As Omicron cases in the UK continue to surge, UK's health body has warned Omicron cases may account for 50 per cent of all COVID-19 infections in the UK by mid-December.

"If Omicron continues to grow at the present rate, Omicron case numbers are projected to reach parity with Delta cases in mid-December," the UK health security agency said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pfizer-vaccine-less-effective-against-omicron-variant-claims-study-436864">Also Read:&nbsp;Pfizer vaccine less effective against Omicron variant, claims study</a>

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech provided much "lower levels of protection against symptomatic infection" compared to Delta. However, the report said "effectiveness against the new variant" appears to increase after a booster dose while emphasising that those over 40 should take the booster dose.&nbsp;

The UK health security agency said Omicron was detected in wastewater in the UK between November 26 and November 28. The report said the Omicron variant has a "transmission advantage" compared to Delta.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;WHO warns not to underestimate Omicron

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The agency said Omicron cases continues to grow rapidly in all regions of England. A finding earlier had revealed 30 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in London were due to Omicron.

UK health secretary Sajid Javed told parliament on Tuesday that according to the&nbsp;UKHSA the number of daily infections due to Omicron was "42 times higher at 200,000" even though only 4,713 confirmed were reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/a-scientists-guide-to-understanding-omicron-436958/amp">Also Read:&nbsp;A scientist’s guide to understanding Omicron</a>

Javed conceded that "the travel red list is now less effective in slowing the incursion of Omicron from abroad" as the travel ban was lifted for African countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced "Plan B" measures to tackle the new variant as the country continues to battle the virus.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Omicron cases in the UK continue to surge, UK's health body has warned Omicron cases may account for 50 per cent of all COVID-19 infections in the UK by mid-December.

As Omicron cases in the UK continue to surge, UK's health body has warned Omicron cases may account for 50 per cent of all COVID-19 infections in the UK by mid-December. "If Omicron continues to grow at the present rate, Omicron case numbers are projected to reach parity with Delta cases in mid-December," the UK health security agency said. Also Read: Pfizer vaccine less effective against Omicron variant, claims study UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech provided much "lower levels of protection against symptomatic infection" compared to Delta. However, the report said "effectiveness against the new variant" appears to increase after a booster dose while emphasising that those over 40 should take the booster dose. The UK health security agency said Omicron was detected in wastewater in the UK between November 26 and November 28. The report said the Omicron variant has a "transmission advantage" compared to Delta. Watch: WHO warns not to underestimate Omicron The agency said Omicron cases continues to grow rapidly in all regions of England. A finding earlier had revealed 30 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in London were due to Omicron. UK health secretary Sajid Javed told parliament on Tuesday that according to the UKHSA the number of daily infections due to Omicron was "42 times higher at 200,000" even though only 4,713 confirmed were reported. Also Read: A scientist’s guide to understanding Omicron Javed conceded that "the travel red list is now less effective in slowing the incursion of Omicron from abroad" as the travel ban was lifted for African countries. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced "Plan B" measures to tackle the new variant as the country continues to battle the virus. (With inputs from Agencies)

Omicron cases may reach parity with Delta by mid-December: UK health agency

A new study by Hong Kong researchers has revealed that the Covid vaccine made by Sinovac Biotech does not provide the required antibodies to neutralise the newly discovered Omicron variant. This comes in as millions of people are relying on the Sinovac vaccine to offer protection against the variant.&nbsp;

Led by microbiologist Yuen Kwok Yung, a professor in infectious diseases at the University of Hong Kong, the study involved a total of 50 people. They were divided into two groups of 25 people each. The first group was fully vaccinated with the Sinovac shot and the second group was fully vaccinated with the mRNA shot developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.

In the first group, nobody displayed the required antibodies to neutralise Omicron. However, in the second group, five people showed neutralising ability against the new variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-study-finds-pfizer-booster-to-be-effective-against-omicron-variant-436411">Also read |&nbsp;Israeli study finds Pfizer booster to be effective against Omicron variant</a>

According to The Straits Times, the study has been accepted for publication in the medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. It is available online as a pre-print.

Meanwhile, a latest Israeli study had revealed that a three-shot course of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine offers protection against the new variant.

The study was carried out by the Sheba Medical Center and the Health Ministry’s Central Virology Laboratory.&nbsp;

As a part of the study, a comparison was made between the blood of 20 people who had received two vaccine doses 5-6 months before the same number of people who had received a booster just a month before.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

A new study by Hong Kong researchers has revealed that the Covid vaccine made by Sinovac Biotech does not provide the required antibodies to neutralise the newly discovered Omicron variant.

A new study by Hong Kong researchers has revealed that the Covid vaccine made by Sinovac Biotech does not provide the required antibodies to neutralise the newly discovered Omicron variant. This comes in as millions of people are relying on the Sinovac vaccine to offer protection against the variant. Led by microbiologist Yuen Kwok Yung, a professor in infectious diseases at the University of Hong Kong, the study involved a total of 50 people. They were divided into two groups of 25 people each. The first group was fully vaccinated with the Sinovac shot and the second group was fully vaccinated with the mRNA shot developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. In the first group, nobody displayed the required antibodies to neutralise Omicron. However, in the second group, five people showed neutralising ability against the new variant. Also read | Israeli study finds Pfizer booster to be effective against Omicron variant According to The Straits Times, the study has been accepted for publication in the medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. It is available online as a pre-print. Meanwhile, a latest Israeli study had revealed that a three-shot course of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine offers protection against the new variant. The study was carried out by the Sheba Medical Center and the Health Ministry’s Central Virology Laboratory. As a part of the study, a comparison was made between the blood of 20 people who had received two vaccine doses 5-6 months before the same number of people who had received a booster just a month before. (With input from agencies)

Sinovac Covid vaccine does not provide sufficient antibodies to battle Omicron

Sinovac Covid vaccine does not provide sufficient antibodies to battle Omicron, reveals Hong Kong study

Due to COVID19 concerns, the US urges its citizens to avoid travel plans to Italy, Greenland & Mauritius. It has also classified 84 destinations at level 4.

COVID-19: the US urges citizens to avoid travel to Italy, Greenland & Mauritius

As part of new efforts to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid virus, Norway has decided to ban serving alcohol in pubs and restaurants, apart from imposing strict rules in schools and speeding up vaccination in the country.

New COVID-19 rules will prohibit the sale of alcohol at bars, restaurants, and other service-based venues from Wednesday—which will reportedly last for over 4 weeks— while Norwegians are also being urged to work from home if possible.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store warned of a “serious” situation where the Delta variant and the highly transmissible Omicron strain would create “a total saturation of the health system”.

“For many, this will feel like a lockdown, if not of society then of their lives and of their livelihoods,” Store said at a news conference on Monday.

“The situation is serious. The spread of infection is too high, and we have to take action to limit this development ... Omicron changes the rules,” he said.

Norway has registered record numbers of cases and hospital admissions in recent days, detecting 958 Omicron infections on Monday, of which 472 were in the capital Oslo, reports news agency AFP.

The World Health Organisation&nbsp;(WHO) had said that coronavirus cases in Europe were on the rise including deaths.

On December 7, the Norwegian government introduced a cap on the number of visitors allowed in private homes and shortened the hours at bars and restaurants.

Britain on Monday recorded the first publicly confirmed death globally from the swiftly spreading strain.

(With inputs from agencies)

As part of new efforts to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid virus, Norway has decided to ban serving alcohol in pubs and restaurants, apart from imposing strict rules in schools and speeding up vaccination in the country.

As part of new efforts to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid virus, Norway has decided to ban serving alcohol in pubs and restaurants, apart from imposing strict rules in schools and speeding up vaccination in the country. New COVID-19 rules will prohibit the sale of alcohol at bars, restaurants, and other service-based venues from Wednesday—which will reportedly last for over 4 weeks— while Norwegians are also being urged to work from home if possible. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store warned of a “serious” situation where the Delta variant and the highly transmissible Omicron strain would create “a total saturation of the health system”. “For many, this will feel like a lockdown, if not of society then of their lives and of their livelihoods,” Store said at a news conference on Monday. “The situation is serious. The spread of infection is too high, and we have to take action to limit this development ... Omicron changes the rules,” he said. Norway has registered record numbers of cases and hospital admissions in recent days, detecting 958 Omicron infections on Monday, of which 472 were in the capital Oslo, reports news agency AFP. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had said that coronavirus cases in Europe were on the rise including deaths. On December 7, the Norwegian government introduced a cap on the number of visitors allowed in private homes and shortened the hours at bars and restaurants. Britain on Monday recorded the first publicly confirmed death globally from the swiftly spreading strain. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway announces alcohol ban, other curbs, to prevent Omicron spread

Even as the country is witnessing a drop in the number of coronavirus cases, four new cases of Omicron variant have come up in India’s national capital, New Delhi. The total number of such cases has reached six in the city. &nbsp;

The new variant, which was first detected in southern Africa, has been a cause of concern as the experts are still ascertaining its effect on the pandemic. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-researchers-develop-test-to-detect-omicron-variant-in-just-90-min-436633" hreflang="en">Indian researchers develop test to detect Omicron variant in just 90 min</a>

Several countries have also taken numerous measures to keep a check on the spread of this variant. Still, it has been reported in various nations around the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The six patients with Omicron variant of coronavirus in Delhi had mild symptoms. One of them has already recovered.&nbsp;

"Four new Omicron cases were detected, taking the total number of cases to six. Of the six cases, one patient has been discharged from the hospital. Currently, 35 Covid positive patients and three suspected cases are admitted in LNJP hospital," said Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-votes-against-unsc-draft-resolution-which-sought-to-securitise-climate-action-436687" hreflang="en">India votes against UNSC draft resolution which sought to 'securitise' climate action</a>

The first patient with Omicron variant of the city has been discharged from hospital, said officials on Tuesday. &nbsp;

India has registered 5,784 new coronavirus infections. It is the lowest tally in 571 days. The active cases have also declined to 88,993, which is the lowest in 563 days, as per the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as the country is witnessing a drop in the number of coronavirus cases, four new cases of Omicron variant have come up in India’s national capital, New Delhi.

