary or secondary. The principal arranged testing for the nearly 50 students, 10 staff members and other people on the morning of 19th in the school gym.<o:p></o:p>

"They've since issued apology letters to me, the principal, and the teachers involved and recognized their lack of judgement," Geithman told CNN. "This is a community that takes Covid protocols very seriously and acts on it. This is a one-off where a family made a terrible decision that impacted many students and comprised the health and safety of our schools."<o:p></o:p>

A family decided to send their child to school even after they were aware that their kid had tested positive for coronavirus. This carelessness resulted in putting several other children’s lives in danger.

A family decided to send their child to school even after they were aware that their kid had tested positive for coronavirus. This carelessness resulted in putting several other children’s lives in danger. Parents of an elementary student continued to send the child to school for seven days after the student had tested positive for COVID-19, Dr. Brett Geithman, superintendent of Larkspur-Corte Madera School District in Marin County, told CNN. A student of Neil Cummins Elementary School in Corte Madera, near San Francisco, the student’s attendance in school resulted in 75 other students having to quarantine from November 19. Also read | Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO The school authorities got to know about the positive case only when the Marin County Public Health contacted the authorities to make sure the case was registered in the company’s database. "In this case both the school and public health were given inaccurate information by the parents, which led to a prolonged interval of exposure." Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County's public health officer, told CNN. Public health departments make sure that the laboratories inform them about all new infections. The authorities then follow up with concerned school authorities to make sure the infected students are following the necessary quarantine protocols. It was when the authorities were following this process, when this violation was caught and reported. "This is not only a violation of basic ethics, it's a violation of law." Willis told CNN. "Violation can lead to a fine or criminal prosecution as a misdemeanor. Because of the seriousness of this violation we've referred the case to the District Attorney." WATCH | "We did not know this positive case existed." Superintendent Brett Geithman said in a written statement to CNN. "Upon calling the household, we learned that the student tested positive, did not inform the schools, and then sent the student and their sibling to school for seven days." As soon as the school was made aware of this case, they hurried to alert and test everyone who had come in contact with the student — primary or secondary. The principal arranged testing for the nearly 50 students, 10 staff members and other people on the morning of 19th in the school gym. "They've since issued apology letters to me, the principal, and the teachers involved and recognized their lack of judgement," Geithman told CNN. "This is a community that takes Covid protocols very seriously and acts on it. This is a one-off where a family made a terrible decision that impacted many students and comprised the health and safety of our schools."

Dedication? Parents keep sending Covid positive child to school for a week

India reported the lowest Covid cases since May 2020 on December 07, 2021. The health ministry reported a total of 6,882 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p>

The new infections have taken the total tally of Covid cases to 3,46,48,383 and the active cases have decreased to 95,014, which is the lowest in 554 days.<o:p></o:p>

Union&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Ministry data reported that 220 Covid-related deaths have been recorded in the past 24 hours till Tuesday morning, taking the death toll to 473,757.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-may-cause-third-wave-in-india-by-february-scientist-warns-434873">Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns</a></o:p>

Tuesday marked the 11th continuous day when India has reported less than 10,000 daily Covid cases and 163rd day when India has recorded less than 50,000 Covid cases.<o:p></o:p>

The recovery rate was also recorded to be the highest since March 2020 at 98.36 per cent. Meanwhile, active cases made 0.27 per cent of the total infections, which was the lowest since March 2020.<o:p></o:p>

India, meanwhile, has confirmed 23 cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 on December 07. Out of these 23, eight are from Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, two in Karnataka and one each in Gujarat and national capital city New Delhi.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dedication-parents-keep-sending-covid-positive-child-to-school-for-a-week-434830">Dedication? Parents keep sending Covid positive child to school for a week</a></o:p>

This data came at a time when an IIT scientist has warned that the new Omicron variant may cause a third wave in India by February 2022. "With the new variant, our current forecast is that the country could see the third wave by February but it will be milder than the second wave. So far we have seen that the severity of Omicron is not like the one seen in the Delta variant," said Manindra Agarwal, an IIT scientist who is involved in the mathematical projection of the trajectory of COVID-19.<o:p></o:p>

He also added that the "new variant has shown high transmissibility, its severity is not like the one seen in the Delta variant."&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

India reported the lowest Covid cases since May 2020 on December 07, 2021. The health ministry reported a total of 6,882 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday. The new infections have taken the total tally of Covid cases to 3,46,48,383 and the active cases have decreased to 95,014, which is the lowest in 554 days.

India reported the lowest Covid cases since May 2020 on December 07, 2021. The health ministry reported a total of 6,882 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday. The new infections have taken the total tally of Covid cases to 3,46,48,383 and the active cases have decreased to 95,014, which is the lowest in 554 days. Union Health Ministry data reported that 220 Covid-related deaths have been recorded in the past 24 hours till Tuesday morning, taking the death toll to 473,757. Also read | Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns Tuesday marked the 11th continuous day when India has reported less than 10,000 daily Covid cases and 163rd day when India has recorded less than 50,000 Covid cases. The recovery rate was also recorded to be the highest since March 2020 at 98.36 per cent. Meanwhile, active cases made 0.27 per cent of the total infections, which was the lowest since March 2020. India, meanwhile, has confirmed 23 cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 on December 07. Out of these 23, eight are from Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, two in Karnataka and one each in Gujarat and national capital city New Delhi. Also read | Dedication? Parents keep sending Covid positive child to school for a week This data came at a time when an IIT scientist has warned that the new Omicron variant may cause a third wave in India by February 2022. "With the new variant, our current forecast is that the country could see the third wave by February but it will be milder than the second wave. So far we have seen that the severity of Omicron is not like the one seen in the Delta variant," said Manindra Agarwal, an IIT scientist who is involved in the mathematical projection of the trajectory of COVID-19. He also added that the "new variant has shown high transmissibility, its severity is not like the one seen in the Delta variant."

As Omicron surges around world, India records lowest Covid daily infections

Nepal reported its first two cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus, the health ministry informed on Monday.&nbsp;

Two individuals are foreign nations who had come to Nepal for business purpose. The health ministry said their nationalities will not be revealed due to security reasons.&nbsp;

"A 66-year-old foreigner, who had entered Nepal from a country with confirmed Omicron variant on November 19, and another 71-year-old person who was in close contact with him tested positive for omicron on Sunday, the ministry said in a statement,” Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, health ministry spokesperson told WION.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-achieves-new-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-50-of-adults-fully-vaccinated-434675">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-achieves-new-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-50-of-adults-fully-vaccinated-434675/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Both individuals are in isolation and under surveillance of health workers, he added. &nbsp;

Adhikari confirmed that in the process of contact tracing, it was found that 66 people had come in contact with infected individuals and all tested negative.&nbsp;

Speaking on the ways to further contain the spread of the variant, Adhikari said, "Our priority is to speed up vaccination process across the country and identify people who have not received their doses."

The health ministry spokesperson informed that discussions are underway to administer booster doses in the country but is yet to take a concrete decision on it.&nbsp;

Nepal government had earlier banned the entry of travelers coming from eight African nations and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Nepal reported its first two cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus, the health ministry informed on Monday. Two individuals are foreign nations who had come to Nepal for business purpose.

Nepal reported its first two cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus, the health ministry informed on Monday. Two individuals are foreign nations who had come to Nepal for business purpose. The health ministry said their nationalities will not be revealed due to security reasons. "A 66-year-old foreigner, who had entered Nepal from a country with confirmed Omicron variant on November 19, and another 71-year-old person who was in close contact with him tested positive for omicron on Sunday, the ministry said in a statement,” Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, health ministry spokesperson told WION. WATCH | Both individuals are in isolation and under surveillance of health workers, he added. Adhikari confirmed that in the process of contact tracing, it was found that 66 people had come in contact with infected individuals and all tested negative. Speaking on the ways to further contain the spread of the variant, Adhikari said, "Our priority is to speed up vaccination process across the country and identify people who have not received their doses." The health ministry spokesperson informed that discussions are underway to administer booster doses in the country but is yet to take a concrete decision on it. Nepal government had earlier banned the entry of travelers coming from eight African nations and Hong Kong.

Nepal reports its first two Omicron variant cases, to speed up vaccine process

With Omicron variant spreading all across the globe, a number of countries have now imposed travel bans on South Africa where the mutant variant was first detected. On this, President Cyril Ramaphosa has now slammed west nations calling them 'hypocritical'.

Ramaphosa slams West on 'travel bans' calls them hypocrite

Just when the box office had begun to look up after the pandemic, what with Sooryavanshi and now Tadap opening well, &nbsp;the Omicron scare has put the pressure of the pandemic again on the badly-hit &nbsp;Indian entertainment industry.

“We don’t know where this is going to go. We can only take one day at a time,” says producer Ajay Rai of Jar &nbsp;Pictures who is currently shooting a &nbsp;secret project in Lucknow.

“A &nbsp;sense of muted panic has already gripped the entertainment industry. So many producers have lined up big projects for release during the coming weeks and months. In fact, ambitious producers have booked coveted Friday in November –December &nbsp;2022 and 2023. But do we &nbsp;even know what is going to happen two weeks or &nbsp;one month &nbsp;from now?” &nbsp;Ajay Rai voices the fear that has gripped the Indian entertainment industry all over again.

Anees Bazmi who has his big Kartik Aaryan comedy 'Bhoool Bhulaiya 2'&nbsp; scheduled for &nbsp;25 March 2022 feels uncertainty is the future of the entertainment industry. &nbsp;“I suppose we will have to live with the fear of COVID-19&nbsp; for a &nbsp;very long time. Now with this new variant coming in, nobody knows what will happen.”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali whose Alia Bhatt-Ajay Devgan starrer 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is scheduled for February 18, 2022, feels the entertainment industry needs to think beyond its own losses. “Thousands of lives are at stake. Millions have already lost their lives. We can’t be bothered &nbsp;about our films at a time like this.”

Producer-director Vipul Shah feels it’s too early to comment on the impact of the Omicron: “It’s too early to know how serious this virus is. I would wait and watch. Our industry is showing amazing resilience and I have no doubt that we will get through this also and come out with flying colours.”

Telugu actor &nbsp;Adivi Sesh whose war bio-pic Major is scheduled for release all over India in multiple languages on &nbsp;February 11 is hopeful that this time the situation won’t get out of hand. “It might affect India, including the entertainment industry. So far, I don’t see an increase in deaths worldwide and that is cautious good news. If our vaccine drives continue to hold, and the new variant doesn’t cause premature death, we should be able to beat this. Optimistic. Fingers crossed.”

Just when the box office had begun to look up after the pandemic, what with Sooryavanshi and now Tadap opening well, the Omicron scare has put the pressure of the pandemic again on the badly-hit Indian entertainment industry.

Just when the box office had begun to look up after the pandemic, what with Sooryavanshi and now Tadap opening well, the Omicron scare has put the pressure of the pandemic again on the badly-hit Indian entertainment industry. “We don’t know where this is going to go. We can only take one day at a time,” says producer Ajay Rai of Jar Pictures who is currently shooting a secret project in Lucknow. “A sense of muted panic has already gripped the entertainment industry. So many producers have lined up big projects for release during the coming weeks and months. In fact, ambitious producers have booked coveted Friday in November –December 2022 and 2023. But do we even know what is going to happen two weeks or one month from now?” Ajay Rai voices the fear that has gripped the Indian entertainment industry all over again. Anees Bazmi who has his big Kartik Aaryan comedy 'Bhoool Bhulaiya 2' scheduled for 25 March 2022 feels uncertainty is the future of the entertainment industry. “I suppose we will have to live with the fear of COVID-19 for a very long time. Now with this new variant coming in, nobody knows what will happen.” Sanjay Leela Bhansali whose Alia Bhatt-Ajay Devgan starrer 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is scheduled for February 18, 2022, feels the entertainment industry needs to think beyond its own losses. “Thousands of lives are at stake. Millions have already lost their lives. We can’t be bothered about our films at a time like this.” Producer-director Vipul Shah feels it’s too early to comment on the impact of the Omicron: “It’s too early to know how serious this virus is. I would wait and watch. Our industry is showing amazing resilience and I have no doubt that we will get through this also and come out with flying colours.” Telugu actor Adivi Sesh whose war bio-pic Major is scheduled for release all over India in multiple languages on February 11 is hopeful that this time the situation won’t get out of hand. “It might affect India, including the entertainment industry. So far, I don’t see an increase in deaths worldwide and that is cautious good news. If our vaccine drives continue to hold, and the new variant doesn’t cause premature death, we should be able to beat this. Optimistic. Fingers crossed.”

