European markets closed sharply lower amid the rapid spread of the omicron Covid-19 variant which triggers stricter containment measures across the continent.

European, Asian markets close lower as omicron worries intensify

Thailand is considering reintroducing compulsory quarantine for foreign visitors coming into the country. This is being mulled to stem the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. Thailand's health ministry reported on Monday (December 20) that first case of Omicron infection arising from local transmission had been found in the country.

The first locally transmitted case was found in a Thai woman. The woman tested positive for Omicron infection after contracting the virus from her husband. Her husband is a Colombian who returned to Thailand from Nigeria in late November, a health ministry official told a daily briefing. The official added that both the husband and the wife had been fully vaccinated.

The public health ministry is likely to propose scrapping the quarantine waiver for vaccinated visitors. The rules may make hotel quarantine mandatory again. A 'sandbox' programme may also be implemented. This programme involves free movement in specific locations. Thai minister &nbsp;Anutin Charnvirakul gave more information about this.

The Thai minister's remarks come after Thailand reopened to foreign visitors in November, ending nearly 18 months of strict entry policies that contributed to a collapse in tourism, a key industry and economic driver that drew 40 million visitors in 2019.

Thailand is considering reintroducing compulsory quarantine for foreign visitors coming into the country. This is being mulled to stem the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Thailand is considering reintroducing compulsory quarantine for foreign visitors coming into the country. This is being mulled to stem the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. Thailand's health ministry reported on Monday (December 20) that first case of Omicron infection arising from local transmission had been found in the country. The first locally transmitted case was found in a Thai woman. The woman tested positive for Omicron infection after contracting the virus from her husband. Her husband is a Colombian who returned to Thailand from Nigeria in late November, a health ministry official told a daily briefing. The official added that both the husband and the wife had been fully vaccinated. The public health ministry is likely to propose scrapping the quarantine waiver for vaccinated visitors. The rules may make hotel quarantine mandatory again. A 'sandbox' programme may also be implemented. This programme involves free movement in specific locations. Thai minister Anutin Charnvirakul gave more information about this. The Thai minister's remarks come after Thailand reopened to foreign visitors in November, ending nearly 18 months of strict entry policies that contributed to a collapse in tourism, a key industry and economic driver that drew 40 million visitors in 2019.

Omicron: Thailand may reintroduce mandatory quarantine for foreign travellers

Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats in a tit-for-tat move,&nbsp;Taiwan has slammed China over Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remark and the World Economic Forum (WEF) said that it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. Here are top news stories from across the world. Click on the links to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/berlin-park-murder-now-russia-expels-german-diplomats-438523">Berlin park murder: Now, Russia expels German diplomats</a> 
Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats after Berlin ordered two Russian&nbsp;diplomats&nbsp;to leave the country over the German court verdict last week which said Russian authorities were involved in the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in a Berlin park two years ago.

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a043acea-4a2d-4d77-a8ac-1f270b7764f1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%20%285%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neither-a-wanderer-nor-a-chess-piece-taiwan-slams-china-over-wang-yis-remark-438450">'Neither a wanderer nor a chess piece': Taiwan slams China over Wang Yi's remark</a> 
Taiwan has slammed China after Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home". Re-emphasising on the unification of China, the country's top diplomat also said that Taiwan "should not be used as a pawn".&nbsp;

<img alt="Wang Yi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b9e2bb1-4ee4-4f7b-9b22-dc62dd463f03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Wang%20Yi.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-witnesses-rare-anti-government-protest-after-execution-of-kurdish-prisoner-438428">Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner</a> 
Iran witnessed a rare anti-government protest and sloganeering after authorities executed a Kurdish man. The crowd gathered in the hometown of Heidar Ghorbani, the executed man and raised anti-government slogans.

<img alt="Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="049dbd73-8dde-457e-96b9-9c1826742a74" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran_2.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-faces-online-flak-for-defending-talibans-mistreatment-of-women-438358">Watch | Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces online flak for defending Taliban's mistreatment of women</a> 
Imran Khan, the Pakistani Prime Minister, has done it again, as he has been doing for several years: Supporting the Taliban and their actions while rationalising all forms of discrimination, especially against women.

<img alt="Imran Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="522781f0-ae18-4563-a2b2-a82321030f8d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Imran%20Khan.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-northwest-region-hit-with-hemorrhagic-fever-438362">China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever</a> 
According to China's state-run Global Times, the country's northwest Shaanxi province has witnessed several cases of hemorrhagic fever. The Chinese newspaper said it is a "natural epidemic disease with high fatality rate". However, there is no confirmation on the exact number of fatalities.

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8dac0a98-402f-435a-9d80-20267a2f27d0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-also-move-away-from-fear-australian-pm-wants-sensible-approach-to-fight-virus-438508">'Need to also move away from fear': Australian PM wants 'sensible' approach to fight virus</a> 
Amid new coronavirus cases, New South Wales leader Dominic Perrottet asserted that people "need to also move away from fear". "There will always be new variants of this virus," Dominic Perrottet said. New South Wales has been hit hard due to the virus even as the state recorded 2,501 new coronavirus cases on Monday. On Sunday, the state had recorded 2,566 new COVID-19 cases.

