World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday that &nbsp;Botswana and South Africa were being "penalised" for doing the right thing while referring to the travel bans imposed by various countries.

The WHO chief thanked both countries for "detecting, sequencing and reporting the variant rapidly".

Tedros informed that member states had agreed to establish an intergovernmental negotiating body to begin drafting and negotiating a new accord to handle future pandemics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-virus-has-demonstrated-it-will-not-simply-disappear-who-chief-tedros-on-omicron-433326">Also Read:&nbsp;This virus has demonstrated it will not simply disappear, says WHO chief</a>

"A convention, agreement or other international instrument will not solve every problem," he said adding, "But it will provide the overarching framework to foster greater international cooperation and&nbsp;provide a platform for strengthening global health security."

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"...the nations of the world have made a strong statement that health security is too important to be left to chance, or goodwill, or shifting geopolitical currents, or vested interests"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHASpecial?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHASpecial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandemicTreaty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandemicTreaty</a> <a href="https://t.co/cqR0YdcRRH">https://t.co/cqR0YdcRRH</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1466064269179600905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The first meeting on the drafting the new policy will be held in March next year and it will submit the outcome to the UN health body in 2024.

"That may seem like a long process, and it is, but we should not be naïve in thinking that reaching a global accord on pandemics will be easy," he said.

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"The idea for an international instrument on tobacco control was formally initiated in 1995, but the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control didn't enter into force until a decade later. Of course, we hope that this process won't take nearly that long"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandemicTreaty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandemicTreaty</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1466065054822977536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The WHO chief conceded that there were "differences of opinion" over the new accord and what it should contain, however, he maintained that "differences can be overcome, and common ground can be found."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-live-blanket-travel-ban-wont-stop-omicron-says-who-chief-433212">Also Read:&nbsp;Live Omicron updates</a>

"The spirit of solidarity that we have seen today is what we need not just to prevent and mitigate the impact of future pandemics, but to end this one," the WHO chief said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday that Botswana and South Africa were being "penalised" for doing the right thing while referring to the travel bans imposed by various countries.

World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday that Botswana and South Africa were being "penalised" for doing the right thing while referring to the travel bans imposed by various countries. The WHO chief thanked both countries for "detecting, sequencing and reporting the variant rapidly". Tedros informed that member states had agreed to establish an intergovernmental negotiating body to begin drafting and negotiating a new accord to handle future pandemics. Also Read: This virus has demonstrated it will not simply disappear, says WHO chief "A convention, agreement or other international instrument will not solve every problem," he said adding, "But it will provide the overarching framework to foster greater international cooperation and provide a platform for strengthening global health security." "...the nations of the world have made a strong statement that health security is too important to be left to chance, or goodwill, or shifting geopolitical currents, or vested interests"-@DrTedros #WHASpecial #PandemicTreaty https://t.co/cqR0YdcRRH — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 1, 2021 × The first meeting on the drafting the new policy will be held in March next year and it will submit the outcome to the UN health body in 2024. "That may seem like a long process, and it is, but we should not be naïve in thinking that reaching a global accord on pandemics will be easy," he said. "The idea for an international instrument on tobacco control was formally initiated in 1995, but the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control didn't enter into force until a decade later. Of course, we hope that this process won't take nearly that long"-@DrTedros #PandemicTreaty — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 1, 2021 × The WHO chief conceded that there were "differences of opinion" over the new accord and what it should contain, however, he maintained that "differences can be overcome, and common ground can be found." Also Read: Live Omicron updates "The spirit of solidarity that we have seen today is what we need not just to prevent and mitigate the impact of future pandemics, but to end this one," the WHO chief said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Countries ready to draft new accord to handle future pandemics: Tedros

As concerns grow about the impact of the new Omicron variant, Pfizer announced on Tuesday it was seeking US authorization for booster shots for adolescents aged 16 and 17.

So far, FDA has approved emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for boosters only for those aged 18 and over, six months after the primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna Covid vaccine, or two months after the Johnson &amp; Johnson booster.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/will-the-vaccines-stop-omicron-scientists-are-racing-to-find-out-432692">Will the vaccines stop Omicron? Scientists are racing to find out.</a>

"Today, we submitted a request to the @US_FDA to expand the emergency use authorization of a booster dose of our COVID-19 vaccine to include 16- and 17-year-olds," Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla wrote on Twitter.