Even as the country is witnessing a drop in the number of coronavirus cases, four new cases of Omicron variant have come up in India’s national capital, New Delhi. The total number of such cases has reached six in the city. The new variant, which was first detected in southern Africa, has been a cause of concern as the experts are still ascertaining its effect on the pandemic. Also Read: Indian researchers develop test to detect Omicron variant in just 90 min Several countries have also taken numerous measures to keep a check on the spread of this variant. Still, it has been reported in various nations around the world. The six patients with Omicron variant of coronavirus in Delhi had mild symptoms. One of them has already recovered. "Four new Omicron cases were detected, taking the total number of cases to six. Of the six cases, one patient has been discharged from the hospital. Currently, 35 Covid positive patients and three suspected cases are admitted in LNJP hospital," said Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain. Also Read: India votes against UNSC draft resolution which sought to 'securitise' climate action The first patient with Omicron variant of the city has been discharged from hospital, said officials on Tuesday. India has registered 5,784 new coronavirus infections. It is the lowest tally in 571 days. The active cases have also declined to 88,993, which is the lowest in 563 days, as per the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid's Omicron variant: Four new cases identified in India’s capital

Health authorities in Denmark said on Monday that third dose of Covid vaccine will soon be offered to citizens over 40 in order to curb spread of Omicron variant.&nbsp;

"Due to the new and more contagious Omicron variant the Danish Health Authority has decided to push the third jab for everyone aged 40 and above, so they get the vaccine four and half months after the second jab," the health authority said in a statement.

By reducing the interval of the doses, "we will be able to enter the winter with better protection for those at increased risk of severe disease and increased immunity in the population," director Soren Brostrom said.

European Medicines Agenmcy (EMA) said last week that a third dose was 'safe and effective' as soon as three months after the initial vaccine course.

Denmark also recorded a record number of new cases of Covid-19 on Monday, with 7,799 confirmed infections in the previous 24 hours.&nbsp; 
Over a week, the number of cases is also at its highest since the start of the pandemic at 46,189 cases, a jump of more than 50 percent compared to the previous week, according to data from Danish health authorities compiled by AFP.

Danish health authorities on Monday also said they expect the new strain, which was first detected in South Africa last month, to become dominant in the capital Copenhagen from this week.

The UK announced on Sunday evening that it would accelerate the rollout of booster doses, opening them up to all over-18s before next year.&nbsp;

Denmark is second worldwide only to Britain in confirmed cases of Omicron, with both countries having extensive sequencing of samples to detect variants quickly.

As of Monday, 3,473 cases of Omicron had been identified in the Nordic country of 5.8 million people, where 80.6 percent of the population over five years old has already received two doses of the vaccine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Health authorities in Denmark said on Monday that third dose of Covid vaccine will soon be offered to citizens over 40 in order to curb spread of Omicron variant.

Health authorities in Denmark said on Monday that third dose of Covid vaccine will soon be offered to citizens over 40 in order to curb spread of Omicron variant. "Due to the new and more contagious Omicron variant the Danish Health Authority has decided to push the third jab for everyone aged 40 and above, so they get the vaccine four and half months after the second jab," the health authority said in a statement. By reducing the interval of the doses, "we will be able to enter the winter with better protection for those at increased risk of severe disease and increased immunity in the population," director Soren Brostrom said. European Medicines Agenmcy (EMA) said last week that a third dose was 'safe and effective' as soon as three months after the initial vaccine course. Denmark also recorded a record number of new cases of Covid-19 on Monday, with 7,799 confirmed infections in the previous 24 hours. Over a week, the number of cases is also at its highest since the start of the pandemic at 46,189 cases, a jump of more than 50 percent compared to the previous week, according to data from Danish health authorities compiled by AFP. Danish health authorities on Monday also said they expect the new strain, which was first detected in South Africa last month, to become dominant in the capital Copenhagen from this week. The UK announced on Sunday evening that it would accelerate the rollout of booster doses, opening them up to all over-18s before next year. Denmark is second worldwide only to Britain in confirmed cases of Omicron, with both countries having extensive sequencing of samples to detect variants quickly. As of Monday, 3,473 cases of Omicron had been identified in the Nordic country of 5.8 million people, where 80.6 percent of the population over five years old has already received two doses of the vaccine. (With inputs from agencies)

Denmark mulls third Covid vaccine dose to combat Omicron

As Omicron cases are rapidly spreading all across the world, a latest study has revealed that a three-shot course of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine offers protection against the new variant, Omicron.&nbsp;The study was carried out by the Sheba Medical Center and the Health Ministry’s Central Virology Laboratory.&nbsp;

As a part of the study,&nbsp;a comparison was made between the blood of 20 people who had received two vaccine doses 5-6 months prior to the same number of people who had received a booster just a month before.&nbsp;

The findings are very similar to those of a study presented by Pfizer-BioNTech a week before. The study stated that the vaccine neutralises the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-demonstrates-three-doses-of-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-neutralises-omicron-variant-435221">Also read |&nbsp;Study demonstrates three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine neutralises Omicron variant</a>

Omicron counts more than 30 mutations on the spike protein. The company has said that although two doses of the vaccine offer a high level of protection, the third jab increases efficacy by 25 per cent.&nbsp;

According to a report by Times of Israel, Prof. Gili Regev Yochay of Sheba Medical Center has deemed her research as “very worrisome."&nbsp;

However, she further said that it also gives a little optimism regarding the power of boosters to fight Omicron.

“The fact that Omicron is somewhat resistant to the vaccine is very much apparent when you’re only with two doses, and much less substantive after a third dose, she said during a media briefing.&nbsp;

Pfizer is expected to deliver an Omicron-based vaccine in March 2022. It is currently under development by BioNTech.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Omicron cases are rapidly spreading all across the world, a latest study has revealed that a three-shot course of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine offers protection against the new variant, Omicron.

As Omicron cases are rapidly spreading all across the world, a latest study has revealed that a three-shot course of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine offers protection against the new variant, Omicron. The study was carried out by the Sheba Medical Center and the Health Ministry’s Central Virology Laboratory. As a part of the study, a comparison was made between the blood of 20 people who had received two vaccine doses 5-6 months prior to the same number of people who had received a booster just a month before. The findings are very similar to those of a study presented by Pfizer-BioNTech a week before. The study stated that the vaccine neutralises the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Also read | Study demonstrates three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine neutralises Omicron variant Omicron counts more than 30 mutations on the spike protein. The company has said that although two doses of the vaccine offer a high level of protection, the third jab increases efficacy by 25 per cent. According to a report by Times of Israel, Prof. Gili Regev Yochay of Sheba Medical Center has deemed her research as “very worrisome." However, she further said that it also gives a little optimism regarding the power of boosters to fight Omicron. “The fact that Omicron is somewhat resistant to the vaccine is very much apparent when you’re only with two doses, and much less substantive after a third dose, she said during a media briefing. Pfizer is expected to deliver an Omicron-based vaccine in March 2022. It is currently under development by BioNTech. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli study finds Pfizer booster to be effective against Omicron variant

Following a positive test result on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently undergoing treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms.

Mondli Gungubele, Minister in the Presidency, verified this hours after Ramaphosa delivered his eulogy at FW de Klerk's state memorial in Cape Town on Sunday.&nbsp;

"The president began to feel unwell after leaving the state memorial service in Cape Town earlier today [Sunday] in honour of former deputy president FW de Klerk," Gungubele said.

The procedures in Cape Town today were conducted in accordance with health regulations governing hand hygiene, face mask use, and social distance.&nbsp;

According to a statement released just after 10 pm, Deputy President David Mabuza will be taking up "all responsibilities" for the following week.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | United Kingdom reports rapid spread of the Omicron variant

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-reports-rapid-spread-of-the-omicron-variant-436157/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Last month, the highly mutated Omicron variant was discovered in South Africa, causing widespread concern that it was more contagious than other versions. 
 
Watch | Ramaphosa slams West on 'travel bans' calls them hypocrite

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ramaphosa-slams-west-on-travel-bans-calls-them-hypocrite-434826/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the statement, the president and the entire South African group were tested for COVID-19 during a recent tour to four West African countries.&nbsp;

"I am very sorry to hear you tested positive for COVID-19, my brother Cyril Ramaphosa. I wish you a swift recovery. Stay strong! Together!," World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted.

Despite the fact that Omicron has been detected in countries all over the world, it is still unclear whether it produces more severe sickness or if, and to what degree, it can resist vaccines.

After the WHO reported earlier in the week that there was some evidence that Omicron causes less severe disease than Delta, the currently dominant variation, the EU Medicines Agency said on Thursday that Omicron may cause milder symptoms.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following a positive test result on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently undergoing treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms. Mondli Gungubele, Minister in the Presidency, verified this hours after Ramaphosa delivered his eulogy at FW de Klerk's state memorial in Cape Town on Sunday.

Following a positive test result on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently undergoing treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms. Mondli Gungubele, Minister in the Presidency, verified this hours after Ramaphosa delivered his eulogy at FW de Klerk's state memorial in Cape Town on Sunday. "The president began to feel unwell after leaving the state memorial service in Cape Town earlier today [Sunday] in honour of former deputy president FW de Klerk," Gungubele said. The procedures in Cape Town today were conducted in accordance with health regulations governing hand hygiene, face mask use, and social distance. According to a statement released just after 10 pm, Deputy President David Mabuza will be taking up "all responsibilities" for the following week. Watch | United Kingdom reports rapid spread of the Omicron variant Last month, the highly mutated Omicron variant was discovered in South Africa, causing widespread concern that it was more contagious than other versions. Watch | Ramaphosa slams West on 'travel bans' calls them hypocrite According to the statement, the president and the entire South African group were tested for COVID-19 during a recent tour to four West African countries. "I am very sorry to hear you tested positive for COVID-19, my brother Cyril Ramaphosa. I wish you a swift recovery. Stay strong! Together!," World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted. Despite the fact that Omicron has been detected in countries all over the world, it is still unclear whether it produces more severe sickness or if, and to what degree, it can resist vaccines. After the WHO reported earlier in the week that there was some evidence that Omicron causes less severe disease than Delta, the currently dominant variation, the EU Medicines Agency said on Thursday that Omicron may cause milder symptoms. (With inputs from agencies)

Vaccinated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tests positive for COVID-19, isolates himself

The new variant of Covid- Omicron, was first detected in South Africa on November 24. Ever since then, the variant has been rapidly spreading all across the world. However, it is still not clear as to where and how the variant emerged from. One clear thing is that it did not emerge from other variants of concern - Alpha, Beta or Delta. It emerged from the deadly coronavirus which has been circulating for over one year now.