Omicron panic in Bollywood: Future seems uncertain for the film industry

The new variant of Covid, Omicron, is rapidly spreading in India. The nation has reported a total of 21 cases so far. However, all of these cases are imported, meaning, they have been brought from outside nations and have not emerged in India. The new variant is believed to be more contagious but less lethal than the previous delta variant.&nbsp;

The first case of Omicron variant in India was reported in Gujarat when a 72-year-old Zimbabwe resident travelled to Jamnagar and tested positive for coronavirus. The second case was reported from&nbsp;Maharashtra state. The person infected by the strain returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai.&nbsp;

After this, 2 people, including, a 66-year-old South African national and an Indian doctor, tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. However, the foreigner somehow managed to escape from India. The doctor has been placed under quarantine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-achieves-new-milestone-as-over-50-of-adult-population-now-vaccinated-against-covid-434472">Also read |&nbsp;India achieves new milestone as over 50% of adult population now vaccinated against Covid</a>

Out of the 21 cases reported in India, eight cases are from Maharashtra, one from Delhi and Gujarat each, nine from Jaipur, and two from Bangalore. The new cases in Maharashtra include a woman and her two daughters, who have a recent travel history to Nigeria.&nbsp;

In Delhi, a Tanzanian returnee who had been admitted to a local hospital tested positive for the new variant.&nbsp;

As all Omicron cases reported in India are imported, it has sparked concerns if the country needs to impose stricter travel rules. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had issued new guidelines for international travellers arriving in India.&nbsp;

As per these guidelines, all travellers are required to submit their travel details of 14 days. Also, the travellers will be required to upload their negative RT-PCR test report on the Air Suvidha portal before the journey. Also, every international traveller needs to fill a self-declaration form.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=hysteria+synonym&amp;oq=hysteria+synonym+&amp;aqs=chrome.0.0i512l3j0i22i30l6j0i390.2579j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Also read |&nbsp;Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21</a>

Amid fears of a potential third wave with a rising number of cases, India's Union Minister for Health Mansukh Mandaviya has said that the government is prepared to fully address any crisis that may come. He further said that the government is taking all necessary steps to stop the growing cases of Omicron variant.&nbsp;

The head of India’s Covid task force, Dr V K Paul said that the vaccine manufacturers are currently examining the vaccine efficacy against Omicron. With this, he said that vaccination remains “the most critical tool”.

While the entire globe is dreading the spread of this new variant, the World Health Organization and experts&nbsp;believe that the variant is only 'super mild'. Chair of the South African Medical Association, Dr Angelique Coetzee said that the&nbsp;reaction was not justified. The WHO also warned the governments against creating panic.

The new variant of Covid, Omicron, is rapidly spreading in India. The nation has reported a total of 21 cases so far. However, all of these cases are imported, meaning, they have been brought from outside nations and have not emerged in India.

The new variant of Covid, Omicron, is rapidly spreading in India. The nation has reported a total of 21 cases so far. However, all of these cases are imported, meaning, they have been brought from outside nations and have not emerged in India. The new variant is believed to be more contagious but less lethal than the previous delta variant. The first case of Omicron variant in India was reported in Gujarat when a 72-year-old Zimbabwe resident travelled to Jamnagar and tested positive for coronavirus. The second case was reported from Maharashtra state. The person infected by the strain returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai. After this, 2 people, including, a 66-year-old South African national and an Indian doctor, tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. However, the foreigner somehow managed to escape from India. The doctor has been placed under quarantine. Also read | India achieves new milestone as over 50% of adult population now vaccinated against Covid Out of the 21 cases reported in India, eight cases are from Maharashtra, one from Delhi and Gujarat each, nine from Jaipur, and two from Bangalore. The new cases in Maharashtra include a woman and her two daughters, who have a recent travel history to Nigeria. In Delhi, a Tanzanian returnee who had been admitted to a local hospital tested positive for the new variant. As all Omicron cases reported in India are imported, it has sparked concerns if the country needs to impose stricter travel rules. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had issued new guidelines for international travellers arriving in India. As per these guidelines, all travellers are required to submit their travel details of 14 days. Also, the travellers will be required to upload their negative RT-PCR test report on the Air Suvidha portal before the journey. Also, every international traveller needs to fill a self-declaration form. Also read | Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21 Amid fears of a potential third wave with a rising number of cases, India's Union Minister for Health Mansukh Mandaviya has said that the government is prepared to fully address any crisis that may come. He further said that the government is taking all necessary steps to stop the growing cases of Omicron variant. The head of India’s Covid task force, Dr V K Paul said that the vaccine manufacturers are currently examining the vaccine efficacy against Omicron. With this, he said that vaccination remains “the most critical tool”. While the entire globe is dreading the spread of this new variant, the World Health Organization and experts believe that the variant is only 'super mild'. Chair of the South African Medical Association, Dr Angelique Coetzee said that the reaction was not justified. The WHO also warned the governments against creating panic.

Covid in India: Omicron rises but all cases reported so far are imported from other nations

It's been two weeks since the omicron variant was first detected and there is still no consensus on where it first emerged — Africa or Europe?<o:p></o:p>

Scientists are split on its origin, but what they agree on is that this variant is odd. It doesn't resemble any previous variants and has the highest number of mutations, which could make it more transmissible, cause a more severe infection and even render vaccines ineffective.<o:p></o:p>

However, these are just hypotheses that are yet to be proven. While scientists are still debating these possibilities, the cases, meanwhile, are rising.<o:p></o:p>

Last Friday, 23 countries had detected the omicron variant and as of today, this variant has spread to 38 countries.<o:p></o:p>

A few days ago, India discovered its first two cases of omicron in Karnataka and three days later the variant has spread to three other states and the national capital — eight cases have been reported in Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, one each in Gujarat and New Delhi. Most of those infected recently travelled abroad but there are also some with no travel history whatsoever.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">What is India's omicron strategy? &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h2>

If the second wave has taught us anything, it is that you cannot prepare enough and India cannot look at other countries to decide its pandemic response; it needs its own strategy and solutions.<o:p></o:p>

The India government has prepared a list of ‘at-risk’ countries even though international flights are still operational in India. Travellers from these countries will be strictly monitored and all positive cases will be isolated, and then sent for genome sequencing to find out if they have the omicron variant.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the government has decided to put all public events on hold till January 15, 2022.<o:p></o:p>

At the same time, New Delhi has strictly ruled out imposing a lockdown. Dr VK Paul, the head of India's COVID-19 task force, has categorically said that imposing a lockdown is not yet required. Instead, the government’s aim will be to test, track and treat all new cases.<o:p></o:p>

Until we find out how dangerous this variant really is, India will have to remain consistent in its response and focus on improving in some key areas.

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Super-spreader events</o:p></h3>

It can start by putting an end to gatherings that could turn out to be super-spreader events, such as election rallies. At least five states are going to polls next year and election rallies have already begun, crowds are turning up in large numbers. It's almost like déjà vu. Last year, too, several states went to polls during which huge rallies were held. In the end, the outcome was disastrous.<o:p></o:p>

So, should election rallies continue the way they are or is there a need to tone them down by reducing the number of people attending? The election commission needs to take a call immediately.

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Genome sequencing</o:p></h3>

The second area of concern is genome sequencing — a process used to track how the virus is mutating or multiplying. India is doing more on this front but it still performs poorly on a global level.<o:p></o:p>

According to one report, it has sampled just 0.2 per cent of its total cases, which is a measly figure. Denmark has conducted genome sequencing of 46 per cent of its cases, Australia has 21 per cent, UK 12 per cent and Switzerland nine per cent. So, why is India, which just recovered from a deadly second wave, lagging behind?

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Stringency</o:p></h3>

The third area where India needs to improve is stringency. Announcing restrictions and social distancing measures won't be enough. India will have to be more stringent in executing them and will have to strictly follow up on whether people are following those rules.<o:p></o:p>

According to the Oxford government response tracker, India, the second most populous country in the world, has a stringency index of 45.8, which is lower than China, Germany, Indonesia and the UK.<o:p></o:p>

India will have to be stricter in the days ahead if it wants to stop omicron from spreading. New Delhi India will have to revisit all the challenges it faced during the second wave this past summer, re-haul its approach, chalk out new strategies and be equipped on all fronts.<o:p></o:p>

It's been two weeks since the omicron variant was first detected and there is still no consensus on where it first emerged — Africa or Europe? Scientists are split on its origin, but what they agree on is that this variant is odd.

It's been two weeks since the omicron variant was first detected and there is still no consensus on where it first emerged — Africa or Europe? Scientists are split on its origin, but what they agree on is that this variant is odd. It doesn't resemble any previous variants and has the highest number of mutations, which could make it more transmissible, cause a more severe infection and even render vaccines ineffective. However, these are just hypotheses that are yet to be proven. While scientists are still debating these possibilities, the cases, meanwhile, are rising. Last Friday, 23 countries had detected the omicron variant and as of today, this variant has spread to 38 countries. A few days ago, India discovered its first two cases of omicron in Karnataka and three days later the variant has spread to three other states and the national capital — eight cases have been reported in Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, one each in Gujarat and New Delhi. Most of those infected recently travelled abroad but there are also some with no travel history whatsoever. What is India's omicron strategy? If the second wave has taught us anything, it is that you cannot prepare enough and India cannot look at other countries to decide its pandemic response; it needs its own strategy and solutions. The India government has prepared a list of ‘at-risk’ countries even though international flights are still operational in India. Travellers from these countries will be strictly monitored and all positive cases will be isolated, and then sent for genome sequencing to find out if they have the omicron variant. Meanwhile, the government has decided to put all public events on hold till January 15, 2022. At the same time, New Delhi has strictly ruled out imposing a lockdown. Dr VK Paul, the head of India's COVID-19 task force, has categorically said that imposing a lockdown is not yet required. Instead, the government’s aim will be to test, track and treat all new cases. Until we find out how dangerous this variant really is, India will have to remain consistent in its response and focus on improving in some key areas. Super-spreader events It can start by putting an end to gatherings that could turn out to be super-spreader events, such as election rallies. At least five states are going to polls next year and election rallies have already begun, crowds are turning up in large numbers. It's almost like déjà vu. Last year, too, several states went to polls during which huge rallies were held. In the end, the outcome was disastrous. So, should election rallies continue the way they are or is there a need to tone them down by reducing the number of people attending? The election commission needs to take a call immediately. Genome sequencing The second area of concern is genome sequencing — a process used to track how the virus is mutating or multiplying. India is doing more on this front but it still performs poorly on a global level. According to one report, it has sampled just 0.2 per cent of its total cases, which is a measly figure. Denmark has conducted genome sequencing of 46 per cent of its cases, Australia has 21 per cent, UK 12 per cent and Switzerland nine per cent. So, why is India, which just recovered from a deadly second wave, lagging behind? Stringency The third area where India needs to improve is stringency. Announcing restrictions and social distancing measures won't be enough. India will have to be more stringent in executing them and will have to strictly follow up on whether people are following those rules. According to the Oxford government response tracker, India, the second most populous country in the world, has a stringency index of 45.8, which is lower than China, Germany, Indonesia and the UK. India will have to be stricter in the days ahead if it wants to stop omicron from spreading. New Delhi India will have to revisit all the challenges it faced during the second wave this past summer, re-haul its approach, chalk out new strategies and be equipped on all fronts.

As Omicron variant of Covid spreads, is India really ready this time?

Omicron cases have been alarmingly increasing across the world, and now Russia, too, has been infected by the new Covid variant.<o:p></o:p>

Russia reported its first two cases of the Omicron variant in citizens who had recently returned from South Africa. "Two citizens who returned to Russia from South Africa have been diagnosed with the Omicron coronavirus strain," the Rospotrebnadzor health agency said in a statement.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-unlikely-to-lift-omicron-travel-curbs-on-southern-african-countries-434698">EU unlikely to lift Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries</a></o:p>

The government has started testing all travellers coming from South Africa and its neighbouring countries. They are being tested at the border itself from where they had taken into special observatories. From these observatories, anyone who shows any symptoms or tests positive for Covid is sent to be quarantined in infectious disease hospitals, Rospotrebnadzor reported.<o:p></o:p>

Keeping in mind the dangers the new variant carries, Russian President Vladimir Putin has given his government and coronavirus experts of the country a week to come up with a foolproof action plan to fight the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. <o:p></o:p>

This comes at a time when Russia has been already struggling to control a worsening Covid surge in the country, driven by the Delta variant. Now, as some people are claiming that the Omicron variant could be more transmissible than the existing variants, Russia is hoping to come up with an action plan and stay alert in order to avoid any future surge.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-meets-russian-president-vladimir-putin-at-hyderabad-house-434656">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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In addition to this, experts have also claimed that a booster shots of Russia’s domestically produced Sputnik V vaccine is also being readied to fight the Omicron variant specifically. However, the country has been struggling to get rid of vaccine hesitancy. Even though the country has been catering domestically produced vaccines, only 40 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated till now.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, experts all around the world are urging rich nations to take the spread of Omicron as a wake-up call with regards to vaccine inequality. "With the new threat of the Omicron variant, it is clear that we cannot just booster our way out of the pandemic while leaving much of the developing world behind,"&nbsp;said Anna Marriott, health policy manager at Oxfam, which is one of about 80 organisations in the People’s Vaccine Alliance. "Unless all countries are vaccinated as soon as possible we could see wave after wave of variants."<o:p></o:p>

Omicron cases have been alarmingly increasing across the world, and now Russia, too, has been infected by the new Covid variant. Russia reported its first two cases of the Omicron variant in citizens who had recently returned from South Africa.