"It is our hope to provide strong protection for as many people as possible, particularly in light of the new variant."&nbsp;

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Today, we submitted a request to the <a href="https://twitter.com/US_FDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US_FDA</a> to expand the emergency use authorization of a booster dose of our COVID-19 vaccine to include 16- and 17-year-olds. It is our hope to provide strong protection for as many people as possible, particularly in light of the new variant.
— Albert Bourla (@AlbertBourla) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBourla/status/1465804576372703241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Due to the mutation pattern detected on the Omicron variant, experts fear that protection offered by the current vaccine generation may be compromised.

Within a few weeks, lab results will reveal whether or not the hypothesis is correct. However, US health authorities are insisting that everyone who is eligible for a booster get one, to ensure protection against severe Covid, even if not infection itself.

While Omicron has been detected in more than a dozen countries, it has yet to be detected in the United States, where Delta accounts for more than 99 per cent of all infections.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India helps Africa amid Omicron alert

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There is disagreement among health experts regarding boosters for healthy teens, who are at less risk of developing severe Covid, especially when males exposed to the Pfizer and Moderna messenger RNA vaccines, are at higher risk of developing vaccine-linked myocarditis.

"If the FDA takes this action, it will be a total gamble," tweeted Vinay Prasad, a haematologist-oncologist at the University of San Francisco with expertise in biostatistics and epidemiology.

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As long as it is so uncertain, the decision must be made solely on the basis of what is best for those actually getting the shot. 
 
If the FDA takes this action it will be a total gamble 
 
it won't be the first one. 
 
But each of these gambles is dangerous.
— Vinay Prasad, MD MPH 🎙️📷 (@VPrasadMDMPH) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPrasadMDMPH/status/1465712589447446540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

As concerns grow about the impact of the new Omicron variant, Pfizer announced on Tuesday it was seeking US authorization for booster shots for adolescents aged 16 and 17.

As concerns grow about the impact of the new Omicron variant, Pfizer announced on Tuesday it was seeking US authorization for booster shots for adolescents aged 16 and 17. So far, FDA has approved emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for boosters only for those aged 18 and over, six months after the primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna Covid vaccine, or two months after the Johnson & Johnson booster. Also read | Will the vaccines stop Omicron? Scientists are racing to find out. "Today, we submitted a request to the @US_FDA to expand the emergency use authorization of a booster dose of our COVID-19 vaccine to include 16- and 17-year-olds," Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla wrote on Twitter. "It is our hope to provide strong protection for as many people as possible, particularly in light of the new variant." Today, we submitted a request to the @US_FDA to expand the emergency use authorization of a booster dose of our COVID-19 vaccine to include 16- and 17-year-olds. It is our hope to provide strong protection for as many people as possible, particularly in light of the new variant. — Albert Bourla (@AlbertBourla) November 30, 2021 × Due to the mutation pattern detected on the Omicron variant, experts fear that protection offered by the current vaccine generation may be compromised. Within a few weeks, lab results will reveal whether or not the hypothesis is correct. However, US health authorities are insisting that everyone who is eligible for a booster get one, to ensure protection against severe Covid, even if not infection itself. While Omicron has been detected in more than a dozen countries, it has yet to be detected in the United States, where Delta accounts for more than 99 per cent of all infections. Watch | Gravitas: India helps Africa amid Omicron alert There is disagreement among health experts regarding boosters for healthy teens, who are at less risk of developing severe Covid, especially when males exposed to the Pfizer and Moderna messenger RNA vaccines, are at higher risk of developing vaccine-linked myocarditis. "If the FDA takes this action, it will be a total gamble," tweeted Vinay Prasad, a haematologist-oncologist at the University of San Francisco with expertise in biostatistics and epidemiology. As long as it is so uncertain, the decision must be made solely on the basis of what is best for those actually getting the shot. If the FDA takes this action it will be a total gamble it won't be the first one. But each of these gambles is dangerous. — Vinay Prasad, MD MPH 🎙️📷 (@VPrasadMDMPH) November 30, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer seeks US FDA approval for Covid boosters for teens aged 16-17

The world is once again under Covid-10 threat. While the pandemic was still far from over, the new Covid variant -- named Omicron -- has once again caused panic worldwide. The normalcy which was restored in many parts might again be curtailed as the threat from the new variant is being closely monitored.