<img alt="New South Wales" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a180cbb8-6d20-4bf1-97da-ed59bb829e0d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20South%20Wales.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-meeting-deferred-over-omicron-uncertainty-world-economic-forum-438480">Davos meeting deferred over Omicron uncertainty: World Economic Forum</a> 
The World Economic Forum (WEF) said Monday it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. The high-powered meeting scheduled for January 17-21, which usually draws leading figures from business, politics and diplomacy, will instead be held in "early summer", the organisers said.

<img alt="World Economic Forum" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42d65ddc-94e8-4df8-9bb7-da0124f6f18a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/World%20Economic%20Forum.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reacts-after-joe-manchin-says-he-wont-vote-for-joe-bidens-build-back-better-bill-438390">White House reacts after Joe Manchin says he won't vote for Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill</a> 
The White House has issued a statement after Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia said that he could not support the legislation's passage of the massive social spending bill. It is a big blow to United States President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion Build Back Better plans as Manchin's vote is deemed crucial to getting the bill through the Senate. It is understood that Democrats have spent weeks trying to secure his support.&nbsp;

<img alt="Joe Manchin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b7f7f81-bb80-4e2a-a0a6-099f59b74b54" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Manchin.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-surges-to-375-as-typhoon-rai-causes-destruction-in-philippines-438442">Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines</a> 
The death toll from Typhoon Rai in the Philippines has reached 375 with over 50 people missing. A "complete carnage" situation has been reported by the Red Cross society as hospitals and schools have been "ripped to shreds."&nbsp;

<img alt="Typhoon Rai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f1b1a66-e2fd-40df-8760-a23ab761d77d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Typhoon%20Rai%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-says-its-booster-shot-is-effective-against-omicron-variant-438395">Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant</a> 
Moderna Inc has claimed that its vaccine helps prevent the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. First discovered in South Africa, the new Covid variant has now spread into 89 countries in total. The company further said that the current version of the vaccine would &nbsp;be Moderna’s "first line of defence against Omicron."

<img alt="Moderna" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7174eca9-4bad-4b07-9e59-d692cc684995" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Moderna.jpg" />

Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats in a tit-for-tat move, Taiwan has slammed China over Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remark and the World Economic Forum (WEF) said that it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos.

Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats in a tit-for-tat move, Taiwan has slammed China over Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remark and the World Economic Forum (WEF) said that it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. Here are top news stories from across the world. Click on the links to read more. Berlin park murder: Now, Russia expels German diplomats Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats after Berlin ordered two Russian diplomats to leave the country over the German court verdict last week which said Russian authorities were involved in the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in a Berlin park two years ago. 'Neither a wanderer nor a chess piece': Taiwan slams China over Wang Yi's remark Taiwan has slammed China after Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home". Re-emphasising on the unification of China, the country's top diplomat also said that Taiwan "should not be used as a pawn". Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner Iran witnessed a rare anti-government protest and sloganeering after authorities executed a Kurdish man. The crowd gathered in the hometown of Heidar Ghorbani, the executed man and raised anti-government slogans. Watch | Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces online flak for defending Taliban's mistreatment of women Imran Khan, the Pakistani Prime Minister, has done it again, as he has been doing for several years: Supporting the Taliban and their actions while rationalising all forms of discrimination, especially against women. China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever According to China's state-run Global Times, the country's northwest Shaanxi province has witnessed several cases of hemorrhagic fever. The Chinese newspaper said it is a "natural epidemic disease with high fatality rate". However, there is no confirmation on the exact number of fatalities. 'Need to also move away from fear': Australian PM wants 'sensible' approach to fight virus Amid new coronavirus cases, New South Wales leader Dominic Perrottet asserted that people "need to also move away from fear". "There will always be new variants of this virus," Dominic Perrottet said. New South Wales has been hit hard due to the virus even as the state recorded 2,501 new coronavirus cases on Monday. On Sunday, the state had recorded 2,566 new COVID-19 cases. Davos meeting deferred over Omicron uncertainty: World Economic Forum The World Economic Forum (WEF) said Monday it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. The high-powered meeting scheduled for January 17-21, which usually draws leading figures from business, politics and diplomacy, will instead be held in "early summer", the organisers said. White House reacts after Joe Manchin says he won't vote for Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill The White House has issued a statement after Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia said that he could not support the legislation's passage of the massive social spending bill. It is a big blow to United States President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion Build Back Better plans as Manchin's vote is deemed crucial to getting the bill through the Senate. It is understood that Democrats have spent weeks trying to secure his support. Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines The death toll from Typhoon Rai in the Philippines has reached 375 with over 50 people missing. A "complete carnage" situation has been reported by the Red Cross society as hospitals and schools have been "ripped to shreds." Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant Moderna Inc has claimed that its vaccine helps prevent the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. First discovered in South Africa, the new Covid variant has now spread into 89 countries in total. The company further said that the current version of the vaccine would be Moderna’s "first line of defence against Omicron."