Omicron cases have been alarmingly increasing across the world, and now Russia, too, has been infected by the new Covid variant. Russia reported its first two cases of the Omicron variant in citizens who had recently returned from South Africa. "Two citizens who returned to Russia from South Africa have been diagnosed with the Omicron coronavirus strain," the Rospotrebnadzor health agency said in a statement. Also read | EU unlikely to lift Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries The government has started testing all travellers coming from South Africa and its neighbouring countries. They are being tested at the border itself from where they had taken into special observatories. From these observatories, anyone who shows any symptoms or tests positive for Covid is sent to be quarantined in infectious disease hospitals, Rospotrebnadzor reported. Keeping in mind the dangers the new variant carries, Russian President Vladimir Putin has given his government and coronavirus experts of the country a week to come up with a foolproof action plan to fight the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. This comes at a time when Russia has been already struggling to control a worsening Covid surge in the country, driven by the Delta variant. Now, as some people are claiming that the Omicron variant could be more transmissible than the existing variants, Russia is hoping to come up with an action plan and stay alert in order to avoid any future surge. WATCH | In addition to this, experts have also claimed that a booster shots of Russia’s domestically produced Sputnik V vaccine is also being readied to fight the Omicron variant specifically. However, the country has been struggling to get rid of vaccine hesitancy. Even though the country has been catering domestically produced vaccines, only 40 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated till now. Meanwhile, experts all around the world are urging rich nations to take the spread of Omicron as a wake-up call with regards to vaccine inequality. "With the new threat of the Omicron variant, it is clear that we cannot just booster our way out of the pandemic while leaving much of the developing world behind," said Anna Marriott, health policy manager at Oxfam, which is one of about 80 organisations in the People’s Vaccine Alliance. "Unless all countries are vaccinated as soon as possible we could see wave after wave of variants."

Russia records its first Omicron Covid cases; Putin demands action plan

The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday.

EU states had agreed to &nbsp;impose travel curbs on travellers coming from seven southern African countries. This was done after these countries reported Omicron variant which is considered more infectious than previous variants

Bloomberg News, citing one diplomat familiar with the matter, reported on Monday that EU health ministers at a meeting on Tuesday may agree on the need for a PCR test for vaccinated third-country nationals from that region, which could allow some travel bans to be eased or lifted within a week.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-spreads-in-south-africa-as-president-ramaphosa-urges-vaccination-434673">Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination</a>

The travel ban "was meant always as a time-limited measure", one senior EU official told Reuters, adding however that there was no plan at the moment to lift it. "We are not yet working in that direction."

Another two EU sources familiar with the work of health ministers said no decision on travel bans was expected at Tuesday's meeting.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-resulted-in-alarming-increase-in-malaria-deaths-who-434686">Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO</a>

Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the southern African countries that have been targeted.

South Africa has criticised the travel ban which it said penalised the country for having the expertise to first identify the variant. The United States, Britain and many other countries imposed bans similar to those of the EU.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday.

The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday. EU states had agreed to impose travel curbs on travellers coming from seven southern African countries. This was done after these countries reported Omicron variant which is considered more infectious than previous variants Bloomberg News, citing one diplomat familiar with the matter, reported on Monday that EU health ministers at a meeting on Tuesday may agree on the need for a PCR test for vaccinated third-country nationals from that region, which could allow some travel bans to be eased or lifted within a week. Also Read | Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination The travel ban "was meant always as a time-limited measure", one senior EU official told Reuters, adding however that there was no plan at the moment to lift it. "We are not yet working in that direction." Another two EU sources familiar with the work of health ministers said no decision on travel bans was expected at Tuesday's meeting. Also Read | Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the southern African countries that have been targeted. South Africa has criticised the travel ban which it said penalised the country for having the expertise to first identify the variant. The United States, Britain and many other countries imposed bans similar to those of the EU. (With inputs from agencies)

EU unlikely to lift Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries

Coronavirus pandemic has ruined several lives and caused some major disruptions around the world. Following the same scare, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that tens of thousands of additional malaria-related deaths were reported in 2020 due to pandemic disruptions.<o:p></o:p>

The UN health agency has claimed that there were nearly 241 million malaria cases around the world in the first year of the pandemic. As per the data, 2020 saw an increase of 14 million malaria cases in comparison to 2019.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-spreads-in-south-africa-as-president-ramaphosa-urges-vaccination-434673">Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination</a></o:p>

In addition to this, 627,000 malaria-related deaths were reported in 2020, which was an alarming increase from 69,000 in 2019.<o:p></o:p>

The shocking thing in this revelation is that out of these additional deaths, nearly two thirds were caused due to the coronavirus pandemic. Experts believe that that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions in the provision of malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as per WHO. <o:p></o:p>

As per the data, cases increased alarmingly in 11 countries that have been vulnerable to malaria in the past few years. Number of infections increased from 150 million in 2015 to 163 million in 2020, and the deaths rose to 444,600 from 39,000.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-achieves-new-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-50-of-adults-fully-vaccinated-434675">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-achieves-new-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-50-of-adults-fully-vaccinated-434675/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I think we are on the verge of a potential malaria crisis," Dr Pedro Alonso, head of WHO's Global Malaria Programme<o:p></o:p>

However, experts also stressed that the urgent action plan followed by respondents had helped avert a situation which could have been way worse than the present situation. <o:p></o:p>

"Thanks to the hard work of public health agencies in&nbsp;malaria-affected countries, the worst projections of Covid's impact have not come to pass," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. "Now, we need to harness that same energy and commitment to reverse the setbacks caused by the pandemic and step up the pace of progress against this disease."<o:p></o:p>

Coronavirus pandemic has ruined several lives and caused some major disruptions around the world. Following the same scare, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that tens of thousands of additional malaria-related deaths were reported in 2020 due to pandemic disruptions.

Coronavirus pandemic has ruined several lives and caused some major disruptions around the world. Following the same scare, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that tens of thousands of additional malaria-related deaths were reported in 2020 due to pandemic disruptions. The UN health agency has claimed that there were nearly 241 million malaria cases around the world in the first year of the pandemic. As per the data, 2020 saw an increase of 14 million malaria cases in comparison to 2019. Also read | Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination In addition to this, 627,000 malaria-related deaths were reported in 2020, which was an alarming increase from 69,000 in 2019. The shocking thing in this revelation is that out of these additional deaths, nearly two thirds were caused due to the coronavirus pandemic. Experts believe that that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions in the provision of malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as per WHO. As per the data, cases increased alarmingly in 11 countries that have been vulnerable to malaria in the past few years. Number of infections increased from 150 million in 2015 to 163 million in 2020, and the deaths rose to 444,600 from 39,000. WATCH | "I think we are on the verge of a potential malaria crisis," Dr Pedro Alonso, head of WHO's Global Malaria Programme However, experts also stressed that the urgent action plan followed by respondents had helped avert a situation which could have been way worse than the present situation. "Thanks to the hard work of public health agencies in malaria-affected countries, the worst projections of Covid's impact have not come to pass," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. "Now, we need to harness that same energy and commitment to reverse the setbacks caused by the pandemic and step up the pace of progress against this disease."

Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO

As South Africa battles a surge in coronavirus cases, reports claim hospitals in the country are bracing for more virus cases amid growing the Omicron variant threat.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged authorities to get jabs as the number of COVID-19 cases showed a five-fold increase as cases rose to over 16,000 in a day last week.

Ramaphosa warned that the rate of infections could rise to a level not seen earlier in the pandemic as the Omicron variant spreads across the country. The President conceded that Omicron was "dominating new infections".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-fallout-israeli-students-returning-to-school-from-hanukah-holidays-should-test-for-covid-434590">Also Read:&nbsp;Israeli students returning to school from Hanukah holidays should test for Covid</a>

South Africa had announced the presence of the Omicron variant as nations across the world moved to impose travel bans on the country. However, investigations are&nbsp;still underway on whether the Omicron variant is more contagious than Delta which is the dominant strain worldwide.

Watch:&nbsp;Early indications suggest Omicron may be less dangerous than Delta, says Fauci

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Reports claim at least 25 per cent of the population has been vaccinated even as the government has set a target of vaccinating 70 per cent of the population by the end of the year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-acts-as-a-wake-up-call-for-rich-nations-about-vaccine-inequality-experts-434570">Also Read|&nbsp;Omicron acts as a wake-up call for rich nations about vaccine inequality: Experts</a>

South Africa so far has reported over 3 million COVID-19 cases with its economy hit hard due to the virus fallout.

Britain followed by several EU countries had moved to ban flights from South Africa, although France announced recently that it had partially&nbsp;resumed&nbsp;flights under strict restrictions, a move which was welcomed by the government.

UK Health minister Sajid Javid had said over the weekend that travellers coming from Nigeria would need to quarantine themselves in hotels as the country recorded 160 Omicron variant cases.

The Omicron&nbsp;variant has spread to several countries ever since South Africa declared it late last month. Russia reported the first Omicron case along with Argentina.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As South Africa battles a surge in coronavirus cases, reports claim hospitals in the country are bracing for more virus cases amid growing the Omicron variant threat.

As South Africa battles a surge in coronavirus cases, reports claim hospitals in the country are bracing for more virus cases amid growing the Omicron variant threat. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged authorities to get jabs as the number of COVID-19 cases showed a five-fold increase as cases rose to over 16,000 in a day last week. Ramaphosa warned that the rate of infections could rise to a level not seen earlier in the pandemic as the Omicron variant spreads across the country. The President conceded that Omicron was "dominating new infections". Also Read: Israeli students returning to school from Hanukah holidays should test for Covid South Africa had announced the presence of the Omicron variant as nations across the world moved to impose travel bans on the country. However, investigations are still underway on whether the Omicron variant is more contagious than Delta which is the dominant strain worldwide. Watch: Early indications suggest Omicron may be less dangerous than Delta, says Fauci Reports claim at least 25 per cent of the population has been vaccinated even as the government has set a target of vaccinating 70 per cent of the population by the end of the year. Also Read| Omicron acts as a wake-up call for rich nations about vaccine inequality: Experts South Africa so far has reported over 3 million COVID-19 cases with its economy hit hard due to the virus fallout. Britain followed by several EU countries had moved to ban flights from South Africa, although France announced recently that it had partially resumed flights under strict restrictions, a move which was welcomed by the government. UK Health minister Sajid Javid had said over the weekend that travellers coming from Nigeria would need to quarantine themselves in hotels as the country recorded 160 Omicron variant cases. The Omicron variant has spread to several countries ever since South Africa declared it late last month. Russia reported the first Omicron case along with Argentina. (With inputs from Agencies)

Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling.

The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police.

It asked the US citizens to carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained.

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The U.S. Embassy has received reports of foreigners stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents. Several were detained, questioned, and searched. U.S. citizens should carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. <a href="https://t.co/a8BkAU7eCR">pic.twitter.com/a8BkAU7eCR</a>
— U.S. Embassy Tokyo, ACS (@ACSTokyo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACSTokyo/status/1467629914857816065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The tweet is being perceived as an unusual move from the United States, a key Japanese ally.

Reacting to the warning, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told Reuters that police are questioning suspicious individuals only based on various factors, but that those decisions are not based on a person’s ethnicity or nationality.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-scare-japan-imposes-strict-quarantine-rules-for-travellers-from-india-434255">&nbsp;Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India</a>

A US Embassy spokesperson said the embassy had nothing further to add to the tweet, and the National Police Agency could not immediately comment, reports&nbsp;Reuters.

The embassy’s message comes a week after Japan closed its borders to all non-resident foreigners in one of the strongest global measures taken to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/for-nearly-30-years-this-japan-hospital-used-toilet-water-for-drinking-427965">For nearly 30 years, this Japan hospital used toilet water for drinking</a>

The Japanese government has announced strict quarantine rules for people coming from India, Greece, Romania and four US states.

While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo News.

The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News.

The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling. The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police.

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling. The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police. It asked the US citizens to carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of foreigners stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents. Several were detained, questioned, and searched. U.S. citizens should carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. pic.twitter.com/a8BkAU7eCR — U.S. Embassy Tokyo, ACS (@ACSTokyo) December 5, 2021 × The tweet is being perceived as an unusual move from the United States, a key Japanese ally. Reacting to the warning, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told Reuters that police are questioning suspicious individuals only based on various factors, but that those decisions are not based on a person’s ethnicity or nationality. Also read | Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India A US Embassy spokesperson said the embassy had nothing further to add to the tweet, and the National Police Agency could not immediately comment, reports Reuters. The embassy’s message comes a week after Japan closed its borders to all non-resident foreigners in one of the strongest global measures taken to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19. Also read | For nearly 30 years, this Japan hospital used toilet water for drinking The Japanese government has announced strict quarantine rules for people coming from India, Greece, Romania and four US states. While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo News. The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News. The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant. (With inputs from agencies)

US embassy claims ‘racial profiling’ of foreigners by Japanese police

The United Kingdom health authorities confirmed on Sunday that 86 more cases of Omicron Covid have been reported in the country. This brings the total cases in the UK to 246.

In contrast, there were 160 Omicron cases on Saturday, which means that according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures the nation has witnessed an increase of more than 50 per cent in one day.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-omicron-threat-as-big-as-the-hype-read-what-who-experts-say-434393">Is Omicron threat as big as the hype? Read what WHO experts say</a>

Meanwhile, according to official figures, the UK has recorded 43,992 new cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, bringing the total to 10,464,389, according to the official figures.

Another 54 Coronavirus-related deaths have also been reported in the country, now the total number of Coronavirus-related deaths in the UK stands at 145,605. In these statistics, only those who died within 28 days of their first positive test are included.

Earlier, British Health Secretary Sajid Javid said international arrivals to the country, including children over the age of 12, will be required to take a pre-departure test from 0400 GMT on Tuesday. In addition, he said that the test must be taken no more than 48 hours before departure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-proof-that-covid-pandemic-is-just-starting-warns-uk-scientist-434349" hreflang="en">Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist</a>

Additionally, Nigeria will be included on the red travel list beginning Monday, along with several other southern African nations. These nations were put on the red travel list after the Omicron variant was first identified in South Africa late last month.

"I think it's too late to make a material difference to the course of the Omicron wave if we're going to have one," professor Mark Woolhouse, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (Spi-M), told the BBC when asked about the new travel rules.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Here's what the pandemic will look like in 2022

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Almost 88 per cent of people over the age of 12 in the UK have received their first dose of vaccine, and nearly 81 per cent have received both doses, according to the latest figures.