Researchers have expounded several theories pertaining to the origin of this new variant. While few think that Omicron originated from a remote region of southern Africa others think that it evolved in infected animals, such as rats and then traced its way to humans.&nbsp;

Another explanation states that the variant came in from a person with a weak immune system - a person having cancer treatment or someone with uncontrolled HIV. Weak immunity allowed this virus to mutate.

Omicron has over 50 mutations. Out of this, at least 30 are in the spike protein that the virus uses to gain entry to host cells.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-could-cause-75000-deaths-in-england-by-april-2022-experts-436153">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron variant could cause 75,000 deaths in England by April, 2022: Experts</a>

The theory states that high levels of HIV patients in South Africa might have provided an ideal environment for the variant to evolve. Nearly two-thirds of the global population in the region is affected by HIV.&nbsp;

Dr Steven Kemp, a research associate at the University of Cambridge, while speaking to Medical News Today said, "The high prevalence of HIV in South Africa may have contributed to the evolution of the Omicron variant. However, it is important to emphasise that HIV is not the only disease [that] can cause immunosuppression in individuals.”

The World Health Organization has designated it as a "variant of concern".

The new Covid variant has created panic as countries have banned flights from South Africa where it was first discovered including other African countries.&nbsp;

Various countries have tightened curbs to control the spread of this variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

The new variant of Covid- Omicron, was first detected in South Africa on November 24. Ever since then, the variant has been rapidly spreading all across the world.

The new variant of Covid- Omicron, was first detected in South Africa on November 24. Ever since then, the variant has been rapidly spreading all across the world. However, it is still not clear as to where and how the variant emerged from. One clear thing is that it did not emerge from other variants of concern - Alpha, Beta or Delta. It emerged from the deadly coronavirus which has been circulating for over one year now. Researchers have expounded several theories pertaining to the origin of this new variant. While few think that Omicron originated from a remote region of southern Africa others think that it evolved in infected animals, such as rats and then traced its way to humans. Another explanation states that the variant came in from a person with a weak immune system - a person having cancer treatment or someone with uncontrolled HIV. Weak immunity allowed this virus to mutate. Omicron has over 50 mutations. Out of this, at least 30 are in the spike protein that the virus uses to gain entry to host cells. Also read | Omicron variant could cause 75,000 deaths in England by April, 2022: Experts The theory states that high levels of HIV patients in South Africa might have provided an ideal environment for the variant to evolve. Nearly two-thirds of the global population in the region is affected by HIV. Dr Steven Kemp, a research associate at the University of Cambridge, while speaking to Medical News Today said, "The high prevalence of HIV in South Africa may have contributed to the evolution of the Omicron variant. However, it is important to emphasise that HIV is not the only disease [that] can cause immunosuppression in individuals.” The World Health Organization has designated it as a "variant of concern". The new Covid variant has created panic as countries have banned flights from South Africa where it was first discovered including other African countries. Various countries have tightened curbs to control the spread of this variant. (With inputs from agencies)

Is HIV behind the emergence of Omicron? Here is what we know so far

UK on Sunday&nbsp;raised Covid alert level from 3 to 4 due to surge in Omicron cases. It is the second-highest level indicating "transmission is high and pressure on healthcare services is widespread and substantial or rising".

Earlier, the government had imposed new virus measures directing people over 30 to take booster jabs.

Reports claim there are over 3,000 Omicron cases in the country. Minister Nadim Zahawi informed first people with Omicron were being admitted in the hospital.

The Omicron variant now accounts for 30 per cent of COVID-19 cases in&nbsp;London. On Friday, the government had announced it was moving to "Plan B" making face-covering mandatory in public places including in public transport.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-could-cause-75000-deaths-in-england-by-april-2022-experts-436153">Also Read |&nbsp;Omicron variant could cause 75,000 deaths in England by April, 2022: Experts</a>

The new rule allowed the police to enforce "compliance" if people do not adhere to the government's directive. People will also have to carry Covid passes which shows proof of vaccination. The government also called on people to work from home if they can.

Britain is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 146,000 fatalities and 10 million COVID-19 cases.

Watch:&nbsp;UK study claims booster doses effective against Omicron

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-study-in-the-uk-claims-booster-doses-are-effective-against-the-omicron-variant-of-covid-19-436234/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Friday, the UK had reported the highest number of coronavirus cases since January with 58,194 COVID-19 cases. The country's health body UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had warned the Omicron variant could become the dominant strain by mid-December due to the surge in cases.

PM Johnson had warned that the Omicron cases were doubling every two to three days while urging&nbsp;people to remain "humble in the face of the virus".

The current measures come as the country gets ready for Christmas celebrations. On December 19 last year PM Johnson had announced strict "stay at home" order for people living in London and southeast England.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

UK on Sunday raised Covid alert level from 3 to 4 due to surge in Omicron cases. It is the second-highest level indicating "transmission is high and pressure on healthcare services is widespread and substantial or rising".

UK on Sunday raised Covid alert level from 3 to 4 due to surge in Omicron cases. It is the second-highest level indicating "transmission is high and pressure on healthcare services is widespread and substantial or rising". Earlier, the government had imposed new virus measures directing people over 30 to take booster jabs. Reports claim there are over 3,000 Omicron cases in the country. Minister Nadim Zahawi informed first people with Omicron were being admitted in the hospital. The Omicron variant now accounts for 30 per cent of COVID-19 cases in London. On Friday, the government had announced it was moving to "Plan B" making face-covering mandatory in public places including in public transport. Also Read | Omicron variant could cause 75,000 deaths in England by April, 2022: Experts The new rule allowed the police to enforce "compliance" if people do not adhere to the government's directive. People will also have to carry Covid passes which shows proof of vaccination. The government also called on people to work from home if they can. Britain is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 146,000 fatalities and 10 million COVID-19 cases. Watch: UK study claims booster doses effective against Omicron On Friday, the UK had reported the highest number of coronavirus cases since January with 58,194 COVID-19 cases. The country's health body UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had warned the Omicron variant could become the dominant strain by mid-December due to the surge in cases. PM Johnson had warned that the Omicron cases were doubling every two to three days while urging people to remain "humble in the face of the virus". The current measures come as the country gets ready for Christmas celebrations. On December 19 last year PM Johnson had announced strict "stay at home" order for people living in London and southeast England. (With inputs from Agencies)

UK raises virus alert level amid surge in Omicron cases

As the Omicron variant spreads all around the world, many are wondering if the available vaccines are enough to fight the new variant of coronavirus. White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr Anthony Fauci has answered that question.<o:p></o:p>

Fauci has claimed that a booster shot specifically for the Omicron variant may not be needed. However, he also warned that the pharmaceutical companies selling the vaccine shots may still develop such booster shots.<o:p></o:p>

As per him, the existing Covid vaccines can help fight the new variant as they seem to have the same level of immunity needed to fight Omicron.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-reports-rapid-spread-of-the-omicron-variant-436157">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-reports-rapid-spread-of-the-omicron-variant-436157/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I'm not so sure that we’re going to have to get a variant-specific boost vaccine to get an adequate protection from Omicron,"&nbsp;Fauci told the health news website STAT on Friday.&nbsp;"Because if you look at protection against variants, it appears to relate to the level of immunity and the breadth of the immunity that any given vaccine can instill on you."<o:p></o:p>

Fauci has showed trust in the existing Covid vaccines, even as experts around the world argue around the topic. <o:p></o:p>

On the other hand, Pfizer’s CEO Albert Bourla has also sent out a mixed signal. While the chief believes that Pfizer can help keep people safe, he also hinted that another shot may be needed to keep Omicron variant at bay. "With Omicron we need to wait and see because we have very little information. We may need [the fourth dose] faster,"&nbsp;he told CNBC this week.<o:p></o:p>

Bourla’s statement falls in line with something that Fauci had warned the people against. The White House official had also said that pharmaceutical companies "are going to be making variant-specific boosters."

<o:p>(With inputs from agencies)</o:p>

As the Omicron variant spreads all around the world, many are wondering if the available vaccines are enough to fight the new variant of coronavirus. White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr Anthony Fauci has answered that question.

As the Omicron variant spreads all around the world, many are wondering if the available vaccines are enough to fight the new variant of coronavirus. White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr Anthony Fauci has answered that question. Fauci has claimed that a booster shot specifically for the Omicron variant may not be needed. However, he also warned that the pharmaceutical companies selling the vaccine shots may still develop such booster shots. As per him, the existing Covid vaccines can help fight the new variant as they seem to have the same level of immunity needed to fight Omicron. WATCH | "I'm not so sure that we’re going to have to get a variant-specific boost vaccine to get an adequate protection from Omicron," Fauci told the health news website STAT on Friday. "Because if you look at protection against variants, it appears to relate to the level of immunity and the breadth of the immunity that any given vaccine can instill on you." Fauci has showed trust in the existing Covid vaccines, even as experts around the world argue around the topic. On the other hand, Pfizer’s CEO Albert Bourla has also sent out a mixed signal. While the chief believes that Pfizer can help keep people safe, he also hinted that another shot may be needed to keep Omicron variant at bay. "With Omicron we need to wait and see because we have very little information. We may need [the fourth dose] faster," he told CNBC this week. Bourla’s statement falls in line with something that Fauci had warned the people against. The White House official had also said that pharmaceutical companies "are going to be making variant-specific boosters." (With inputs from agencies)

We might not need booster shot of vaccine to fight Omicron: Fauci

As the locals are being told that further restrictions will be needed to control the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, experts fear that the falling trust in their PM Boris Johnson could lead to a surge in the Covid cases.<o:p></o:p>

Experts fear that as more and more people get annoyed by their Prime Minister Boris Johnson, amid rising controversies surrounding his protocol breaks, locals will start questioning and defying the government.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-health-experts-warn-government-against-omicron-spread-in-absence-of-stingent-measures-435965">UK health experts warn government against Omicron spread in absence of 'stingent measures'</a></o:p>

"It is always more difficult to re-apply restrictions because people are fatigued and generally fed up," Linda Bauld, a professor of public health at Edinburgh University was quoted by the Guardian. "But now it's going to be even harder, because trust has been eroded to a very significant level. People are really fed up with the government. And if you don’t trust the government, why would you do what the government asked you to do?"<o:p></o:p>

Experts have warned that there is a huge possibility that people are not going to follow the rules if they are asked to limit indoor gatherings once again. While many listened to the government last year, this year controversy of the PM celebrating Christmas parties in secret have broken the trust of his countrymen.<o:p></o:p>

"Many are likely to say: I’m fed up, I don’t trust this government, and I want to see my friends and family, so I’m just going to ignore the rule."