Hence, it might also affect India's tour of South Africa, which is set to commence from December 17. Plenty of cricketing action has already been severely impacted due to the Omicron threat. Thus, Team India's forthcoming tour to the African nation, which has already reported Covid cases due to the Omicron variant, might also be rescheduled. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s President Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the tour is on as of now.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-awaits-governments-approval-for-sa-tour-amid-omicron-scare-series-might-be-rescheduled-report-433158">BCCI awaits government's approval for SA tour amid Omicron scare, series might be rescheduled: Report</a>

"The tour is on as things stand till now. We still have time to decide. The first Test is scheduled for December 17. We will ponder about it," Ganguly told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event.' He added, "Players' security and health has always been BCCI's first priority, we will do everything possible for this. We will see what happens in the days to come."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports-schedules-go-haywire-due-to-omicron-covid-variant-whats-cancelled-whats-postponed-432560#icc-womens-world-cup-qualifier-called-off-432555">Sports schedules go haywire due to Omicron Covid variant: What's cancelled, what's postponed</a>

For the unversed, Virat Kohli-led India are scheduled to leave for South Africa immediately after the conclusion of the two-match Test series versus New Zealand at home. As per the schedule, they will play three Tests, equal number of ODIs and four T20Is in the rainbow nation, from December 17-January 26.

India's last tour of SA had taken place in early 2018, when they had played three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is.

The world is once again under Covid-10 threat. While the pandemic was still far from over, the new Covid variant -- named Omicron -- has once again caused panic worldwide.

The world is once again under Covid-10 threat. While the pandemic was still far from over, the new Covid variant -- named Omicron -- has once again caused panic worldwide. The normalcy which was restored in many parts might again be curtailed as the threat from the new variant is being closely monitored. Hence, it might also affect India's tour of South Africa, which is set to commence from December 17. Plenty of cricketing action has already been severely impacted due to the Omicron threat. Thus, Team India's forthcoming tour to the African nation, which has already reported Covid cases due to the Omicron variant, might also be rescheduled. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s President Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the tour is on as of now. ALSO READ | BCCI awaits government's approval for SA tour amid Omicron scare, series might be rescheduled: Report "The tour is on as things stand till now. We still have time to decide. The first Test is scheduled for December 17. We will ponder about it," Ganguly told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event.' He added, "Players' security and health has always been BCCI's first priority, we will do everything possible for this. We will see what happens in the days to come." ALSO READ | Sports schedules go haywire due to Omicron Covid variant: What's cancelled, what's postponed For the unversed, Virat Kohli-led India are scheduled to leave for South Africa immediately after the conclusion of the two-match Test series versus New Zealand at home. As per the schedule, they will play three Tests, equal number of ODIs and four T20Is in the rainbow nation, from December 17-January 26. India's last tour of SA had taken place in early 2018, when they had played three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is.

India’s tour of South Africa on as of now, we have time to decide, reveals BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly

Even as the world is tensed over the emergence of a new Covid variant Omicron, a debate seems to have begun over its pronunciation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The development comes as the BBC pronounced it as 'OM-mi-cron'. It gave heavy emphasis on the first syllable in pronouncing the Greek word.&nbsp;It is the 15th letter in the Greek alphabet. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-threat-who-warns-against-knee-jerk-reaction-blanket-measures-433078" hreflang="en">Omicron threat: WHO warns against knee-jerk reaction, blanket measures</a>

On Sunday, a well-known historian and classicist Mary Beard criticised the corporation's choice of emphasis on Twitter. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Beard said, “I am NOT a technical ancient linguist. But I do find it a bit odd that the BBC News is saying omicron with the stress on the first syllable." &nbsp;

In a letter, a Telegraph reader said that 'clearly' no-one at the BBC seems to have studied Greek at school. He said that the word should be pronounced 'oh-my-cron' "with the emphasis on the second syllable". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-belgium-germany-had-omicron-cases-a-week-before-safrica-identified-the-coronavirus-variant-433005" hreflang="en">Europe had Omicron cases before South Africa even identified it</a>

In response, BBC's news channel editor Jess Brammar joked on Twitter by saying, "Guilty as charged, I did not do Greek at school.” &nbsp;

According to the language experts, it may be more accurate to pronounce Omicron as the BBC has chosen to do. &nbsp;

A scientist from Oxford and native Greek speaker, Professor Aris Katzourakis, told the Telegraph that people should try to say "oh-me-cron, with the emphasis on the o". &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as the world is tensed over the emergence of a new Covid variant Omicron, a debate seems to have begun over its pronunciation. The development comes as the BBC pronounced it as 'OM-mi-cron'.