Over 35 per cent of respondents have also received a booster shot, or the third dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Kingdom health authorities confirmed on Sunday that 86 more cases of Omicron Covid have been reported in the country. This brings the total cases in the UK to 246.

The United Kingdom health authorities confirmed on Sunday that 86 more cases of Omicron Covid have been reported in the country. This brings the total cases in the UK to 246. In contrast, there were 160 Omicron cases on Saturday, which means that according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures the nation has witnessed an increase of more than 50 per cent in one day. Also read | Is Omicron threat as big as the hype? Read what WHO experts say Meanwhile, according to official figures, the UK has recorded 43,992 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 10,464,389, according to the official figures. Another 54 Coronavirus-related deaths have also been reported in the country, now the total number of Coronavirus-related deaths in the UK stands at 145,605. In these statistics, only those who died within 28 days of their first positive test are included. Earlier, British Health Secretary Sajid Javid said international arrivals to the country, including children over the age of 12, will be required to take a pre-departure test from 0400 GMT on Tuesday. In addition, he said that the test must be taken no more than 48 hours before departure. Also read | Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist Additionally, Nigeria will be included on the red travel list beginning Monday, along with several other southern African nations. These nations were put on the red travel list after the Omicron variant was first identified in South Africa late last month. "I think it's too late to make a material difference to the course of the Omicron wave if we're going to have one," professor Mark Woolhouse, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (Spi-M), told the BBC when asked about the new travel rules. Watch | Gravitas Plus: Here's what the pandemic will look like in 2022 Almost 88 per cent of people over the age of 12 in the UK have received their first dose of vaccine, and nearly 81 per cent have received both doses, according to the latest figures. Over 35 per cent of respondents have also received a booster shot, or the third dose of a coronavirus vaccine. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron scare: In the United Kingdom, new cases increase by 50%  in a single day

Many vaccination clinics and local officials are reporting long lines and delays in booking vaccination appointments recently, the product of expanded eligibility on booster shots and fears of the omicron variant, experts said.

The stresses on the U.S. vaccination program are worsened by the broader labor shortage that is affecting many sectors, including health care.

“What the public needs to keep in mind is that we’ve got a stressed and strained health care delivery system,” said Mitchel Rothholz, the lead for immunization policy at the American Pharmacists Association.

Vaccine demand has more than doubled since the beginning of October, especially for boosters and first doses, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-heres-what-the-pandemic-will-look-like-in-2022-434239">WATCH |</a>

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Rothholz said he has noticed that pharmacies are moving more to an appointment-based model with the uptick in demand, similar to when vaccines were first rolled out and there was a crush to get them. This means that people wanting a vaccine may need to plan ahead and could have to wait a few more days.

“We’ve got to go to a system where we can manage expectations,” he said.

The Biden administration is trying to make getting vaccinated easier. In announcing actions Thursday to protect against delta and omicron, President Joe Biden said the government would create hundreds of family vaccination clinics, one-stop shops for first shots to boosters. Partners in a federal pharmacy program, including major chains such as CVS and Rite Aid, will also make “family-based scheduling” available in the months ahead, according to the White House.

Since the emergence of the omicron variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot, six months after a Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after a Johnson &amp; Johnson shot.

Dr. Leana Wen, a public health professor at George Washington University, said there are some pockets of the country where vaccines are expiring because demand is low and others where lines are longer than a month ago because of greater demand.

But, she said, demand will likely ease in a few weeks.

“Whenever there is a new recommendation, there are the early adopters who are extremely eager to want to get that booster right now,” she said, adding that “supply and demand will equilibrate in short order.”

Some states and counties have hosted mass-vaccination clinics to alleviate the burden on pharmacies and meet demand from residents.

Richard Clark, director of emergency management for Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque, New Mexico, said the county had been running vaccination clinics that would attract about 300 or 400 people each time. Clark said he kept hearing comments about people driving from counties an hour away to get their vaccine, because they were worried about the upcoming holidays and virus variants.

“We decided, let’s just do a large one,” he said, “and our 1,000 slots were filled within probably a day and a half.”

Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts said this past week that demand for vaccines skyrocketed after boosters became widely available.

“We are doing over 50,000 shots per day,” Baker said, according to a Boston 25 News story published Tuesday, “and if we can find a way to work with our local colleagues in local government, we will come up with ways to put more shots on the table.”

Many vaccination clinics and local officials are reporting long lines and delays in booking vaccination appointments recently, the product of expanded eligibility on booster shots and fears of the omicron variant, experts said.

Many vaccination clinics and local officials are reporting long lines and delays in booking vaccination appointments recently, the product of expanded eligibility on booster shots and fears of the omicron variant, experts said. The stresses on the U.S. vaccination program are worsened by the broader labor shortage that is affecting many sectors, including health care. “What the public needs to keep in mind is that we’ve got a stressed and strained health care delivery system,” said Mitchel Rothholz, the lead for immunization policy at the American Pharmacists Association. Vaccine demand has more than doubled since the beginning of October, especially for boosters and first doses, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. WATCH | Rothholz said he has noticed that pharmacies are moving more to an appointment-based model with the uptick in demand, similar to when vaccines were first rolled out and there was a crush to get them. This means that people wanting a vaccine may need to plan ahead and could have to wait a few more days. “We’ve got to go to a system where we can manage expectations,” he said. The Biden administration is trying to make getting vaccinated easier. In announcing actions Thursday to protect against delta and omicron, President Joe Biden said the government would create hundreds of family vaccination clinics, one-stop shops for first shots to boosters. Partners in a federal pharmacy program, including major chains such as CVS and Rite Aid, will also make “family-based scheduling” available in the months ahead, according to the White House. Since the emergence of the omicron variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot, six months after a Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after a Johnson & Johnson shot. Dr. Leana Wen, a public health professor at George Washington University, said there are some pockets of the country where vaccines are expiring because demand is low and others where lines are longer than a month ago because of greater demand. But, she said, demand will likely ease in a few weeks. “Whenever there is a new recommendation, there are the early adopters who are extremely eager to want to get that booster right now,” she said, adding that “supply and demand will equilibrate in short order.” Some states and counties have hosted mass-vaccination clinics to alleviate the burden on pharmacies and meet demand from residents. Richard Clark, director of emergency management for Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque, New Mexico, said the county had been running vaccination clinics that would attract about 300 or 400 people each time. Clark said he kept hearing comments about people driving from counties an hour away to get their vaccine, because they were worried about the upcoming holidays and virus variants. “We decided, let’s just do a large one,” he said, “and our 1,000 slots were filled within probably a day and a half.” Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts said this past week that demand for vaccines skyrocketed after boosters became widely available. “We are doing over 50,000 shots per day,” Baker said, according to a Boston 25 News story published Tuesday, “and if we can find a way to work with our local colleagues in local government, we will come up with ways to put more shots on the table.”

Vaccine demand grows in the US and so do wait time

While several international governments have been re-instating travel restrictions and other Covid related rules, the World Health Organization (WHO) and coronavirus experts believe the variant is only 'super mild'.<o:p></o:p>

Experts have been warning international governments and organisations against creating a hysteria around the Omicron variant — the latest variant of COVID-19.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-omicron-in-india-updates-two-cases-found-in-karnataka-433212">New Variant LIVE: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21</a></o:p>

Dr Angelique Coetzee, chair of the South African Medical Association, said this reaction was "medically seen, not justified." <o:p></o:p>

The doctor has stressed that there has been no reported deaths or severe illness from the new variant which proves that it may not be as big a problem as some people have been portraying it to be in the past few weeks. "Looking at the mildness of the symptoms we are seeing, currently there is no reason for panicking as we don’t see any severely ill patients," Coetzee said.<o:p></o:p>

South African doctors have also backed this theory and claimed that majority of the Omicron variant cases that they have seen till now have been "mild" and not severe. "Our clinicians have not witnessed severe illness. Part of it may be because the majority of those who are positive are young people," South Africa’s health minister Joe Phaahla said.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-heres-what-the-pandemic-will-look-like-in-2022-434239">WATCH |</a>&nbsp;</o:p>Gravitas Plus: Here's what the pandemic will look like in 2022

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WHO experts have also been warning countries to not impose travel restrictions as those are 'extreme measures' which are not needed in such mild situations. "These types of interventions are not sustainable. Those types of extreme measures are not our recommendations," said Dr Catherine Smallwood, Senior Emergency Officer at WHO's Regional Office for Europe.<o:p></o:p>

Following the suit, another WHO expert, regional director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, urged countries to not impose travel restrictions. He added that these restrictions may help in reducing the spread but will also bring heavy negative impacts on the economy and livelihoods of locals of the isolated regions.<o:p></o:p>

Majority of the patients who have been infected by the Omicron variant have reported nausea, dizziness and headache. There has been no reported case of <o:p></o:p>

While several international governments have been re-instating travel restrictions and other Covid related rules, the World Health Organization (WHO) and coronavirus experts believe the variant is only 'super mild'.

While several international governments have been re-instating travel restrictions and other Covid related rules, the World Health Organization (WHO) and coronavirus experts believe the variant is only 'super mild'. Experts have been warning international governments and organisations against creating a hysteria around the Omicron variant — the latest variant of COVID-19. Also read | New Variant LIVE: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21 Dr Angelique Coetzee, chair of the South African Medical Association, said this reaction was "medically seen, not justified." The doctor has stressed that there has been no reported deaths or severe illness from the new variant which proves that it may not be as big a problem as some people have been portraying it to be in the past few weeks. "Looking at the mildness of the symptoms we are seeing, currently there is no reason for panicking as we don’t see any severely ill patients," Coetzee said. South African doctors have also backed this theory and claimed that majority of the Omicron variant cases that they have seen till now have been "mild" and not severe. "Our clinicians have not witnessed severe illness. Part of it may be because the majority of those who are positive are young people," South Africa’s health minister Joe Phaahla said. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Here's what the pandemic will look like in 2022 WHO experts have also been warning countries to not impose travel restrictions as those are 'extreme measures' which are not needed in such mild situations. "These types of interventions are not sustainable. Those types of extreme measures are not our recommendations," said Dr Catherine Smallwood, Senior Emergency Officer at WHO's Regional Office for Europe. Following the suit, another WHO expert, regional director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, urged countries to not impose travel restrictions. He added that these restrictions may help in reducing the spread but will also bring heavy negative impacts on the economy and livelihoods of locals of the isolated regions. Majority of the patients who have been infected by the Omicron variant have reported nausea, dizziness and headache. There has been no reported case of

Is Omicron threat as big as the hype? Read what WHO experts say

As the Hanukah holiday comes to an end and students in Israel head back to school, young children are being required to get tested for the coronavirus, before being allowed back to their studies.

For more than a week, children and families in Israel have been celebrating Hanukah, the festival of lights.

But dimming the celebrations somewhat has been Omicron, the latest variant of COVID-19.

As the festivities come to a close, children are preparing to go back to school on Tuesday.&nbsp;

But the government has said they will need to get tested if they are to be allowed back in.

Since Omicron was discovered in Israel, the government has again closed its borders to tourists, tightened quarantine rules for returning Israelis, encouraged kids to get vaccinated, and temporarily approved phone tracking of suspected carriers, which has now been suspended.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israel-halts-virus-phone-tracker-amid-privacy-concerns-433885" hreflang="en">Israel halts virus phone tracker amid privacy concerns</a>

In this latest move, preschoolers and children in grades 1-6 will need to present a negative rapid antigen test to return to school.&nbsp;

And following a similar announcement in the UK, health officials in Israel are also said to be considering a 4th vaccine for immunocompromised people.

Israel has reported 4 more Omicron infections, bringing its total to 11 known cases. Of these, 7 were vaccinated. The new cases include a man who came into contact with an infected person who had recently travelled from South Africa. This is the first known case of Omicron being transmitted within Israel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/two-dose-vaccines-insufficient-booster-dose-must-for-protection-against-covid-israels-health-expert-433648" hreflang="en">Two-dose vaccines insufficient, booster dose must for protection against Covid: Israel’s health expert</a>

Public healthcare experts have been saying that Omicron appears to be potentially more transmissible but less lethal than other variants.

However, Health Ministry chief, Nachman Ash, said it remains unclear how the strain will hold up against vaccines. And coronavirus czar, Salman Zarka, warned it will take another week to know the full impact of Omicron.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/two-fully-vaccinated-israeli-doctors-get-infected-with-omicron-variant-433249" hreflang="en">Two fully vaccinated Israeli doctors get infected with Omicron variant</a>

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett urged caution in his weekly cabinet meeting. “Every day, we are reassessing the situation – on the basis of the data we know at the time – regarding moves to ease restrictions or make them more stringent. Everything is according to the data….Some people are saying: ‘But the situation is so good in the country, why are you being so stringent?’ The reason that the situation is good in the country is that we are taking quick and precise action. We know to relax the restrictions when necessary and when to tighten them,” he said.

 
With thousands of Israelis now expected to fly in from abroad, time will tell how this will impact Omicron cases in the country going forward.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel tightens travel restrictions over new COVID-19 variant

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As the Hanukah holiday comes to an end and students in Israel head back to school, young children are being required to get tested for the coronavirus, before being allowed back to their studies.