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnsons-approval-rating-plummets-436130">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnsons-approval-rating-plummets-436130/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Labour has also claimed that the Boris Johnson-run government will not be able to meet its target of vaccinating everyone by the end of January 2022.<o:p></o:p>

This warning comes at a time when the UK is observing an alarming increase of cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. "The NHS should continue to prioritise those most at risk, including the elderly, housebound and care home residents, but there is no reason others who are eligible and keen to get their booster vaccines now should be turned away," said Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary. "We want to make sure everyone can enjoy Christmas safely this year, as well as protecting our NHS. The best way to do that is boosting the booster campaign."<o:p></o:p>

As the locals are being told that further restrictions will be needed to control the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, experts fear that the falling trust in their PM Boris Johnson could lead to a surge in the Covid cases.

As the locals are being told that further restrictions will be needed to control the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, experts fear that the falling trust in their PM Boris Johnson could lead to a surge in the Covid cases. Experts fear that as more and more people get annoyed by their Prime Minister Boris Johnson, amid rising controversies surrounding his protocol breaks, locals will start questioning and defying the government. Also read | UK health experts warn government against Omicron spread in absence of 'stingent measures' "It is always more difficult to re-apply restrictions because people are fatigued and generally fed up," Linda Bauld, a professor of public health at Edinburgh University was quoted by the Guardian. "But now it's going to be even harder, because trust has been eroded to a very significant level. People are really fed up with the government. And if you don’t trust the government, why would you do what the government asked you to do?" Experts have warned that there is a huge possibility that people are not going to follow the rules if they are asked to limit indoor gatherings once again. While many listened to the government last year, this year controversy of the PM celebrating Christmas parties in secret have broken the trust of his countrymen. "Many are likely to say: I’m fed up, I don’t trust this government, and I want to see my friends and family, so I’m just going to ignore the rule." WATCH | Meanwhile, Labour has also claimed that the Boris Johnson-run government will not be able to meet its target of vaccinating everyone by the end of January 2022. This warning comes at a time when the UK is observing an alarming increase of cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. "The NHS should continue to prioritise those most at risk, including the elderly, housebound and care home residents, but there is no reason others who are eligible and keen to get their booster vaccines now should be turned away," said Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary. "We want to make sure everyone can enjoy Christmas safely this year, as well as protecting our NHS. The best way to do that is boosting the booster campaign."

Declining trust in Boris Johnson can lead to increase in Covid cases in UK

Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh on Sunday reported the first case of Omicron variant.&nbsp;

Reports said Maharastra and Karanataka also recorded Omicron cases today taking the total cases of the new variant to 37. 
&nbsp; 
Kerala's health minister said the person who was infected had arrived from the UK. &nbsp;Health minister Veena George said the person had tested positive for the virus on December 8 in Kochi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-variant-in-india-section-144-imposed-in-mumbai-second-confirmed-case-in-delhi-436012">Also Read:&nbsp;Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi</a> 
&nbsp; 
According to health officials, a vaccinated man who arrived from Italy was detected with the Omicron variant in Chandigarh. The man in Chandigarh is currently under quarantine.

Maharashtra has detected the highest number of Omicron cases so far with 18 cases followed by Rajasthan with nine cases.

Karnataka has detected three&nbsp;Omicron cases with capital Delhi reporting two&nbsp;Omicron cases and one each in Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh.

The variant was first detected in the country in Bengaluru after two people tested positive.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh on Sunday reported the first case of Omicron variant. Reports said Maharastra and Karanataka also recorded Omicron cases today taking the total cases of the new variant to 37.

Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh on Sunday reported the first case of Omicron variant. Reports said Maharastra and Karanataka also recorded Omicron cases today taking the total cases of the new variant to 37. Kerala's health minister said the person who was infected had arrived from the UK. Health minister Veena George said the person had tested positive for the virus on December 8 in Kochi. Also Read: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi According to health officials, a vaccinated man who arrived from Italy was detected with the Omicron variant in Chandigarh. The man in Chandigarh is currently under quarantine. Maharashtra has detected the highest number of Omicron cases so far with 18 cases followed by Rajasthan with nine cases. Karnataka has detected three Omicron cases with capital Delhi reporting two Omicron cases and one each in Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh. The variant was first detected in the country in Bengaluru after two people tested positive. (With inputs from Agencies)

Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh report Omicron variant cases

As cases of Omicron variant are increasing all around the world, Brazil has decided to exercise caution and will now be demanding Covid vaccination certificate from international travellers.<o:p></o:p>

A Supreme Court judge in Brazil has announced that all foreign visitors entering the country will now need to show proof that they have been vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

Before this, the authorities were simply demanding a negative PCR test for any incoming travellers, as per restrictions imposed by the national health agency. However, now with the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant all around the world, the judge wants the government to exercise caution and avoid the spread.

<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>

Judge Luís Roberto Barroso claimed that it will be extremely difficult to check all visitors. So, having a vaccine certificate will help prevent the spread of the new variant, which is believed to be more transmissible.<o:p></o:p>

Barroso also added that the country will make exceptions for all travellers coming from countries which have bene unable to fully vaccinate most of their population due to lack of resources. Such travellers will be compulsorily asked to quarantine for a period of five days, though.<o:p></o:p>

As of now, Brazil has reported four confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

However, this decision has not gone well with Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been strongly criticised for his poor handling of the deadly pandemic. Bolsonaro, a non-believer of vaccine effectiveness, claims he has not been vaccinated himself and has rubbished reports claiming that the health agency Anvisa&nbsp;will be demanding vaccination certificate from incoming travellers. <o:p></o:p>

As of now, it is not clear when the new restrictions will be imposed. However, the announcement comes a few days ahead of the upcoming New Year parties and carnival parades. Some independent events have already been cancelled due to fear of the Omicron variant in the country.<o:p></o:p>

As cases of Omicron variant are increasing all around the world, Brazil has decided to exercise caution and will now be demanding Covid vaccination certificate from international travellers.

As cases of Omicron variant are increasing all around the world, Brazil has decided to exercise caution and will now be demanding Covid vaccination certificate from international travellers. A Supreme Court judge in Brazil has announced that all foreign visitors entering the country will now need to show proof that they have been vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. Before this, the authorities were simply demanding a negative PCR test for any incoming travellers, as per restrictions imposed by the national health agency. However, now with the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant all around the world, the judge wants the government to exercise caution and avoid the spread. WATCH | Judge Luís Roberto Barroso claimed that it will be extremely difficult to check all visitors. So, having a vaccine certificate will help prevent the spread of the new variant, which is believed to be more transmissible. Barroso also added that the country will make exceptions for all travellers coming from countries which have bene unable to fully vaccinate most of their population due to lack of resources. Such travellers will be compulsorily asked to quarantine for a period of five days, though. As of now, Brazil has reported four confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. However, this decision has not gone well with Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been strongly criticised for his poor handling of the deadly pandemic. Bolsonaro, a non-believer of vaccine effectiveness, claims he has not been vaccinated himself and has rubbished reports claiming that the health agency Anvisa will be demanding vaccination certificate from incoming travellers. As of now, it is not clear when the new restrictions will be imposed. However, the announcement comes a few days ahead of the upcoming New Year parties and carnival parades. Some independent events have already been cancelled due to fear of the Omicron variant in the country.

Brazil may start asking for vaccine certificate from incoming foreign travellers

As the Omicron variant is spreading more rapidly across the country, UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has invited locals aged 30 and above to book their Covid boosters, starting from Monday.<o:p></o:p>

Medical experts are worried that the number of Omicron cases will rise alarmingly in the coming few months. To avoid the spread of the vaccine and to make sure that people do not fall severely ill if infected, the medical experts have suggested locals to get their booster shot dose.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Declining trust in Boris Johnson can lead to increase in Covid cases in UK">Declining trust in Boris Johnson can lead to increase in Covid cases in UK</a></o:p>

UK has nearly 7.5 million people aged between 30 and 39, out of which 3.5 million people are eligible for their dose of Covid booster from Monday, NHS reported.<o:p></o:p>

Now, all eligible people have been allowed to book their booster jab after 61 days (two months) of getting their second dose.<o:p></o:p>

This announcement comes as a recent report by London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) — which is a part of UK government's scientific advisory group for emergencies&nbsp;(SAGE) — claimed that the UK could record 25,000 to 75,000 Covid deaths by April.

<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>

Experts fear that if strict rules are not imposed, the Omicron variant may spread rapidly, considering the current doubling times.<o:p></o:p>

"The key point is that under a range of plausible scenarios, stringent action is needed on or before 18 December 2021 if doubling times stay at 2.5 days. Even if doubling times rise to around 5 days, stringent action is likely still needed in December," the report, seen by the Guardian, reads. "The rapid spread of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Omicron</a>&nbsp;means that action to limit pressures on the health system might have to come earlier than intuition suggests."<o:p></o:p>

As the Omicron variant is spreading more rapidly across the country, UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has invited locals aged 30 and above to book their Covid boosters, starting from Monday.