Top 10 World News: Russia expels German diplomats, Taiwan slams China and more

The fifth wave has begun, states Israeli PM Naftali Bennett as West Asian nations crumbles to contain the spread of the Omicron variant.

Omicron variant: Fifth covid-19 wave has begun, says Israeli PM Naftali Bennett

For the second year in a row, it's a sombre Christmas in Europe. Just a week ahead of Christmas, parts of Europe are once again going into lockdown mode and tightening covid restrictions as Omicron cases drive up cases and hospitalisations. WION's correspondent Susan Tehrani brings in more on this.

Europe weighs Christmas restrictions amid Omicron scare

Omicron spreads its wings in India as confirmed tally of the variant shots up to 37. Meanwhile, India's vaccination drive also catches pace.

India's Omicron case tally reach 37; Vaccination drive also catches pace

As the Omicron variant spread its wings in the UK and cases surge, PM Boris Johnson announces new tougher COVID restrictions to keep rising cases in check.

Tougher COVID restrictions introduced in UK as cases surge owing to Omicron variant | English News

As the world is battling with the surge of covid-19 variant, Japan is gearing up for the worst-case scenario possible with the third case of the variant reported.

Covid-19 Latest News: Japan reports third case of Omicron variant

As Omicron cases continue to being detected worldwide, Britain's health minister has said that there is now community transmission of the Omicron variant in the UK.

United Kingdom: Health minister confirms community transmission of Omicron variant

Is Omicron really deadlier than the Delta variant? There is no scientific evidence to back this claim. Also, numbers show otherwise. Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: Omicron cases spread to over 30 countries

A preliminary study by scientists in South African published on Thursday suggests the Omicron variant is three times more likely to cause reinfections than other variants like the Delta or Beta.

Initial study shows Omicron variant 3 times more likely to cause reinfections

As the Omicron variant of the covid infection continues to crop up across the world, the first case of this new virus is now being reported in Sri Lanka. According to reports, a Sri Lankan national who had come from Nigeria has tested positive.

Sri Lanka detects first case of Covid-19 variant Omicron

Alphabet Inc's Google is indefinitely pushing back its January return-to-office plan globally amid growing concerns over the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus and some resistance to company-mandated vaccinations.

Omicron variant: Google Delays Mandatory Return-To-Office globally

India's economy has registered a decent recovery in the second quarter, the economy has grown by 8.4% in the June-September period and markets are on the upswing but for how long will this recovery going to stay? What is the outlook for next year in the midst of the Omicron variant?

India: Omicron variant and the economic recovery

The new variant of concern has reached the United States, the Biden administration is pulling up its socks to deal with Omicron, a variant that continues to be a mystery for experts. Biden has announced a winter campaign on this new mutant.

Omicron Scare: Biden administration announces winter campaign against COVID-19

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa slammed the western nations which have imposed travel bans on the country on fears of the new potentially highly-transmissible variant of COVID-19, Omicron.

South Africa President questions travel bans by western nations on fears of Omicron

Omicron was in Europe way before South Africa flagged it. Where did the new variant come from? Is banning flights from South Africa even helping? What should the World do? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: What the world can learn from the Omicron surge

Europe is experiencing a surge in covid-19 cases, a number of newly identified cases are of the recent omicron variant. The European Commission says that the EU needs a daily review of travel restrictions and a rapid deployment of booster doses.

European Commission: EU needs daily review of restrictions amid surge in Omicron variant cases

The coronavirus pandemic has been referred to as the great equaliser with its impact being felt by both rich and poor for the past two years. However, with the advent of vaccines to combat the spread of the virus, a great divide has been exposed, watch this report.

Omicron poses global risk, exposes great divide

The omicron variant has taken the world by storm, there is not much known about the virus' effects but one does know that it is spreading fast. 24 countries have reported the presence of new covid-19 mutation, the latest to them is the United States.

United States: First Omicron infection detected in California

Days after a new variant of COVID-19 was identified in southern Africa, at least 20 countries around the world have confirmed that they have found cases of it too. At least 70 countries and territories have imposed travel restrictions over the Omicron variant.

At least 20 countries confirm Omicron COVID-19 variant cases

The discovery of a new COVID-19 variant named Omicron triggered global alarm as countries rushed to suspend travel from southern Africa. A Bioinformatics Professor from Jerusalem, Michal Linial brings you an overview of the variant.

New COVID-19 variant Omicron triggers travel bans, restrictions

After calls for diplomatic boycott, the new virus variant Omicron is the latest hurdle for Beijing Winter Olympics, however, China remains confident that the games will go smoothly and on schedule.

After diplomatic boycott, Omicron the latest hurdle for Beijing Winter Olympics?

OPEC and its allies begin two days of meetings to decide whether to release more oil into the market or restrain supply amid an oil price rout and fears the Omicron coronavirus variant could weaken global energy demand.

Omicron scare: OPEC+ begins two day talks amid oil price rout

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