As the Hanukah holiday comes to an end and students in Israel head back to school, young children are being required to get tested for the coronavirus, before being allowed back to their studies. For more than a week, children and families in Israel have been celebrating Hanukah, the festival of lights. But dimming the celebrations somewhat has been Omicron, the latest variant of COVID-19. As the festivities come to a close, children are preparing to go back to school on Tuesday. But the government has said they will need to get tested if they are to be allowed back in. Since Omicron was discovered in Israel, the government has again closed its borders to tourists, tightened quarantine rules for returning Israelis, encouraged kids to get vaccinated, and temporarily approved phone tracking of suspected carriers, which has now been suspended. Also read: Israel halts virus phone tracker amid privacy concerns In this latest move, preschoolers and children in grades 1-6 will need to present a negative rapid antigen test to return to school. And following a similar announcement in the UK, health officials in Israel are also said to be considering a 4th vaccine for immunocompromised people. Israel has reported 4 more Omicron infections, bringing its total to 11 known cases. Of these, 7 were vaccinated. The new cases include a man who came into contact with an infected person who had recently travelled from South Africa. This is the first known case of Omicron being transmitted within Israel. Also read: Two-dose vaccines insufficient, booster dose must for protection against Covid: Israel’s health expert Public healthcare experts have been saying that Omicron appears to be potentially more transmissible but less lethal than other variants. However, Health Ministry chief, Nachman Ash, said it remains unclear how the strain will hold up against vaccines. And coronavirus czar, Salman Zarka, warned it will take another week to know the full impact of Omicron. Also read: Two fully vaccinated Israeli doctors get infected with Omicron variant Prime Minister Naftali Bennett urged caution in his weekly cabinet meeting. “Every day, we are reassessing the situation – on the basis of the data we know at the time – regarding moves to ease restrictions or make them more stringent. Everything is according to the data….Some people are saying: ‘But the situation is so good in the country, why are you being so stringent?’ The reason that the situation is good in the country is that we are taking quick and precise action. We know to relax the restrictions when necessary and when to tighten them,” he said. With thousands of Israelis now expected to fly in from abroad, time will tell how this will impact Omicron cases in the country going forward. Watch: Israel tightens travel restrictions over new COVID-19 variant ×

Omicron fallout: Israeli students returning to school from Hanukah holidays should test for Covid

As the rich countries rushed to vaccinate their citizens and start the booster shot campaign, it would have been much better if they would have helped poor countries get vaccinated, experts have stated.<o:p></o:p>

Experts have said that the failure to successfully vaccinate the poorer countries against coronavirus led to creation of breeding ground for the Omicron variant.<o:p></o:p>

Scientists have been urging rich countries to focus on the increasing vaccine inequality, especially in the poorer countries around the world. Many parts of the world remained majorly unvaccinated due to lack of funding and resources. This led to the coronavirus mutating in those parts, giving birth to Omicron variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-heres-what-the-pandemic-will-look-like-in-2022-434239">WATCH |</a>

<o:p></o:p>

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"Omicron is with us because we have failed to vaccinate the world," said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAids and co-chair of the People’s Vaccine Alliance, a campaign group. "This should be a wake-up call.<o:p></o:p>

"Business as usual has led to huge profits for pharmaceutical firms, but many people left unvaccinated means that this virus continues to mutate. It is the definition of madness to keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome. We need to press reset."<o:p></o:p>

This warning was issued after a new set of data (compiled by People’s Vaccine Alliance) revealed that the total number of booster shots administered in the UK is almost equal to the number of fully vaccinated people in poorer countries.<o:p></o:p>

"With the new threat of the Omicron variant, it is clear that we cannot just booster our way out of the pandemic while leaving much of the developing world behind,"&nbsp;said Anna Marriott, health policy manager at Oxfam, which is one of about 80 organisations in the People’s Vaccine Alliance. "Unless all countries are vaccinated as soon as possible we could see wave after wave of variants."<o:p></o:p>

As the rich countries rushed to vaccinate their citizens and start the booster shot campaign, it would have been much better if they would have helped poor countries get vaccinated, experts have stated.

As the rich countries rushed to vaccinate their citizens and start the booster shot campaign, it would have been much better if they would have helped poor countries get vaccinated, experts have stated. Experts have said that the failure to successfully vaccinate the poorer countries against coronavirus led to creation of breeding ground for the Omicron variant. Scientists have been urging rich countries to focus on the increasing vaccine inequality, especially in the poorer countries around the world. Many parts of the world remained majorly unvaccinated due to lack of funding and resources. This led to the coronavirus mutating in those parts, giving birth to Omicron variant. WATCH | "Omicron is with us because we have failed to vaccinate the world," said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAids and co-chair of the People’s Vaccine Alliance, a campaign group. "This should be a wake-up call. "Business as usual has led to huge profits for pharmaceutical firms, but many people left unvaccinated means that this virus continues to mutate. It is the definition of madness to keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome. We need to press reset." This warning was issued after a new set of data (compiled by People’s Vaccine Alliance) revealed that the total number of booster shots administered in the UK is almost equal to the number of fully vaccinated people in poorer countries. "With the new threat of the Omicron variant, it is clear that we cannot just booster our way out of the pandemic while leaving much of the developing world behind," said Anna Marriott, health policy manager at Oxfam, which is one of about 80 organisations in the People’s Vaccine Alliance. "Unless all countries are vaccinated as soon as possible we could see wave after wave of variants."

Omicron acts as a wake-up call for rich nations about vaccine inequality: Experts

Thailand&nbsp;has detected its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant in a U.S. citizen who had travelled to the country from Spain late last month, a health official said on Monday.

"We believe that we've detected the first confirmed case of Omicron variant in&nbsp;Thailand. The person travelled from Spain," Director-General of Medical Science Department at the Public Health Ministry, Supakit Sirilak, told a news conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-scare-in-the-united-kingdom-new-cases-increase-by-50-in-a-single-day-434428">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron scare: In the United Kingdom, new cases increase by 50% in a single day</a>

The confirmed case in the man, who had arrived on November&nbsp;29, makes&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;the 47th country to have found the new variant, an official said, adding that the patient had mild symptom.

Thailand&nbsp;reported 4,000 new coronavirus cases and 22 new deaths on Monday, taking the tally to more than 2.1 million cases and 20,966 deaths since the pandemic started last year.

Thailand has detected its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant in a U.S. citizen who had travelled to the country from Spain late last month, a health official said on Monday.

Thailand has detected its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant in a U.S. citizen who had travelled to the country from Spain late last month, a health official said on Monday. "We believe that we've detected the first confirmed case of Omicron variant in Thailand. The person travelled from Spain," Director-General of Medical Science Department at the Public Health Ministry, Supakit Sirilak, told a news conference. Also read | Omicron scare: In the United Kingdom, new cases increase by 50% in a single day The confirmed case in the man, who had arrived on November 29, makes Thailand the 47th country to have found the new variant, an official said, adding that the patient had mild symptom. Thailand reported 4,000 new coronavirus cases and 22 new deaths on Monday, taking the tally to more than 2.1 million cases and 20,966 deaths since the pandemic started last year.

Omicron scare: Thailand reports first case of new Covid variant

Amid fears of Omicron variant, the birthplace of Jesus Christ Bethlehem is preparing for the Christmas festivities, a giant tree with a big red star has been lit up just outside the church, take a look at these visuals!

Bethlehem- the birth place of Jesus Christ rings in Christmas celebrations

Will Omicron usher in another year of lockdown? Will we lose more lives to the virus from China? Or will our vaccines be able to contain the Wuhan virus? What should you expect from 2022? Listen in to Palki Sharma

Gravitas Plus: Here's what the pandemic will look like in 2022

As fears of a new variant Omicron looms, Britain has tightened curbs for travellers. According to the new measures, Britain will now require all inbound travellers to have a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test.&nbsp;

Also, Health Minister Sajid Javid on Saturday said that travellers coming in from Nigeria will have to quarantine in hotels. These changes will come in from Tuesday.&nbsp;

Along with this, the travellers will need to take a PCR test before the end of their second day in the UK. After which, they are required to self-isolate until their negative result comes back.

This comes in as the total number of Omicron cases in the country has risen to 160.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-in-60-people-in-england-estimated-to-be-infected-with-covid-19-britains-ons-433957">Also read |&nbsp;One in 60 people in England estimated to be infected with COVID-19: Britain's ONS</a>

"We've kept the data under review over the last week or so since we learned about Omicron, and we're seeing increasing number of cases linked to travel," Javid said.

He further added, "We've always said we will act swiftly if we need to... and that's why we decided to bring in this change on pre-departure tests."

Britain is one of the worst countries hit with the virus with over 145,000 fatalities and over 10 million Covid&nbsp;cases.

Meanwhile, according to Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS), one in 60 people in England would test positive for coronavirus in the week ending November 27 with an estimated 898,900 people in England who have the virus. 
ONS said the percentage of people who had contacted the virus in England had increased.&nbsp;

In Wales, the trends were uncertain. However, the agency claimed that 1 in 45 people were estimated to be infected with a similar number in Northern Ireland and 1 in 65 in Scotland.

(With inputs from agencies)

As fears of a new variant Omicron looms, Britain has tightened curbs for travellers. According to the new measures, Britain will now require all inbound travellers to have a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test.

As fears of a new variant Omicron looms, Britain has tightened curbs for travellers. According to the new measures, Britain will now require all inbound travellers to have a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test. Also, Health Minister Sajid Javid on Saturday said that travellers coming in from Nigeria will have to quarantine in hotels. These changes will come in from Tuesday. Along with this, the travellers will need to take a PCR test before the end of their second day in the UK. After which, they are required to self-isolate until their negative result comes back. This comes in as the total number of Omicron cases in the country has risen to 160. Also read | One in 60 people in England estimated to be infected with COVID-19: Britain's ONS "We've kept the data under review over the last week or so since we learned about Omicron, and we're seeing increasing number of cases linked to travel," Javid said. He further added, "We've always said we will act swiftly if we need to... and that's why we decided to bring in this change on pre-departure tests." Britain is one of the worst countries hit with the virus with over 145,000 fatalities and over 10 million Covid cases. Meanwhile, according to Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS), one in 60 people in England would test positive for coronavirus in the week ending November 27 with an estimated 898,900 people in England who have the virus. ONS said the percentage of people who had contacted the virus in England had increased. In Wales, the trends were uncertain. However, the agency claimed that 1 in 45 people were estimated to be infected with a similar number in Northern Ireland and 1 in 65 in Scotland. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain introduces new travel measures as Omicron cases rise to 160

The new variant of coronavirus is spreading rapidly across India. Seven more cases of the Omicron have been reported in Maharashtra and nine in Jaipur today.<o:p></o:p>

With the additional cases in Maharashtra and Jaipur, the tally of Omicron infections has increased to 21&nbsp;in India. Out of these 21, eight are in Maharashtra, nine in Jaipur, one in Delhi and Gujarat each, and two in Bangalore.

<o:p>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-how-well-prepared-is-india-to-tackle-a-possible-spread-of-new-covid-variant-434064">Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant?</a></o:p>

Out of the seven new Omicron cases reported in Maharashtra on Sunday, six are in Pimpri and one in Pune. “Four persons who returned from foreign tours and three of their close contacts have tested positive for the new variant,” Maharashtra health ministry said.<o:p></o:p>

In addition to this, two close contacts of a Covid positive patient with Omicron variant in Gujarat have also tested positive for coronavirus. However, it is not yet clear if they have been infected with the same variant or not.<o:p></o:p>

It is also being reported that Jaipur has reported nine cases of Omicron variant. All these nine patients are reported to be from the same family.&nbsp;Four of these patients had returned from South Africa and the rest of five had been in contact with the first four.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-heres-what-the-pandemic-will-look-like-in-2022-434239">WATCH |</a></o:p>

India reported its first case of Omicron variant when a 72-year-old Zimbabwe resident travelled to Jamnagar, Gujarat and tested positive for coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has warned that the concerns with regard to the new strain developing immunoescape mechanism should be critically addressed. The report has urged the government and experts to do an efficacy check on the existing vaccines against coronavirus conduct more extensive research to analyse the need and urgency of booster shots against the new variant of COVID-19.<o:p></o:p>

"The committee believes that timely detection and isolation of potentially infectious people is very crucial in reducing the impact of the pandemic. The importance of diagnostic testing therefore, cannot be overlooked," the panel said in its report<o:p></o:p>

The new variant of coronavirus is spreading rapidly across India. Seven more cases of the Omicron have been reported in Maharashtra and nine in Jaipur today. With the additional cases in Maharashtra and Jaipur, the tally of Omicron infections has increased to 21 in India.