As the Omicron variant is spreading more rapidly across the country, UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has invited locals aged 30 and above to book their Covid boosters, starting from Monday. Medical experts are worried that the number of Omicron cases will rise alarmingly in the coming few months. To avoid the spread of the vaccine and to make sure that people do not fall severely ill if infected, the medical experts have suggested locals to get their booster shot dose. Also read | Declining trust in Boris Johnson can lead to increase in Covid cases in UK UK has nearly 7.5 million people aged between 30 and 39, out of which 3.5 million people are eligible for their dose of Covid booster from Monday, NHS reported. Now, all eligible people have been allowed to book their booster jab after 61 days (two months) of getting their second dose. This announcement comes as a recent report by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) — which is a part of UK government's scientific advisory group for emergencies (SAGE) — claimed that the UK could record 25,000 to 75,000 Covid deaths by April. WATCH | Experts fear that if strict rules are not imposed, the Omicron variant may spread rapidly, considering the current doubling times. "The key point is that under a range of plausible scenarios, stringent action is needed on or before 18 December 2021 if doubling times stay at 2.5 days. Even if doubling times rise to around 5 days, stringent action is likely still needed in December," the report, seen by the Guardian, reads. "The rapid spread of Omicron means that action to limit pressures on the health system might have to come earlier than intuition suggests."

UK invites locals over 30 to register for booster jabs amid Omicron surge

On Thursday morning, a group of 50 called to cancel their holiday party booked for that evening at Luc’s Brasserie, a French restaurant in the financial district of Britain’s capital. That same morning, a group of 21 cancelled their party too, also for Thursday night.

The previous night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that stricter Covid&nbsp;measures were coming, and the impact was immediate for Darrin Jacobs, the owner of Luc’s. There had been a “multitude of cancellations,” he said.

But thanks to a waiting list of reservations, he added, the restaurant was still fully booked until Christmas. And many of the cancelled bookings had optimistically rescheduled their celebrations for early next year.

“We won’t lose the business; we’ll just move the business on,” Jacobs said. But “it’s not easy because we’ve already bought food and moved staff around,” he said.

For months, businesses across Britain have been desperately trying to manoeuvre around supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and rising costs as they emerged from various stages of lockdown.

Offices reopened, which filled up commuter buses and trains; restaurants and pubs advertised to host holiday parties, and lines grew longer at city centre coffee shops.

Now the emergence of the fast-spreading omicron variant has unexpectedly dealt those efforts a blow. The government has revived coronavirus restrictions that are likely to weigh on hospitality and travel businesses during the critical holiday season and put a dent in the economy.

“I don’t know where this is going to go next week,” Jacobs said. “I think this is a tip-of-the-iceberg-type scenario, and it may get a lot worse next week — and if that’s the case, we’ll really have to scale it back.”

For now, he is still cautiously optimistic. But his business relies on people who work in nearby offices and walk to his restaurant in Leadenhall Market, especially several insurance companies. On Thursday, Jacobs heard that two large companies were closing their offices again.

In England beginning Friday, face masks will be required in most indoor public places, including cinemas and theatres. Starting Monday, people who can work from home should. And starting in the middle of next week, passes showing vaccination or a recent negative COVID test will be required for large events and nightclubs, Johnson announced this week. The rules will be voted on in Parliament next week. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have set their own measures, which are slightly stricter.

“Unless you go to a full or partial lockdown, the effect of the measures themselves will be rather small,” said Paul Mortimer-Lee, deputy director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research in London. “What will be hurting the economy is individuals’ responses.” People are likely to take more precautions to protect themselves from the virus, especially by socializing less.

While the rules are relatively light, for some businesses this will be an unwelcome retreat.

Before the omicron variant was discovered, the British economy was losing some momentum while prices were rising rapidly, putting inflation at its highest level in nearly a decade. Gross domestic product grew 1.3% in the third quarter, down from 5.5% in the previous three months. And that growth was driven by spending on services — especially in hotels, restaurants and entertainment — as the last of the major pandemic restrictions were lifted in the summer. In October, economic expansion slowed sharply to just 0.1% from the previous month.

Now there are early indications that restaurant reservations are declining and Christmas parties are being cancelled.

Restaurants, cafes and shops primarily serving office workers were contending with the lost trade from hybrid working but had at least seen a notable return of workers. Some 70% of British workers said they had travelled to work at least some days each week in early December, according to the Office for National Statistics, up from about 50% earlier in the year, when the country was under a strict lockdown.

Sales at Pret A Manger, the coffee and sandwich chain whose shops tend to be clustered around office hubs and transport locations, only returned to pre-pandemic levels about two weeks ago. Now those sales are starting to slip again.

“Christmas has been cancelled for many City shops, restaurants, pubs and other businesses that rely on footfall from workers in nearby offices,” Catherine McGuinness, the policy chair of the City of London Corp., which governs the capital’s financial district, said in a statement.

Her organization will encourage workers and businesses to follow the new rules but said the government needed to lay out a road map for lifting the restrictions again in the new year, McGuinness said.

The new measures will also complicate the next steps for the Bank of England. Policymakers at the central bank had been preparing to raise interest rates in response to inflation, provided unemployment remained low. Some analysts believed an increase could come as soon as next week. But the potential for omicron to further slow the economy makes it harder to justify tightening monetary policy.

The extra uncertainty could dampen productivity and employment growth, according to Mortimer-Lee. It is likely to make companies more cautious about hiring and investment, especially businesses that rely on face-to-face interactions, like restaurants. Also, high case numbers will keep children out of schools and parents away from their jobs.

“It’s those millions of individual decisions, rather than Boris Johnson’s decision, that’s going to affect the economy,” Mortimer-Lee said. “And none of it’s going to be good.”

Even before the latest measures, hotels were seeing about one-fifth of their corporate bookings cancelled, according to UKHospitality, an industry lobby group, after the government required travellers into Britain to take a Covid&nbsp;test within two days of arriving and isolate until receiving the results. Christmas bookings were not as strong as they traditionally are for hospitality businesses in a quarter that usually brings in about 40% of the industry’s annual revenue.

And so the industry is asking for relief from business rates (a type of tax on commercial properties), more grants, rent protection and an extension of the reductions on VAT, a sales tax. “Anything less would prove catastrophic,” Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said in a statement.

The latest measures have been particularly disappointing for nightclubs, one of the last businesses allowed to reopen earlier this year. The Night Time Industries Association said Covid&nbsp;passes have been damaging to their industry in the parts of Britain where they were already in place.

Michael Kill, CEO of the lobbying group, said businesses were experiencing a “honeymoon period” since reopening in the summer and were trying to rebuild cash reserves before the quieter months at the start of the year.

“We’re now seeing some concern around cancellations and ticket purchases hesitancy,” Kill said. “These sorts of things that are leaving people in a vulnerable position, because many of them stocked up and purchased and staffed for a busy Christmas period.”

The group accused the government of enacting the changes to draw attention away from public fury over accusations that the prime minister’s staff broke lockdown rules by holding an office party last Christmas.

“It feels that nightclubs and bars have been thrown under the bus by the prime minister for him to save his own skin,” Kill said in a statement Wednesday.

On Thursday morning, a group of 50 called to cancel their holiday party booked for that evening at Luc’s Brasserie, a French restaurant in the financial district of Britain’s capital.