The new variant of coronavirus is spreading rapidly across India. Seven more cases of the Omicron have been reported in Maharashtra and nine in Jaipur today. With the additional cases in Maharashtra and Jaipur, the tally of Omicron infections has increased to 21 in India. Out of these 21, eight are in Maharashtra, nine in Jaipur, one in Delhi and Gujarat each, and two in Bangalore. Also read | Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant? Out of the seven new Omicron cases reported in Maharashtra on Sunday, six are in Pimpri and one in Pune. “Four persons who returned from foreign tours and three of their close contacts have tested positive for the new variant,” Maharashtra health ministry said. In addition to this, two close contacts of a Covid positive patient with Omicron variant in Gujarat have also tested positive for coronavirus. However, it is not yet clear if they have been infected with the same variant or not. It is also being reported that Jaipur has reported nine cases of Omicron variant. All these nine patients are reported to be from the same family. Four of these patients had returned from South Africa and the rest of five had been in contact with the first four. WATCH | India reported its first case of Omicron variant when a 72-year-old Zimbabwe resident travelled to Jamnagar, Gujarat and tested positive for coronavirus. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has warned that the concerns with regard to the new strain developing immunoescape mechanism should be critically addressed. The report has urged the government and experts to do an efficacy check on the existing vaccines against coronavirus conduct more extensive research to analyse the need and urgency of booster shots against the new variant of COVID-19. "The committee believes that timely detection and isolation of potentially infectious people is very crucial in reducing the impact of the pandemic. The importance of diagnostic testing therefore, cannot be overlooked," the panel said in its report

Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21

A British scientist has warned the world that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end.<o:p></o:p>

Sir Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, has claimed that leaders around the globe have been assuming that the worst of this pandemic is behind us, but that is far from the truth.<o:p></o:p>

Rich countries have been adopting "a very blinkered domestic focus, lulled into thinking that the worst of the pandemic was behind us," he said.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-advocates-offer-rides-to-teens-to-inoculation-site-spark-controversy-434276">Vaccine advocates offer rides to teens to inoculation site, spark controversy</a></o:p>

Farrar also added that he is hopeful that the existing vaccines can protect masses against the deadly coronavirus, but he is not sure if the same can be said for the new variants that may emerge in the future.<o:p></o:p>

"The longer this virus continues to spread in largely unvaccinated populations globally, the more likely it is that a variant that can overcome our vaccines and treatments will emerge," he wrote in the Observer. "If that happens, we could be close to square one."<o:p></o:p>

He also slammed the political leaders for not being able to put the politics aside and coming together to eradicate the pandemic on a global level. He has accused leaders of only focusing on domestic matters related to Covid, rather than on a global level. "This political drift and lack of leadership is prolonging the pandemic for everyone, with governments unwilling to really address inequitable access to the vaccines, tests and treatment. There have been wonderful speeches, warm words, but not the actions needed to ensure fair access to what we know works and would bring the pandemic to a close."

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-heres-what-the-pandemic-will-look-like-in-2022-434239">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-heres-what-the-pandemic-will-look-like-in-2022-434239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the UK has been trying to battle the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in the country. The health secretary, Sajid Javid, has been urging all eligible people to get a booster shot as soon as possible. "It's absolutely crucial that everybody who is eligible gets their booster jab to top up their immunity before spending time with loved ones," he said. "While our brilliant scientists learn more about the new Omicron variant, we need to do everything we can to strengthen our defences, and vaccines are the best way to do that."<o:p></o:p>

Boris Johnson’s government has also announced that all incoming travellers will now have to show negative RT-PCR Covid test 48 hours before entering the country.<o:p></o:p>

A British scientist has warned the world that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end.

A British scientist has warned the world that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end. Sir Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, has claimed that leaders around the globe have been assuming that the worst of this pandemic is behind us, but that is far from the truth. Rich countries have been adopting "a very blinkered domestic focus, lulled into thinking that the worst of the pandemic was behind us," he said. Also read | Vaccine advocates offer rides to teens to inoculation site, spark controversy Farrar also added that he is hopeful that the existing vaccines can protect masses against the deadly coronavirus, but he is not sure if the same can be said for the new variants that may emerge in the future. "The longer this virus continues to spread in largely unvaccinated populations globally, the more likely it is that a variant that can overcome our vaccines and treatments will emerge," he wrote in the Observer. "If that happens, we could be close to square one." He also slammed the political leaders for not being able to put the politics aside and coming together to eradicate the pandemic on a global level. He has accused leaders of only focusing on domestic matters related to Covid, rather than on a global level. "This political drift and lack of leadership is prolonging the pandemic for everyone, with governments unwilling to really address inequitable access to the vaccines, tests and treatment. There have been wonderful speeches, warm words, but not the actions needed to ensure fair access to what we know works and would bring the pandemic to a close." WATCH | Meanwhile, the UK has been trying to battle the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in the country. The health secretary, Sajid Javid, has been urging all eligible people to get a booster shot as soon as possible. "It's absolutely crucial that everybody who is eligible gets their booster jab to top up their immunity before spending time with loved ones," he said. "While our brilliant scientists learn more about the new Omicron variant, we need to do everything we can to strengthen our defences, and vaccines are the best way to do that." Boris Johnson’s government has also announced that all incoming travellers will now have to show negative RT-PCR Covid test 48 hours before entering the country.

Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist

Indian capital&nbsp;Delhi, on December 5, reported its first-ever case of the new Covid variant Omicron, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to five.

A Tanzanian returnee who had been admitted to a local hospital is positive for the new variant.

News agency PTI quoting an unnamed official said, "The patient's travel history is being collated and contacts being traced."&nbsp; 
The official further said that 12 samples had been sent to the National Centre for Disease Control. Out of those, one was found carrying the new Covid strain.&nbsp;

The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive. A resident of Zimbabwe, he had returned to Jamnagar city on November 28.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-how-well-prepared-is-india-to-tackle-a-possible-spread-of-new-covid-variant-434064">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant?</a>

The second case was reported from the neighbouring Maharashtra state. The person infected by the strain returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai, Maharashtra state's health department said.&nbsp;

After that two people, including, a 66-year-old South African national and an Indian doctor, tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The foreigner somehow managed to escape from India. However, the doctor is under quarantine at his home.

The WHO has said that Omicron may spread more quickly than any other strain.

India expects the Omicron variant to cause less severe illness, due to rising vaccination rates.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital Delhi, on December 5, reported its first-ever case of the new Covid variant Omicron, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to five.

Indian capital Delhi, on December 5, reported its first-ever case of the new Covid variant Omicron, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to five. A Tanzanian returnee who had been admitted to a local hospital is positive for the new variant. News agency PTI quoting an unnamed official said, "The patient's travel history is being collated and contacts being traced." The official further said that 12 samples had been sent to the National Centre for Disease Control. Out of those, one was found carrying the new Covid strain. The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive. A resident of Zimbabwe, he had returned to Jamnagar city on November 28. Also read | Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant? The second case was reported from the neighbouring Maharashtra state. The person infected by the strain returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai, Maharashtra state's health department said. After that two people, including, a 66-year-old South African national and an Indian doctor, tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The foreigner somehow managed to escape from India. However, the doctor is under quarantine at his home. The WHO has said that Omicron may spread more quickly than any other strain. India expects the Omicron variant to cause less severe illness, due to rising vaccination rates. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital reports first case of Omicron variant, taking country's total to 5

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 variant Omicron, Japan will add India, Greece, Romania and four US states under strict quarantine vigilance.

Japanese nationals and foreign residents travelling to Japan from India, Greece, Romania and four US states will have to undergo stringent quarantine regulations Sunday onwards, in order to control the spread of the Omicron variant, reported Kyodo news.

While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo news.

With emerging Omicron cases in the country and to curb the further spread, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno on Friday announced the expansion of the list addressing a press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-reports-first-case-of-omicron-variant-taking-countrys-total-to-5-434252">Also read |&nbsp;Indian capital reports first case of Omicron variant, taking country's total to 5</a>

A government task force made the decision to control the increasing number of new variant cases in Japan.

The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France.

While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News.

The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant.

The country has further banned new entries by foreigners from around the globe.

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 variant Omicron, Japan will add India, Greece, Romania and four US states under strict quarantine vigilance. Japanese nationals and foreign residents travelling to Japan from India, Greece, Romania and four US states will have to undergo stringent quarantine regulations Sunday onwards, in order to control the spread of the Omicron variant, reported Kyodo news.

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 variant Omicron, Japan will add India, Greece, Romania and four US states under strict quarantine vigilance. Japanese nationals and foreign residents travelling to Japan from India, Greece, Romania and four US states will have to undergo stringent quarantine regulations Sunday onwards, in order to control the spread of the Omicron variant, reported Kyodo news. While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo news. With emerging Omicron cases in the country and to curb the further spread, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno on Friday announced the expansion of the list addressing a press conference. Also read | Indian capital reports first case of Omicron variant, taking country's total to 5 A government task force made the decision to control the increasing number of new variant cases in Japan. The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News. The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant. The country has further banned new entries by foreigners from around the globe.

Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India

President Joe Biden, confronting a worrisome new coronavirus variant and a potential winter surge, laid out a pandemic strategy Thursday that includes hundreds of vaccination sites, boosters for all adults, new testing requirements for international travellers and free at-home tests.

After nearly a year of pushing vaccination as the way out of the pandemic, Biden has been unable to overcome resistance to the shots in red states and rural areas. His new strategy shifts away from a near-singular focus on vaccination and places a fresh emphasis on testing — a tacit acknowledgement by the White House that vaccination is not enough to end the worst public health crisis in a century.

Biden’s announcement came as several new cases of the omicron variant were reported in the United States, including five people in New York state, a Minnesota resident who had recently traveled to New York City and a Colorado resident who had recently returned from southern Africa. Hawaii also reported its first known case, and California its second.

Biden’s remarks at the National Institutes of Health were the second time this week that he had addressed the nation on the pandemic; on Monday, he spoke about new travel restrictions he imposed last week on eight African nations.

“We’re going to fight this variant with science and speed, not chaos and confusion,” Biden said Thursday.

Conquering the pandemic — or at least bringing it under control — is by far Biden’s most daunting task as president, and it is all the more complicated because it has become so divisive. Biden struck a theme of unity in his remarks, urging Americans to come together around his plan.

Yet even as the president spoke, Republicans on Capitol Hill threatened to shut down the government over his vaccine rules for large employers. Vaccine mandates have been held up in court, and Biden emphasized that his current plan does not “expand or add to those mandates” and “doesn’t include shutdowns or lockdowns.”

Experts agree that widespread vaccination is critical to controlling the pandemic. But they also argue that masks and testing are essential and say that the testing will become even more urgent if the omicron variant is found to evade protection from vaccines, which has not yet been established. Biden, they say, faces a huge challenge.

“You can’t ban your way out of this pandemic, and at the same time you have to have a response,” said Michael T. Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, referring to the travel restrictions. “This virus has not dealt us a very good hand, and we’ve got to play the cards we’ve been given.”

The president is also imposing new testing rules on international travellers to the United States; beginning early next week, White House officials said, such travellers, will be required to present evidence of a negative test within a day before departure. He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was studying alternatives to quarantining in schools, including “test-to-stay” policies, in which exposed students wear masks and keep testing to remain in school.

Much of what Biden announced was fairly modest. He steered clear of the contentious topic of mask mandates, except to announce that he was extending the current mandate for people on airplanes, trains and buses, and in terminals and transit hubs, through mid-March. It was originally set to expire on Jan. 18.

“They should have highlighted the importance of masking,” said Dr. Carlos del Rio, an infectious disease expert at Emory University, adding, “This virus has proved to be a formidable enemy, and we need to require multiple strategies.”

White House officials, and the president himself, have said the plan is aimed at keeping the economy and schools open. Yet it remains unclear how the strategy, and the administration’s new policies, will affect an economic recovery that faces new waves of uncertainty from omicron.

Analysts on Wall Street and elsewhere have issued a range of forecast warnings for growth and inflation in recent days as concern over the new variant has increased, predicting it could prove to be a relatively small setback for a still-healing global economy — or a major hit to it, if it produces widespread infection and death.

Some warn that new restrictions, like those on travel that Biden and European nations have begun to impose, could push consumers to spend even more of their incomes on goods, as opposed to travel or dining out, adding new strains to global supply chains and potentially fueling even faster price increases for items like furniture and electronics. And they could discourage virus-wary Americans from returning to the workforce in droves in January, as White House officials had hoped would be the case.

White House economists are analyzing those possibilities, along with the chance that omicron does not materially hurt growth — or that it could help tame inflation by easing demand for gasoline and other items.

A big part of Biden’s plan is a renewed push to get people vaccinated — including the latest group to become eligible, children ages 5 to 11. After winding down mass vaccination sites this year, the administration plans to open “hundreds of family vaccination clinics” that will offer vaccinations and boosters for people of all eligible ages, according to a fact sheet provided by the White House.

The plan also includes a national campaign to reach the 100 million Americans who are eligible for boosters and have not had them. The campaign will include paid advertising and free rides to vaccination sites coordinated by AARP, the advocacy group for older Americans.

And the Federal Emergency Management Agency will start what the administration is calling family mobile vaccination clinics, beginning with deployments to Washington and New Mexico. The goal is for states and localities to replicate the model “with full federal funding and support,” officials said.

Biden also called on employers to provide paid time off for their workers to get boosters and said his administration would do the same for federal employees.

Many experts predict a winter surge in the United States, regardless of whether omicron spreads widely here. The nation has been reporting an average of more than 80,000 new cases a day over the past few weeks, according to a New York Times database; six months ago, the average was roughly 12,000 new cases a day.

Much remains unknown about omicron, which was spotted by scientists in southern Africa last week and is now known to be present in more than 30 countries. It has mutations that scientists say may allow it to spread more quickly and cause more breakthrough infections in vaccinated or previously infected people, though neither characteristic has yet been confirmed.

Experts welcomed Biden’s new emphasis on testing. Dr. Michael Mina, a former Harvard University public health researcher who has been a forceful advocate for greater use of testing, said it could be used both as a medical device, to detect whether someone is sick, and as a public health tool, to determine whether a person is infectious and a risk to others.

“Testing is one of the cornerstones of public health, especially in a pandemic,” said Mina, who is now the chief science officer for eMed, a company that makes at-home tests. “But for unknown reasons, we still have considered it primarily as a medical device.”

Under Biden’s plan, at-home tests would be reimbursed for the 150 million Americans with private insurance starting early next year. To ensure access for those who lack insurance, or who are covered by Medicaid, the administration intends to distribute an additional 25 million tests to community health centers and rural clinics, which tend to treat lower-income patients.

Experts envision a world where people can test themselves as soon as they exhibit symptoms — and then, if they are positive, go into isolation and seek treatment with new antiviral medicines. Early testing is important because the antivirals work best just after symptom onset. The White House says it has preordered 13 million courses of antiviral treatments. Two companies, Merck and Pfizer, are seeking emergency authorization for their antiviral pills.

In the United States, home tests have been relatively hard to come by because of supply shortages. Del Rio said that rather than have people go through the cumbersome process of seeking insurance reimbursement for tests, “we should just subsidize them and make it incredibly cheap.”

In Britain, he noted, rapid tests are free, and in Germany they cost consumers about $1 apiece. In the United States, the tests are typically sold in packs of two, with prices ranging from $14 to $34.

Private insurers already cover the cost of tests administered in doctors’ offices and other medical facilities. At least eight at-home tests are on the U.S. market.

White House officials suggested there were still large questions to be resolved about the new policies. Reimbursement for at-home tests in the United States will not happen immediately and will not be retroactive, the senior administration officials said, adding that federal agencies would issue guidance by Jan. 15 to clarify that insurers would have to reimburse people for at-home tests during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

White House press secretary Jenn Psaki said she expected that Americans would need to file claims for reimbursement in some capacity. But Dr. Nirav Shah, president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said his group would prefer that people be reimbursed when they buy the tests, as opposed to having to file later for reimbursement.

“For this next phase of the pandemic, rapid access to rapid testing will be key,” Shah said.

It was unclear how many tests a person could be reimbursed for buying. But Biden promised the free at-home tests would be available next month.

“The bottom line,” he said, “is this winter you’ll be able to test for free in the comfort of your home and have some peace of mind.”

President Joe Biden, confronting a worrisome new coronavirus variant and a potential winter surge, laid out a pandemic strategy Thursday that includes hundreds of vaccination sites, boosters for all adults, new testing requirements for international travellers and free at-home tests.

President Joe Biden, confronting a worrisome new coronavirus variant and a potential winter surge, laid out a pandemic strategy Thursday that includes hundreds of vaccination sites, boosters for all adults, new testing requirements for international travellers and free at-home tests. After nearly a year of pushing vaccination as the way out of the pandemic, Biden has been unable to overcome resistance to the shots in red states and rural areas. His new strategy shifts away from a near-singular focus on vaccination and places a fresh emphasis on testing — a tacit acknowledgement by the White House that vaccination is not enough to end the worst public health crisis in a century. Biden’s announcement came as several new cases of the omicron variant were reported in the United States, including five people in New York state, a Minnesota resident who had recently traveled to New York City and a Colorado resident who had recently returned from southern Africa. Hawaii also reported its first known case, and California its second. Biden’s remarks at the National Institutes of Health were the second time this week that he had addressed the nation on the pandemic; on Monday, he spoke about new travel restrictions he imposed last week on eight African nations. “We’re going to fight this variant with science and speed, not chaos and confusion,” Biden said Thursday. Conquering the pandemic — or at least bringing it under control — is by far Biden’s most daunting task as president, and it is all the more complicated because it has become so divisive. Biden struck a theme of unity in his remarks, urging Americans to come together around his plan. Yet even as the president spoke, Republicans on Capitol Hill threatened to shut down the government over his vaccine rules for large employers. Vaccine mandates have been held up in court, and Biden emphasized that his current plan does not “expand or add to those mandates” and “doesn’t include shutdowns or lockdowns.” Experts agree that widespread vaccination is critical to controlling the pandemic. But they also argue that masks and testing are essential and say that the testing will become even more urgent if the omicron variant is found to evade protection from vaccines, which has not yet been established. Biden, they say, faces a huge challenge. “You can’t ban your way out of this pandemic, and at the same time you have to have a response,” said Michael T. Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, referring to the travel restrictions. “This virus has not dealt us a very good hand, and we’ve got to play the cards we’ve been given.” The president is also imposing new testing rules on international travellers to the United States; beginning early next week, White House officials said, such travellers, will be required to present evidence of a negative test within a day before departure. He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was studying alternatives to quarantining in schools, including “test-to-stay” policies, in which exposed students wear masks and keep testing to remain in school. Much of what Biden announced was fairly modest. He steered clear of the contentious topic of mask mandates, except to announce that he was extending the current mandate for people on airplanes, trains and buses, and in terminals and transit hubs, through mid-March. It was originally set to expire on Jan. 18. “They should have highlighted the importance of masking,” said Dr. Carlos del Rio, an infectious disease expert at Emory University, adding, “This virus has proved to be a formidable enemy, and we need to require multiple strategies.” White House officials, and the president himself, have said the plan is aimed at keeping the economy and schools open. Yet it remains unclear how the strategy, and the administration’s new policies, will affect an economic recovery that faces new waves of uncertainty from omicron. Analysts on Wall Street and elsewhere have issued a range of forecast warnings for growth and inflation in recent days as concern over the new variant has increased, predicting it could prove to be a relatively small setback for a still-healing global economy — or a major hit to it, if it produces widespread infection and death. Some warn that new restrictions, like those on travel that Biden and European nations have begun to impose, could push consumers to spend even more of their incomes on goods, as opposed to travel or dining out, adding new strains to global supply chains and potentially fueling even faster price increases for items like furniture and electronics. And they could discourage virus-wary Americans from returning to the workforce in droves in January, as White House officials had hoped would be the case. White House economists are analyzing those possibilities, along with the chance that omicron does not materially hurt growth — or that it could help tame inflation by easing demand for gasoline and other items. A big part of Biden’s plan is a renewed push to get people vaccinated — including the latest group to become eligible, children ages 5 to 11. After winding down mass vaccination sites this year, the administration plans to open “hundreds of family vaccination clinics” that will offer vaccinations and boosters for people of all eligible ages, according to a fact sheet provided by the White House. The plan also includes a national campaign to reach the 100 million Americans who are eligible for boosters and have not had them. The campaign will include paid advertising and free rides to vaccination sites coordinated by AARP, the advocacy group for older Americans. And the Federal Emergency Management Agency will start what the administration is calling family mobile vaccination clinics, beginning with deployments to Washington and New Mexico. The goal is for states and localities to replicate the model “with full federal funding and support,” officials said. Biden also called on employers to provide paid time off for their workers to get boosters and said his administration would do the same for federal employees. Many experts predict a winter surge in the United States, regardless of whether omicron spreads widely here. The nation has been reporting an average of more than 80,000 new cases a day over the past few weeks, according to a New York Times database; six months ago, the average was roughly 12,000 new cases a day. Much remains unknown about omicron, which was spotted by scientists in southern Africa last week and is now known to be present in more than 30 countries. It has mutations that scientists say may allow it to spread more quickly and cause more breakthrough infections in vaccinated or previously infected people, though neither characteristic has yet been confirmed. Experts welcomed Biden’s new emphasis on testing. Dr. Michael Mina, a former Harvard University public health researcher who has been a forceful advocate for greater use of testing, said it could be used both as a medical device, to detect whether someone is sick, and as a public health tool, to determine whether a person is infectious and a risk to others. “Testing is one of the cornerstones of public health, especially in a pandemic,” said Mina, who is now the chief science officer for eMed, a company that makes at-home tests. “But for unknown reasons, we still have considered it primarily as a medical device.” Under Biden’s plan, at-home tests would be reimbursed for the 150 million Americans with private insurance starting early next year. To ensure access for those who lack insurance, or who are covered by Medicaid, the administration intends to distribute an additional 25 million tests to community health centers and rural clinics, which tend to treat lower-income patients. Experts envision a world where people can test themselves as soon as they exhibit symptoms — and then, if they are positive, go into isolation and seek treatment with new antiviral medicines. Early testing is important because the antivirals work best just after symptom onset. The White House says it has preordered 13 million courses of antiviral treatments. Two companies, Merck and Pfizer, are seeking emergency authorization for their antiviral pills. In the United States, home tests have been relatively hard to come by because of supply shortages. Del Rio said that rather than have people go through the cumbersome process of seeking insurance reimbursement for tests, “we should just subsidize them and make it incredibly cheap.” In Britain, he noted, rapid tests are free, and in Germany they cost consumers about $1 apiece. In the United States, the tests are typically sold in packs of two, with prices ranging from $14 to $34. Private insurers already cover the cost of tests administered in doctors’ offices and other medical facilities. At least eight at-home tests are on the U.S. market. White House officials suggested there were still large questions to be resolved about the new policies. Reimbursement for at-home tests in the United States will not happen immediately and will not be retroactive, the senior administration officials said, adding that federal agencies would issue guidance by Jan. 15 to clarify that insurers would have to reimburse people for at-home tests during the COVID-19 public health emergency. White House press secretary Jenn Psaki said she expected that Americans would need to file claims for reimbursement in some capacity. But Dr. Nirav Shah, president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said his group would prefer that people be reimbursed when they buy the tests, as opposed to having to file later for reimbursement. “For this next phase of the pandemic, rapid access to rapid testing will be key,” Shah said. It was unclear how many tests a person could be reimbursed for buying. But Biden promised the free at-home tests would be available next month. “The bottom line,” he said, “is this winter you’ll be able to test for free in the comfort of your home and have some peace of mind.”

Emphasising tests, Biden vows to fight Omicron with ‘science and speed’

The International Monetary Fund is likely to lower its global economic growth estimates due to the new&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant of the coronavirus, the global lender's chief said at the Reuters Next conference on Friday in another sign of the turmoil unleashed by the ever-changing pandemic.

Omicron&nbsp;has spread rapidly to at least 40 countries since it was first reported in South Africa last week, officials say, and many governments have tightened travel rules to try to keep it out.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-omicron-cases-spread-to-over-30-countries-433961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"A new variant that may spread very rapidly can dent confidence, and in that sense, we are likely to see some downgrades of our October projections for global growth," IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told the conference.

Much remains unknown about&nbsp;Omicron. Researchers said it could have picked up genetic material from another virus, perhaps one that causes the common cold, which would allow it to more easily evade human immune system defences.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-highly-transmissible-could-become-dominant-says-whos-top-scientist-433999">Omicron highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist</a>

Parts of Europe and the United States are grappling with a wave of infections of the more familiar Delta variant. The new strain could further destabilize economies that are still emerging from COVID-19 related lockdowns and disruptions.

A corporate Christmas party in the Norwegian capital Oslo resulted in at least 13 infections, making it the biggest outbreak outside of South Africa, officials said.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told Reuters Next that the fast-spreading variant would have to become more transmissible to out-compete Delta, which accounts for 99 per cent&nbsp;of current transmissions.

"We need to be prepared and cautious, not panic, because we're in a different situation to a year ago," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fears-of-new-covid-variant-looms-europe-surpasses-75-million-covid-cases-433994">As fears of new Covid variant looms, Europe surpasses 75 million Covid cases</a>

WHO's emergencies director Mike Ryan said there was no evidence that existing vaccines needed to be modified to fight&nbsp;Omicron. He said officials should work on getting more people inoculated with vaccines currently on the market.

"We need to focus on getting people most at risk vaccinated," Ryan said at a social media event.

However, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told a United Nations briefing in Geneva that vaccine makers should prepare for the likelihood of adjusting their products.

Ugur Sahin, CEO of Germany's BioNTech, which makes a COVID-19 vaccine with Pfizer, told Reuters Next the company should be able to adapt the shots relatively quickly.

Sahin also said current vaccines should continue to provide protection against severe disease, despite mutations.

"I believe in principle at a certain timepoint we will need a new vaccine against this new variant. The question is how urgent it needs to be available," Sahin said.

Worrying gaps in vaccination

Australia became the latest country to report community transmission of the new variant. Officials have found the new strain in 10 US&nbsp;states, adding another challenge to a healthcare system that is already dealing with more COVID-19 illness caused by Delta.

More than 264 million people have been reported to be infected by the coronavirus since it was first detected in central China in late 2019 and 5.49 million people have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Cases in Europe, the pandemic's current epicentre, crossed the 75 million mark on Friday.

Vaccination rates vary from country to country but there are worrying gaps in poorer nations. Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country and once Asia's COVID-19 epicentre, has fully inoculated only about 35 per cent&nbsp;of its population.

In the United States, fewer than 60 per cent&nbsp;of the population have been fully vaccinated, one of the lowest rates among wealthy nations.

Aside from wreaking havoc in the travel industry, the clampdown has pounded financial markets and undermined major economies just as they were beginning to recover from the lockdowns triggered by Delta.

Germany said it would bar the unvaccinated from all but essential businesses, and legislation to make vaccination mandatory would be drafted for early next year.

Several countries, including Britain and the United States, were bringing forward plans to offer booster shots, but, like travel bans, they are controversial.

Many scientists say the way to stop the virus spreading is to make sure poorer countries have access to vaccines, not to give blanket booster shots to people in richer countries.

The International Monetary Fund is likely to lower its global economic growth estimates due to the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the global lender's chief said at the Reuters Next conference on Friday in another sign of the turmoil unleashed by the ever-changing pandemic.