On Thursday morning, a group of 50 called to cancel their holiday party booked for that evening at Luc’s Brasserie, a French restaurant in the financial district of Britain’s capital. That same morning, a group of 21 cancelled their party too, also for Thursday night. The previous night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that stricter Covid measures were coming, and the impact was immediate for Darrin Jacobs, the owner of Luc’s. There had been a “multitude of cancellations,” he said. But thanks to a waiting list of reservations, he added, the restaurant was still fully booked until Christmas. And many of the cancelled bookings had optimistically rescheduled their celebrations for early next year. “We won’t lose the business; we’ll just move the business on,” Jacobs said. But “it’s not easy because we’ve already bought food and moved staff around,” he said. For months, businesses across Britain have been desperately trying to manoeuvre around supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and rising costs as they emerged from various stages of lockdown. Offices reopened, which filled up commuter buses and trains; restaurants and pubs advertised to host holiday parties, and lines grew longer at city centre coffee shops. Now the emergence of the fast-spreading omicron variant has unexpectedly dealt those efforts a blow. The government has revived coronavirus restrictions that are likely to weigh on hospitality and travel businesses during the critical holiday season and put a dent in the economy. “I don’t know where this is going to go next week,” Jacobs said. “I think this is a tip-of-the-iceberg-type scenario, and it may get a lot worse next week — and if that’s the case, we’ll really have to scale it back.” For now, he is still cautiously optimistic. But his business relies on people who work in nearby offices and walk to his restaurant in Leadenhall Market, especially several insurance companies. On Thursday, Jacobs heard that two large companies were closing their offices again. In England beginning Friday, face masks will be required in most indoor public places, including cinemas and theatres. Starting Monday, people who can work from home should. And starting in the middle of next week, passes showing vaccination or a recent negative COVID test will be required for large events and nightclubs, Johnson announced this week. The rules will be voted on in Parliament next week. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have set their own measures, which are slightly stricter. “Unless you go to a full or partial lockdown, the effect of the measures themselves will be rather small,” said Paul Mortimer-Lee, deputy director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research in London. “What will be hurting the economy is individuals’ responses.” People are likely to take more precautions to protect themselves from the virus, especially by socializing less. While the rules are relatively light, for some businesses this will be an unwelcome retreat. Before the omicron variant was discovered, the British economy was losing some momentum while prices were rising rapidly, putting inflation at its highest level in nearly a decade. Gross domestic product grew 1.3% in the third quarter, down from 5.5% in the previous three months. And that growth was driven by spending on services — especially in hotels, restaurants and entertainment — as the last of the major pandemic restrictions were lifted in the summer. In October, economic expansion slowed sharply to just 0.1% from the previous month. Now there are early indications that restaurant reservations are declining and Christmas parties are being cancelled. Restaurants, cafes and shops primarily serving office workers were contending with the lost trade from hybrid working but had at least seen a notable return of workers. Some 70% of British workers said they had travelled to work at least some days each week in early December, according to the Office for National Statistics, up from about 50% earlier in the year, when the country was under a strict lockdown. Sales at Pret A Manger, the coffee and sandwich chain whose shops tend to be clustered around office hubs and transport locations, only returned to pre-pandemic levels about two weeks ago. Now those sales are starting to slip again. “Christmas has been cancelled for many City shops, restaurants, pubs and other businesses that rely on footfall from workers in nearby offices,” Catherine McGuinness, the policy chair of the City of London Corp., which governs the capital’s financial district, said in a statement. Her organization will encourage workers and businesses to follow the new rules but said the government needed to lay out a road map for lifting the restrictions again in the new year, McGuinness said. The new measures will also complicate the next steps for the Bank of England. Policymakers at the central bank had been preparing to raise interest rates in response to inflation, provided unemployment remained low. Some analysts believed an increase could come as soon as next week. But the potential for omicron to further slow the economy makes it harder to justify tightening monetary policy. The extra uncertainty could dampen productivity and employment growth, according to Mortimer-Lee. It is likely to make companies more cautious about hiring and investment, especially businesses that rely on face-to-face interactions, like restaurants. Also, high case numbers will keep children out of schools and parents away from their jobs. “It’s those millions of individual decisions, rather than Boris Johnson’s decision, that’s going to affect the economy,” Mortimer-Lee said. “And none of it’s going to be good.” Even before the latest measures, hotels were seeing about one-fifth of their corporate bookings cancelled, according to UKHospitality, an industry lobby group, after the government required travellers into Britain to take a Covid test within two days of arriving and isolate until receiving the results. Christmas bookings were not as strong as they traditionally are for hospitality businesses in a quarter that usually brings in about 40% of the industry’s annual revenue. And so the industry is asking for relief from business rates (a type of tax on commercial properties), more grants, rent protection and an extension of the reductions on VAT, a sales tax. “Anything less would prove catastrophic,” Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said in a statement. The latest measures have been particularly disappointing for nightclubs, one of the last businesses allowed to reopen earlier this year. The Night Time Industries Association said Covid passes have been damaging to their industry in the parts of Britain where they were already in place. Michael Kill, CEO of the lobbying group, said businesses were experiencing a “honeymoon period” since reopening in the summer and were trying to rebuild cash reserves before the quieter months at the start of the year. “We’re now seeing some concern around cancellations and ticket purchases hesitancy,” Kill said. “These sorts of things that are leaving people in a vulnerable position, because many of them stocked up and purchased and staffed for a busy Christmas period.” The group accused the government of enacting the changes to draw attention away from public fury over accusations that the prime minister’s staff broke lockdown rules by holding an office party last Christmas. “It feels that nightclubs and bars have been thrown under the bus by the prime minister for him to save his own skin,” Kill said in a statement Wednesday.

Omicron brings new round of foreboding for British businesses

UK’s health experts have claimed that two doses of coronavirus vaccine cannot protect you from symptomatic Omicron variant of coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

People who have had two doses of Covid vaccines are not completely saved from getting infected by the new variant, but a booster shot may help avoid it to some extent, experts claim. “I think what we’re seeing is that if you’ve had two doses more than three months ago, then it’s not going to prevent you from getting symptomatic disease,” said Dr Susan Hopkins, the UKHSA’s chief medical adviser.<o:p></o:p>

However, the experts have also added that a booster shot of Pfizer/BioNTech injected after the initial round of Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer can increase protection to 70-75 per cent against symptomatic infection.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-pandemic-breathes-fresh-life-into-the-ecosystem-of-thailands-phi-phi-islands-435912">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-19-pandemic-breathes-fresh-life-into-the-ecosystem-of-thailands-phi-phi-islands-435912/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per a report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), people have lower level of protection against the Omicron variant if they have received two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine nearly 25 weeks or more.<o:p></o:p>

Experts have claimed that protection against symptomatic Omicron variant after two jabs of Covid vaccine could only be 10 per cent. However, the figure is being mulled upon as the number of people studied was relatively smaller. <o:p></o:p>

The UKHSA has warned the government that the Omicron variant can be more dominant than the Delta variant in the UK by mid-December.<o:p></o:p>

This warning comes at a time when the UK reported 58,194 new Covid cases on Friday, which is the highest number of daily infections since January 09. The daily Covid-related deaths were reported to be 120. Out of the 58,194 infections, 448 cases were of Omicron variant, taking the total tally of new variant cases to 1,265 in the UK.<o:p></o:p>

"The key point is that under a range of plausible scenarios, stringent action is needed on or before 18 December 2021 if doubling times stay at 2.5 days. Even if doubling times rise to around 5 days, stringent action is likely still needed in December," the report, seen by the Guardian, reads. "The rapid spread of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Omicron</a>&nbsp;means that action to limit pressures on the health system might have to come earlier than intuition suggests.”<o:p></o:p>

UK’s health experts have claimed that two doses of coronavirus vaccine cannot protect you from symptomatic Omicron variant of coronavirus. People who have had two doses of Covid vaccines are not completely saved from getting infected by the new variant, but a booster shot may help avoid it to some extent, experts claim.

UK’s health experts have claimed that two doses of coronavirus vaccine cannot protect you from symptomatic Omicron variant of coronavirus. People who have had two doses of Covid vaccines are not completely saved from getting infected by the new variant, but a booster shot may help avoid it to some extent, experts claim. “I think what we’re seeing is that if you’ve had two doses more than three months ago, then it’s not going to prevent you from getting symptomatic disease,” said Dr Susan Hopkins, the UKHSA’s chief medical adviser. However, the experts have also added that a booster shot of Pfizer/BioNTech injected after the initial round of Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer can increase protection to 70-75 per cent against symptomatic infection. WATCH | As per a report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), people have lower level of protection against the Omicron variant if they have received two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine nearly 25 weeks or more. Experts have claimed that protection against symptomatic Omicron variant after two jabs of Covid vaccine could only be 10 per cent. However, the figure is being mulled upon as the number of people studied was relatively smaller. The UKHSA has warned the government that the Omicron variant can be more dominant than the Delta variant in the UK by mid-December. This warning comes at a time when the UK reported 58,194 new Covid cases on Friday, which is the highest number of daily infections since January 09. The daily Covid-related deaths were reported to be 120. Out of the 58,194 infections, 448 cases were of Omicron variant, taking the total tally of new variant cases to 1,265 in the UK. "The key point is that under a range of plausible scenarios, stringent action is needed on or before 18 December 2021 if doubling times stay at 2.5 days. Even if doubling times rise to around 5 days, stringent action is likely still needed in December," the report, seen by the Guardian, reads. "The rapid spread of Omicron means that action to limit pressures on the health system might have to come earlier than intuition suggests.”

Two Covid doses not very effective against Omicron variant, UK experts claim

The Omicron variant has been widely spreading in the UK and the top health officials have been warned against it by health experts. Sajid Javid, UK’s health secretary, has reportedly received a presentation from UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) warning him about a possible incoming wave of Covid infections.<o:p></o:p>

As per documents leaked to the Guardian, experts from UKHSA have sent a presentation to Javid on Tuesday that if the UK government fails to impose stringent measures against the Omicron variant of Covid, there is a possibility that the hospitalisations would increase alarmingly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-video-over-christmas-party-during-lockdown-in-2020-adds-to-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-woes-435120" hreflang="en">New video over Christmas party during lockdown in 2020 adds to UK PM Boris Johnson’s woes</a>

<o:p></o:p>

"The key point is that under a range of plausible scenarios, stringent action is needed on or before 18 December 2021 if doubling times stay at 2.5 days. Even if doubling times rise to around 5 days, stringent action is likely still needed in December," the report, seen by the Guardian, reads. "The rapid spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Omicron</a> means that action to limit pressures on the health system might have to come earlier than intuition suggests.”<o:p></o:p>

Boris Johnson led government has been warned by experts that even if the Omicron variant is less serious than the Delta variant, the number of hospitalisations could reach the alarming stage of 5,000 patients per day.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-pandemic-breathes-fresh-life-into-the-ecosystem-of-thailands-phi-phi-islands-435912">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-19-pandemic-breathes-fresh-life-into-the-ecosystem-of-thailands-phi-phi-islands-435912/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While the government had announced in undertones that the Plan B measures were, according to them, enough to stop the spread of the Omicron variant, cabinet minister Michael Gove, while heading a Cobra meeting on Saturday, admitted that the government has received ‘very challenging information’ about the seriousness and speed of the spread of the government.<o:p></o:p>

UKHSA experts have warned the government that the daily infections could rise to 248,000 cases per day by December 19 if more stringent restrictions are not imposed soon. However, experts have also made it clear that this data is not a projection but simply an estimate or forecast on the basis of doubling times observed by experts in the UK till now.<o:p></o:p>

The Omicron variant has been widely spreading in the UK and the top health officials have been warned against it by health experts. Sajid Javid, UK’s health secretary, has reportedly received a presentation from UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) warning him about a possible incoming wave of Covid infections.

The Omicron variant has been widely spreading in the UK and the top health officials have been warned against it by health experts. Sajid Javid, UK’s health secretary, has reportedly received a presentation from UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) warning him about a possible incoming wave of Covid infections. As per documents leaked to the Guardian, experts from UKHSA have sent a presentation to Javid on Tuesday that if the UK government fails to impose stringent measures against the Omicron variant of Covid, there is a possibility that the hospitalisations would increase alarmingly. Also read | New video over Christmas party during lockdown in 2020 adds to UK PM Boris Johnson’s woes "The key point is that under a range of plausible scenarios, stringent action is needed on or before 18 December 2021 if doubling times stay at 2.5 days. Even if doubling times rise to around 5 days, stringent action is likely still needed in December," the report, seen by the Guardian, reads. "The rapid spread of Omicron means that action to limit pressures on the health system might have to come earlier than intuition suggests.” Boris Johnson led government has been warned by experts that even if the Omicron variant is less serious than the Delta variant, the number of hospitalisations could reach the alarming stage of 5,000 patients per day. WATCH | While the government had announced in undertones that the Plan B measures were, according to them, enough to stop the spread of the Omicron variant, cabinet minister Michael Gove, while heading a Cobra meeting on Saturday, admitted that the government has received ‘very challenging information’ about the seriousness and speed of the spread of the government. UKHSA experts have warned the government that the daily infections could rise to 248,000 cases per day by December 19 if more stringent restrictions are not imposed soon. However, experts have also made it clear that this data is not a projection but simply an estimate or forecast on the basis of doubling times observed by experts in the UK till now.