The International Monetary Fund is likely to lower its global economic growth estimates due to the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the global lender's chief said at the Reuters Next conference on Friday in another sign of the turmoil unleashed by the ever-changing pandemic. Omicron has spread rapidly to at least 40 countries since it was first reported in South Africa last week, officials say, and many governments have tightened travel rules to try to keep it out. "A new variant that may spread very rapidly can dent confidence, and in that sense, we are likely to see some downgrades of our October projections for global growth," IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told the conference. Much remains unknown about Omicron. Researchers said it could have picked up genetic material from another virus, perhaps one that causes the common cold, which would allow it to more easily evade human immune system defences. Also read | Omicron highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist Parts of Europe and the United States are grappling with a wave of infections of the more familiar Delta variant. The new strain could further destabilize economies that are still emerging from COVID-19 related lockdowns and disruptions. A corporate Christmas party in the Norwegian capital Oslo resulted in at least 13 infections, making it the biggest outbreak outside of South Africa, officials said. The World Health Organization's (WHO) chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told Reuters Next that the fast-spreading variant would have to become more transmissible to out-compete Delta, which accounts for 99 per cent of current transmissions. "We need to be prepared and cautious, not panic, because we're in a different situation to a year ago," she said. Also read | As fears of new Covid variant looms, Europe surpasses 75 million Covid cases WHO's emergencies director Mike Ryan said there was no evidence that existing vaccines needed to be modified to fight Omicron. He said officials should work on getting more people inoculated with vaccines currently on the market. "We need to focus on getting people most at risk vaccinated," Ryan said at a social media event. However, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told a United Nations briefing in Geneva that vaccine makers should prepare for the likelihood of adjusting their products. Ugur Sahin, CEO of Germany's BioNTech, which makes a COVID-19 vaccine with Pfizer, told Reuters Next the company should be able to adapt the shots relatively quickly. Sahin also said current vaccines should continue to provide protection against severe disease, despite mutations. "I believe in principle at a certain timepoint we will need a new vaccine against this new variant. The question is how urgent it needs to be available," Sahin said. Worrying gaps in vaccination Australia became the latest country to report community transmission of the new variant. Officials have found the new strain in 10 US states, adding another challenge to a healthcare system that is already dealing with more COVID-19 illness caused by Delta. More than 264 million people have been reported to be infected by the coronavirus since it was first detected in central China in late 2019 and 5.49 million people have died, according to a Reuters tally. Cases in Europe, the pandemic's current epicentre, crossed the 75 million mark on Friday. Vaccination rates vary from country to country but there are worrying gaps in poorer nations. Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country and once Asia's COVID-19 epicentre, has fully inoculated only about 35 per cent of its population. In the United States, fewer than 60 per cent of the population have been fully vaccinated, one of the lowest rates among wealthy nations. Aside from wreaking havoc in the travel industry, the clampdown has pounded financial markets and undermined major economies just as they were beginning to recover from the lockdowns triggered by Delta. Germany said it would bar the unvaccinated from all but essential businesses, and legislation to make vaccination mandatory would be drafted for early next year. Several countries, including Britain and the United States, were bringing forward plans to offer booster shots, but, like travel bans, they are controversial. Many scientists say the way to stop the virus spreading is to make sure poorer countries have access to vaccines, not to give blanket booster shots to people in richer countries.

IMF chief says Omicron could dent global economic growth

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued an apology for breaking the Covid mask regulations, saying she regrets the mistake.<o:p></o:p>

"It was simply an oversight after the new rules came into force," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on social networks.&nbsp;"I know it can happen to anyone. But ideally not me. So, I obviously regret it and I want to thank you again for everything we are doing together to contain the epidemic."<o:p></o:p>

Frederiksen was photographed not wearing a face mask while shopping. A passer-by had spotted her without the mask at a clothes shop in Copenhagen and had recorded a video of the prime minister. This video evidence was then published on the website of the Ekstra Bladet&nbsp;media house on Sunday.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-omicron-cases-spread-to-over-30-countries-433961">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-omicron-cases-spread-to-over-30-countries-433961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Her video surfaced almost four days after the Danish government had re-imposed strict measures related to face coverings. <o:p></o:p>

While the government had earlier relaxed Covid-related regulations, the recent increase in spread of the new variant Omicron has led to the government re-imposing some of the regulations. Officials have urged locals to maintain social distancing and wear face coverings at all times when stepping outdoors to make sure the chain of spread can be broken as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p>

This incident by the prime minister has come at a time when the minister is already gearing up to face a parliamentary committee this week about her decision to cull more than 15 million mink in 2020. Her fear that the Covid strain was mutating through minks had translated into killings of minks.<o:p></o:p>

The parliamentary committee is now investigating to see if the minister knew that she was not legally allowed to take this decision.<o:p></o:p>

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued an apology for breaking the Covid mask regulations, saying she regrets the mistake. "It was simply an oversight after the new rules came into force," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on social networks.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued an apology for breaking the Covid mask regulations, saying she regrets the mistake. "It was simply an oversight after the new rules came into force," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on social networks. "I know it can happen to anyone. But ideally not me. So, I obviously regret it and I want to thank you again for everything we are doing together to contain the epidemic." Frederiksen was photographed not wearing a face mask while shopping. A passer-by had spotted her without the mask at a clothes shop in Copenhagen and had recorded a video of the prime minister. This video evidence was then published on the website of the Ekstra Bladet media house on Sunday. WATCH | Her video surfaced almost four days after the Danish government had re-imposed strict measures related to face coverings. While the government had earlier relaxed Covid-related regulations, the recent increase in spread of the new variant Omicron has led to the government re-imposing some of the regulations. Officials have urged locals to maintain social distancing and wear face coverings at all times when stepping outdoors to make sure the chain of spread can be broken as soon as possible. This incident by the prime minister has come at a time when the minister is already gearing up to face a parliamentary committee this week about her decision to cull more than 15 million mink in 2020. Her fear that the Covid strain was mutating through minks had translated into killings of minks. The parliamentary committee is now investigating to see if the minister knew that she was not legally allowed to take this decision.

Denmark's PM apologises for not wearing mask in public amid fears of Omicron variant

While the world struggles to battle with the delta variant, another variant of Covid has already emerged.&nbsp; 
The World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, has said that the Omicron variant could become dominant because it is highly transmissible. She further added that a different vaccine may not be needed.

"It is possible that it could become (the) dominant variant," Swaminathan said.&nbsp;She further added that it is too early to predict if the Omicron variant is milder than other variants of the deadly coronavirus.&nbsp; "How worried should we be? We need to be prepared and cautious, not panic, because we're in a different situation to a year ago," Swaminathan said.&nbsp;

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The World Health Organization's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReutersNext?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReutersNext</a> conference that while the Omicron coronavirus variant appeared to be very transmissible, the right response was to be prepared, cautious and not panic <a href="https://t.co/POlVHCPEcd">https://t.co/POlVHCPEcd</a> <a href="https://t.co/x93cE5gBHe">pic.twitter.com/x93cE5gBHe</a>
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Several scientists in the EU and Australia have predicted that Omicron may lead to more infections than Delta as it may spread more rapidly.&nbsp;

Earlier, Dr Tom Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College had deemed the combination of mutations found in the new Covid variant as "horrific".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-world-continues-to-battle-the-delta-variant-a-new-variant-worse-than-delta-emerges-431786">Also read |&nbsp;As world continues to battle the Delta variant, a new variant 'worse than delta' emerges</a>

He further said that the variant could be 'worse than nearly anything else about', including the highly transmissible Delta strain.&nbsp;

Taking to his Twitter, he wrote, "Worth emphasising this is at super low numbers right now in a region of Africa that is fairly well sampled, however it very very much should be monitored due to that horrific spike profile."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fears-of-new-covid-variant-looms-europe-surpasses-75-million-covid-cases-433994">Also read |&nbsp;As fears of new Covid variant looms, Europe surpasses 75 million Covid cases</a>

However, Swaminathan in her interview with Reuters said that as of now, there is conclusive evidence about Omicron's impact on the effectiveness of antibodies. "It does seem to be able to overcome some of the natural immunity from previous infection.

The fact that they're not getting sick ... that means the vaccines are still providing protection and we would hope that they would continue to provide protection," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

While the world struggles to battle with the delta variant, another variant of Covid has already emerged. The World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, has said that the Omicron variant could become dominant because it is highly transmissible.

While the world struggles to battle with the delta variant, another variant of Covid has already emerged. The World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, has said that the Omicron variant could become dominant because it is highly transmissible. She further added that a different vaccine may not be needed. "It is possible that it could become (the) dominant variant," Swaminathan said. She further added that it is too early to predict if the Omicron variant is milder than other variants of the deadly coronavirus. "How worried should we be? We need to be prepared and cautious, not panic, because we're in a different situation to a year ago," Swaminathan said. The World Health Organization's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told the #ReutersNext conference that while the Omicron coronavirus variant appeared to be very transmissible, the right response was to be prepared, cautious and not panic https://t.co/POlVHCPEcd pic.twitter.com/x93cE5gBHe — Reuters (@Reuters) December 3, 2021 × Several scientists in the EU and Australia have predicted that Omicron may lead to more infections than Delta as it may spread more rapidly. Earlier, Dr Tom Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College had deemed the combination of mutations found in the new Covid variant as "horrific". Also read | As world continues to battle the Delta variant, a new variant 'worse than delta' emerges He further said that the variant could be 'worse than nearly anything else about', including the highly transmissible Delta strain. Taking to his Twitter, he wrote, "Worth emphasising this is at super low numbers right now in a region of Africa that is fairly well sampled, however it very very much should be monitored due to that horrific spike profile." Also read | As fears of new Covid variant looms, Europe surpasses 75 million Covid cases However, Swaminathan in her interview with Reuters said that as of now, there is conclusive evidence about Omicron's impact on the effectiveness of antibodies. "It does seem to be able to overcome some of the natural immunity from previous infection. The fact that they're not getting sick ... that means the vaccines are still providing protection and we would hope that they would continue to provide protection," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist

India reported two more cases of Omicron&nbsp;Covid variant on Saturday, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to four.

The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive.

A resident of Zimbabwe, he had returned to Jamnagar city on November 28.

The sample of the elderly man was sent for genome sequencing, after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, it said.

Gujarat's Commissioner of Health Jai Prakash Shivhare confirmed that the man was found infected with the Omicron strain.

The second case was reported from the neighbouring Maharashtra state in Mumbai city.&nbsp;

The infected man&nbsp;returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai, Maharashtra state's health department said.

"On November 24, the passenger reported a mild fever after landing in Mumbai. He had not taken any COVID-19 vaccine. However, no other symptoms were observed. This mildly symptomatic patient is being treated at the Covid Care Centre in Kalyan-Dombivali,"&nbsp;a government statement said.

Watch |&nbsp;India details plan to combat omicron threat

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-details-plan-to-combat-omicron-threat-434163/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier on Thursday, two people—a 66-year-old South African national and an India doctor—tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

While the foreigner escaped from India, the doctor is under quarantine at his home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-how-well-prepared-is-india-to-tackle-a-possible-spread-of-new-covid-variant-434064">Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant?</a>

Meanwhile, India reported 8,603 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, taking the total to 34.62 million. Deaths rose by 415 to 470,530.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month asked officials to focus on countries identified at risk, after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new variant to be "of concern".

Up to 84% have received at least one dose, with more than 125 million people due for a second shot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-highly-transmissible-could-become-dominant-says-whos-top-scientist-433999">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron variant highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist</a>

The WHO said Omicron, initially detected in South Africa, may spread more quickly than other forms of the virus.

India expects the Omicron variant to cause less severe illness, due to rising vaccination rates and high prior exposure to the Delta variant that infected nearly 70% of the population by July.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

The WHO has said it had not seen any reports of deaths relating to the new Omicron variant.

The WHO said it was collecting evidence about the variant of concern (VOC), as countries around the world scramble to stop it from spreading.

But despite a growing number of countries registering infections with the new variant, no deaths have yet been reported to the UN health agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported two more cases of Omicron Covid variant on Saturday, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to four. The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive.

India reported two more cases of Omicron Covid variant on Saturday, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to four. The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive. A resident of Zimbabwe, he had returned to Jamnagar city on November 28. The sample of the elderly man was sent for genome sequencing, after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, it said. Gujarat's Commissioner of Health Jai Prakash Shivhare confirmed that the man was found infected with the Omicron strain. The second case was reported from the neighbouring Maharashtra state in Mumbai city. The infected man returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai, Maharashtra state's health department said. "On November 24, the passenger reported a mild fever after landing in Mumbai. He had not taken any COVID-19 vaccine. However, no other symptoms were observed. This mildly symptomatic patient is being treated at the Covid Care Centre in Kalyan-Dombivali," a government statement said. Watch | India details plan to combat omicron threat Earlier on Thursday, two people—a 66-year-old South African national and an India doctor—tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. While the foreigner escaped from India, the doctor is under quarantine at his home. Also read | Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant? Meanwhile, India reported 8,603 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, taking the total to 34.62 million. Deaths rose by 415 to 470,530. Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month asked officials to focus on countries identified at risk, after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new variant to be "of concern". Up to 84% have received at least one dose, with more than 125 million people due for a second shot. Also read | Omicron variant highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist The WHO said Omicron, initially detected in South Africa, may spread more quickly than other forms of the virus. India expects the Omicron variant to cause less severe illness, due to rising vaccination rates and high prior exposure to the Delta variant that infected nearly 70% of the population by July. Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated The WHO has said it had not seen any reports of deaths relating to the new Omicron variant. The WHO said it was collecting evidence about the variant of concern (VOC), as countries around the world scramble to stop it from spreading. But despite a growing number of countries registering infections with the new variant, no deaths have yet been reported to the UN health agency. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports two more Omicron cases, total tally reaches 4

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