UK health experts warn government against Omicron spread in absence of 'stingent measures'

THE ECONOMY IS BETTER POSITIONED TO ABSORB THE DAMAGE OF EACH SUCCESSIVE WAVE OF THE VIRUS.

Covid-19 continues to call the shots in our economy. This past summer, the Delta variant slowed growth and juiced up inflation. After Delta receded, growth rebounded. With the Omicron variant now spreading across the globe, the next few weeks will give us a sense of how much economic peril lies ahead.

While today’s Consumer Price Index report showed inflation rose in November to 6.8 percent for the previous 12 months, there’s compelling evidence that inflation has peaked. Even with the risks of Omicron and other variants to come, there’s reason for optimism that the economy will return to full employment with comfortably low inflation by this time next year.

Booming holiday sales are a clear sign of the economy’s resilience. So far, sales couldn’t be better. It is almost certain that spending on holiday gifts will increase at a double-digit pace over last year (a none-too-shabby year for sales in its own right). Some of the sales strength reflects higher prices. But even after inflation is accounted for, this holiday season may end up among the best, if not the best, ever.

American families should let loose this holiday season. Why? For one thing, a quickly improving job market that has created well over half a million jobs a month this year. If this pace holds, by this time next year, the economy will have regained all the jobs lost during the pandemic, plus those that would have been created if there never had been one.

Given the near-record number of open job positions, there is good reason to think that businesses will continue to add aggressively to their payrolls. The unemployment rate has been falling fast and will soon be back, consistent with a full-employment economy.

Most families — particularly those with higher incomes — have socked away extra savings during the pandemic. This partly reflects the prodigious government support, from stimulus checks to extra unemployment insurance, for those hit hardest by the pandemic.

The savings also reflect that, to avoid getting sick, many Americans have forgone spending on travel, eating out, attending ball games and concerts, commuting and dry cleaning. These extra savings of about $2.7 trillion amount to more than two months of after-tax family income.

Then there’s the parabolic increase in the value of every asset we own. House prices surged to new highs from coast to coast. Stock prices have posted records all year. The increase in cryptocurrency prices is stratospheric. Those two-thirds of Americans who are fortunate to own their homes, the half who own at least some stocks and the most intrepid among us who own crypto have never been wealthier.

Despite all of this, many Americans feel pessimistic about the economy. Consumer sentiment, a measure of how people are feeling about the economy and their own financial situation, has slumped badly since Delta. One prominent sentiment survey is as weak as it has been since the pandemic first hit.

The problem is the surge in inflation. Consumer price inflation in November accelerated to its highest pace since the runaway inflation of the early 1980s. The price of nearly everything, from a tank of gasoline to a jar of peanut butter to rent, is up a lot. Many Americans have never experienced high inflation — and it is unnerving.

But the worst of this inflation may well be behind us. After the costs of fuel and food — which can fluctuate greatly — are excluded, inflation in November rose to 4.9 percent for the previous 12 months.

The cost of gasoline and heating homes, among the biggest contributors to the high inflation in November, have already come down in the weeks since. And they are set to fall more, given the recent decline in oil prices, as global oil suppliers continue increasing production

Nothing tends to color consumer perceptions of inflation more than gasoline prices. If history is any guide, if those prices fall, sentiment should improve.

What about the aftershocks from the Delta wave?

Prices for goods that surged when the Delta wave scrambled global supply chains are also set to decline as those chains slowly sort themselves out. Shipping rates remain high but are down from just a few weeks ago. Far fewer container ships are stuck waiting to offload their goods at the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach.

The vehicle industry has been the poster child for supply chain problems. Delta contributed to the closure of semiconductor plants in Asia, creating a severe shortage of the chips needed to produce cars and sending the price of cars skyrocketing. But Washington is considering measures that could ramp up domestic manufacturing. That could help bring vehicle prices back to earth next year.

Another factor that should take the edge off inflation: the easing of the acute labor shortage. This shortage has led to runaway labor costs for lower-wage, lesser-educated and younger workers in service businesses that reopened en masse with the Covid vaccines. Many of these workers lost their jobs in the pandemic and have been slow to come back, since they are particularly at risk of getting sick. At the height of Delta, millions of people said they weren’t working because they were sick with Covid-19, taking care of someone who was sick or fearful of getting sick.

But as Delta has receded, people are returning to work. The labor force participation rate for younger people and high school graduates with no college surged in the most recent employment statistics. And many more may soon return to work as they quickly spend down the remaining financial support they received from the government. As workers fill the still considerable number of open positions, wage growth should moderate, as will the pressure on businesses to raise prices.

To be sure, Omicron or future variants of the virus could upend this optimism. But I expect each new wave to be less disruptive to the health care system and economy than the previous one. If populations continue getting vaccinated and taking their booster shots and new antiviral medications and therapies become available, this should help ensure that while many more people will get sick, there will be fewer hospitalizations and deaths.

Businesses, too, are increasingly adept at adjusting to the virus and will be less likely to significantly disrupt their operations when the next wave hits. Those in the supply chains are devising bottleneck workarounds, such as 24/7 seaport operations, that will ensure the chains don’t break again.

The next wave of the virus will undoubtedly slow growth and fan inflation. But as each wave fades, the recovery will quickly revive, and inflation will moderate; this has been our experience for nearly two years.

Yes, the pandemic could take us down a darker path. But there is no reason to expect that it will.

THE ECONOMY IS BETTER POSITIONED TO ABSORB THE DAMAGE OF EACH SUCCESSIVE WAVE OF THE VIRUS. Covid-19 continues to call the shots in our economy. This past summer, the Delta variant slowed growth and juiced up inflation.

THE ECONOMY IS BETTER POSITIONED TO ABSORB THE DAMAGE OF EACH SUCCESSIVE WAVE OF THE VIRUS. Covid-19 continues to call the shots in our economy. This past summer, the Delta variant slowed growth and juiced up inflation. After Delta receded, growth rebounded. With the Omicron variant now spreading across the globe, the next few weeks will give us a sense of how much economic peril lies ahead. While today’s Consumer Price Index report showed inflation rose in November to 6.8 percent for the previous 12 months, there’s compelling evidence that inflation has peaked. Even with the risks of Omicron and other variants to come, there’s reason for optimism that the economy will return to full employment with comfortably low inflation by this time next year. Booming holiday sales are a clear sign of the economy’s resilience. So far, sales couldn’t be better. It is almost certain that spending on holiday gifts will increase at a double-digit pace over last year (a none-too-shabby year for sales in its own right). Some of the sales strength reflects higher prices. But even after inflation is accounted for, this holiday season may end up among the best, if not the best, ever. American families should let loose this holiday season. Why? For one thing, a quickly improving job market that has created well over half a million jobs a month this year. If this pace holds, by this time next year, the economy will have regained all the jobs lost during the pandemic, plus those that would have been created if there never had been one. Given the near-record number of open job positions, there is good reason to think that businesses will continue to add aggressively to their payrolls. The unemployment rate has been falling fast and will soon be back, consistent with a full-employment economy. Most families — particularly those with higher incomes — have socked away extra savings during the pandemic. This partly reflects the prodigious government support, from stimulus checks to extra unemployment insurance, for those hit hardest by the pandemic. The savings also reflect that, to avoid getting sick, many Americans have forgone spending on travel, eating out, attending ball games and concerts, commuting and dry cleaning. These extra savings of about $2.7 trillion amount to more than two months of after-tax family income. Then there’s the parabolic increase in the value of every asset we own. House prices surged to new highs from coast to coast. Stock prices have posted records all year. The increase in cryptocurrency prices is stratospheric. Those two-thirds of Americans who are fortunate to own their homes, the half who own at least some stocks and the most intrepid among us who own crypto have never been wealthier. Despite all of this, many Americans feel pessimistic about the economy. Consumer sentiment, a measure of how people are feeling about the economy and their own financial situation, has slumped badly since Delta. One prominent sentiment survey is as weak as it has been since the pandemic first hit. The problem is the surge in inflation. Consumer price inflation in November accelerated to its highest pace since the runaway inflation of the early 1980s. The price of nearly everything, from a tank of gasoline to a jar of peanut butter to rent, is up a lot. Many Americans have never experienced high inflation — and it is unnerving. But the worst of this inflation may well be behind us. After the costs of fuel and food — which can fluctuate greatly — are excluded, inflation in November rose to 4.9 percent for the previous 12 months. The cost of gasoline and heating homes, among the biggest contributors to the high inflation in November, have already come down in the weeks since. And they are set to fall more, given the recent decline in oil prices, as global oil suppliers continue increasing production Nothing tends to color consumer perceptions of inflation more than gasoline prices. If history is any guide, if those prices fall, sentiment should improve. What about the aftershocks from the Delta wave? Prices for goods that surged when the Delta wave scrambled global supply chains are also set to decline as those chains slowly sort themselves out. Shipping rates remain high but are down from just a few weeks ago. Far fewer container ships are stuck waiting to offload their goods at the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach. The vehicle industry has been the poster child for supply chain problems. Delta contributed to the closure of semiconductor plants in Asia, creating a severe shortage of the chips needed to produce cars and sending the price of cars skyrocketing. But Washington is considering measures that could ramp up domestic manufacturing. That could help bring vehicle prices back to earth next year. Another factor that should take the edge off inflation: the easing of the acute labor shortage. This shortage has led to runaway labor costs for lower-wage, lesser-educated and younger workers in service businesses that reopened en masse with the Covid vaccines. Many of these workers lost their jobs in the pandemic and have been slow to come back, since they are particularly at risk of getting sick. At the height of Delta, millions of people said they weren’t working because they were sick with Covid-19, taking care of someone who was sick or fearful of getting sick. But as Delta has receded, people are returning to work. The labor force participation rate for younger people and high school graduates with no college surged in the most recent employment statistics. And many more may soon return to work as they quickly spend down the remaining financial support they received from the government. As workers fill the still considerable number of open positions, wage growth should moderate, as will the pressure on businesses to raise prices. To be sure, Omicron or future variants of the virus could upend this optimism. But I expect each new wave to be less disruptive to the health care system and economy than the previous one. If populations continue getting vaccinated and taking their booster shots and new antiviral medications and therapies become available, this should help ensure that while many more people will get sick, there will be fewer hospitalizations and deaths. Businesses, too, are increasingly adept at adjusting to the virus and will be less likely to significantly disrupt their operations when the next wave hits. Those in the supply chains are devising bottleneck workarounds, such as 24/7 seaport operations, that will ensure the chains don’t break again. The next wave of the virus will undoubtedly slow growth and fan inflation. But as each wave fades, the recovery will quickly revive, and inflation will moderate; this has been our experience for nearly two years. Yes, the pandemic could take us down a darker path. But there is no reason to expect that it will.

Relax. Omicron isn’t going to take down the economy.

In a bid to check the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, for December 11 and 12. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The measure looks to prevent large gatherings, such as rallies, processions, morchas, etc and in turn, mass outbreak. The people, who will violate the order, will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-send-humanitarian-aid-to-afghanistan-on-saturday-435949" hreflang="en">India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday</a>

This comes as a 35-year-old man has tested positive for Omicron variant in national capital, New Delhi. It is the second case of the new variant in the city. The man had travel history to South Africa and Zimbabwe. &nbsp;

The patient has been admitted to the LNJP Hospital and just has weakness, the officials said. &nbsp;

On Friday, India’s state Maharashtra reported seven new cases of Omicron. It included a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler. Out of the seven cases, three have been reported in Mumbai while four have come from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-alarmed-over-declining-mask-usage-in-country-asks-people-to-follow-covid-rules-435878" hreflang="en">Indian govt alarmed over declining mask usage in country, asks people to follow Covid rules</a>

Around 7,992 people have been tested positive for the coronavirus in 24 hours. &nbsp;

India's Covid tally has climbed to 3,46,682,736. The number of active cases has also reduced to 93,277. It is the lowest in 559 days, as per Union health ministry data. With the addition of 393 fatalities, the death toll rose to 4,75,128. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bid to check the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, for December 11 and 12.

In a bid to check the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, for December 11 and 12. The measure looks to prevent large gatherings, such as rallies, processions, morchas, etc and in turn, mass outbreak. The people, who will violate the order, will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Also Read: India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday This comes as a 35-year-old man has tested positive for Omicron variant in national capital, New Delhi. It is the second case of the new variant in the city. The man had travel history to South Africa and Zimbabwe. The patient has been admitted to the LNJP Hospital and just has weakness, the officials said. On Friday, India’s state Maharashtra reported seven new cases of Omicron. It included a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler. Out of the seven cases, three have been reported in Mumbai while four have come from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Also Read: Indian govt alarmed over declining mask usage in country, asks people to follow Covid rules Around 7,992 people have been tested positive for the coronavirus in 24 hours. India's Covid tally has climbed to 3,46,682,736. The number of active cases has also reduced to 93,277. It is the lowest in 559 days, as per Union health ministry data. With the addition of 393 fatalities, the death toll rose to 4,75,128. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country.

The ministry of health warning comes as 25 cases of Omicron variant have been detected so far in India.

Referring to an assessment by the Institute of Health Metrics, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul at a press conference said the usage of masks in the country has declined to pre-second wave levels and “in a way we have again entered a danger zone”.

The use of masks is declining, he said, adding, “from the point of view of protection capability, we are now operating at a low level...At a risky and unacceptable level”.

"We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important," Paul said while emphasising that people must learn from the global situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-proof-that-covid-pandemic-is-just-starting-warns-uk-scientist-434349">Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist</a>

“WHO is warning against the decline in mask usage. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing... We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important,” Paul said.

The government on Friday said 25 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected in India so far and that mild symptoms have been noted in all the cases.

The government said the treatment protocol for the Omicron variant remained the same.

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>

Clinically, Omicron is not posing a burden on the healthcare system yet, but vigil has to be maintained, the government said.

Since November 25, the health minister has been conducting daily review meetings on various aspects of preparedness against COVID-19, including the new 'variant of concern', Omicron, joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal, said.

The health ministry said the overall positivity rate in the country was at 0.73 per cent in last week. Less than 10,000 cases have been reported in the in last 14 days.

Active cases are highest in two states — Kerala and Maharashtra with over 43 per cent active cases in the former and over 10 per cent in the latter, Agarwal said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country.

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country. The ministry of health warning comes as 25 cases of Omicron variant have been detected so far in India. Referring to an assessment by the Institute of Health Metrics, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul at a press conference said the usage of masks in the country has declined to pre-second wave levels and “in a way we have again entered a danger zone”. The use of masks is declining, he said, adding, “from the point of view of protection capability, we are now operating at a low level...At a risky and unacceptable level”. "We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important," Paul said while emphasising that people must learn from the global situation. Also read | Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist “WHO is warning against the decline in mask usage. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing... We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important,” Paul said. The government on Friday said 25 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected in India so far and that mild symptoms have been noted in all the cases. The government said the treatment protocol for the Omicron variant remained the same. Also read | Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns Clinically, Omicron is not posing a burden on the healthcare system yet, but vigil has to be maintained, the government said. Since November 25, the health minister has been conducting daily review meetings on various aspects of preparedness against COVID-19, including the new 'variant of concern', Omicron, joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal, said. The health ministry said the overall positivity rate in the country was at 0.73 per cent in last week. Less than 10,000 cases have been reported in the in last 14 days. Active cases are highest in two states — Kerala and Maharashtra with over 43 per cent active cases in the former and over 10 per cent in the latter, Agarwal said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt alarmed over declining mask usage in country, asks people to follow Covid rules

To keep a check on the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus in the country, Israel has extended its tough travel restrictions for 10 days. It has imposed entry ban on all foreign nationals. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The restrictions, which have been imposed on passengers arriving at Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport, will continue to be in place till at least December 22. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-people-who-had-taken-booster-shots-test-positive-for-omicron-in-singapore-435786" hreflang="en">Two people, who had taken booster shots test positive for Omicron, in Singapore</a>

The directive was given in a statement issued by Israel's Prime Minister Neftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz on Thursday night. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the current measures in place, Israelis, who are returning, must self-quarantine until they get a confirmed negative coronavirus PCR test result. &nbsp;

And the people, who are arriving from high-risk countries, need to isolate at a state-governed quarantine hotel until a negative PCR test result comes. &nbsp;

In coming days, additional restrictions and incentives for Covid vaccination may also be imposed, the statement added. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-against-vaccine-hoarding-as-world-is-in-a-perilous-situation-435675">WHO warns against vaccine hoarding as world is in a 'perilous situation'</a>

Till now, at least 21 cases of the highly mutated Omicron coronavirus variant, which first detected in southern Africa, have been found in Israel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Israel had earlier declared a 10-day quarantine for those hit by the Omicron variant, however, the number of days has been increased to 14 days. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To keep a check on the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus in the country, Israel has extended its tough travel restrictions for 10 days. It has imposed entry ban on all foreign nationals.

To keep a check on the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus in the country, Israel has extended its tough travel restrictions for 10 days. It has imposed entry ban on all foreign nationals. The restrictions, which have been imposed on passengers arriving at Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport, will continue to be in place till at least December 22. Also Read: Two people, who had taken booster shots test positive for Omicron, in Singapore The directive was given in a statement issued by Israel's Prime Minister Neftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz on Thursday night. In the current measures in place, Israelis, who are returning, must self-quarantine until they get a confirmed negative coronavirus PCR test result. And the people, who are arriving from high-risk countries, need to isolate at a state-governed quarantine hotel until a negative PCR test result comes. In coming days, additional restrictions and incentives for Covid vaccination may also be imposed, the statement added. Also Read: WHO warns against vaccine hoarding as world is in a 'perilous situation' Till now, at least 21 cases of the highly mutated Omicron coronavirus variant, which first detected in southern Africa, have been found in Israel. Israel had earlier declared a 10-day quarantine for those hit by the Omicron variant, however, the number of days has been increased to 14 days. (With inputs from agencies)

With Omicron variant on mind, Israel extends travel restrictions for 10 days

Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany. 
Both of them have been isolated at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. Also, all close contacts will be placed in 10-day quarantine at designated facilities.

Singapore's health ministry was quoted by Bloomberg as saying, "Given its high transmissibility and spread to many parts of the world, we should expect to find more omicron cases at our borders and also within our community."

The airport worker was tested as part of weekly testing for frontline border workers. She was asymptomatic when detected.

In the second case, the person had tested negative with a polymerase chain reaction test on arrival. However, the next day, she developed a runny nose after which she tested positive.

Meanwhile, earlier, a British scientist had warned 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. However, this is not the truth.

Experts are still working on determining the efficacy of vaccines against this variant.

In contrast to this, Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci has said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before.&nbsp;

Speaking to AFP, he said, Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany.

Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany. Both of them have been isolated at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. Also, all close contacts will be placed in 10-day quarantine at designated facilities. Singapore's health ministry was quoted by Bloomberg as saying, "Given its high transmissibility and spread to many parts of the world, we should expect to find more omicron cases at our borders and also within our community." The airport worker was tested as part of weekly testing for frontline border workers. She was asymptomatic when detected. In the second case, the person had tested negative with a polymerase chain reaction test on arrival. However, the next day, she developed a runny nose after which she tested positive. Meanwhile, earlier, a British scientist had warned 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. However, this is not the truth. Experts are still working on determining the efficacy of vaccines against this variant. In contrast to this, Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci has said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. Speaking to AFP, he said, Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world. (With inputs from agencies)

Two people, who had taken booster shots test positive for Omicron, in Singapore

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