Even as the world is tensed over the emergence of a new Covid variant Omicron, a debate seems to have begun over its pronunciation. The development comes as the BBC pronounced it as 'OM-mi-cron'. It gave heavy emphasis on the first syllable in pronouncing the Greek word. It is the 15th letter in the Greek alphabet. Also Read | Omicron threat: WHO warns against knee-jerk reaction, blanket measures On Sunday, a well-known historian and classicist Mary Beard criticised the corporation's choice of emphasis on Twitter. Beard said, “I am NOT a technical ancient linguist. But I do find it a bit odd that the BBC News is saying omicron with the stress on the first syllable." In a letter, a Telegraph reader said that 'clearly' no-one at the BBC seems to have studied Greek at school. He said that the word should be pronounced 'oh-my-cron' "with the emphasis on the second syllable". Also Read: Europe had Omicron cases before South Africa even identified it In response, BBC's news channel editor Jess Brammar joked on Twitter by saying, "Guilty as charged, I did not do Greek at school.” According to the language experts, it may be more accurate to pronounce Omicron as the BBC has chosen to do. A scientist from Oxford and native Greek speaker, Professor Aris Katzourakis, told the Telegraph that people should try to say "oh-me-cron, with the emphasis on the o". (With inputs from agencies)

Debate over new Covid variant Omicron’s pronunciation begins  

The Sourav Ganguly-led Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put the national selection committee's meeting on hold with regard to India's upcoming tour of South Africa. This was been done due to the threat posed by the new Covid variant, named the&nbsp;'Omicron' in the African nation which is being closely monitored. With uncertainty looming large with respect to the travel restrictions worldwide, the BCCI has decided that it is wise to delay the announcement of the Indian squad for the upcoming tour.&nbsp;

According to a&nbsp;TOI report,&nbsp;BCCI is awaiting an approval from the Indian government before sending the team to the African country. Following the emergence of&nbsp;the new variant, South Africa has been named as an 'At-risk' country. Hence, while the situation might not have gone out of hand as yet, it is now a wait-and-watch scenario with regard&nbsp;to the SA tour.

As per&nbsp;the original schedule, Virat Kohli-led Team India are scheduled to board the flight to&nbsp;South Africa immediately after the conclusion of the second Test versus&nbsp;New Zealand in Mumbai, which is slated to end by December 7. However, the new Covid variant has put everything on hold. Thus, it remains to be seen if the BCCI will stick to the original schedule or tweak it a bit.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-indias-tour-of-sa-go-ahead-amid-omicron-scare-bcci-and-csa-in-touch-monitoring-situation-closely-432980">Will India's tour of SA go ahead amid Omicron scare? BCCI and CSA in touch, monitoring situation closely</a>

For the unversed, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah -- who have been rested for the ongoing NZ Tests -- were initially asked to enter a mandatory quarantine in Mumbai from December 3. However, as per reports, they are yet to receive a clear itinerary. Hence, the confusion prevails.&nbsp;

TOI also reports that the series might also be rescheduled in the given scenario. "Until the players get a reply from the BCCI, confusion will prevail because nobody knows anything. But if you look at the statement that's been released by a ministerial department of the government of South Africa, it emphasizes on the security process and thanks BCCI for the deep relationship the two countries have shared. That's their way of saying, 'come and we'll take care'. The ball is now in BCCI's court," sources privy to developments told TOI.

India's last tour of SA was held in early 2018, when Kohli &amp; Co. played three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is in the rainbow nation. Back then, India had lost the Tests 1-2 but won the ODIs and T20Is convincingly.

For now, it remains to be seen what will be the final decision regarding their forthcoming tour of SA amid the Omicron threat.

The Sourav Ganguly-led Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put the national selection committee's meeting on hold with regard to India's upcoming tour of South Africa.

The Sourav Ganguly-led Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put the national selection committee's meeting on hold with regard to India's upcoming tour of South Africa. This was been done due to the threat posed by the new Covid variant, named the 'Omicron' in the African nation which is being closely monitored. With uncertainty looming large with respect to the travel restrictions worldwide, the BCCI has decided that it is wise to delay the announcement of the Indian squad for the upcoming tour. According to a TOI report, BCCI is awaiting an approval from the Indian government before sending the team to the African country. Following the emergence of the new variant, South Africa has been named as an 'At-risk' country. Hence, while the situation might not have gone out of hand as yet, it is now a wait-and-watch scenario with regard to the SA tour. As per the original schedule, Virat Kohli-led Team India are scheduled to board the flight to South Africa immediately after the conclusion of the second Test versus New Zealand in Mumbai, which is slated to end by December 7. However, the new Covid variant has put everything on hold. Thus, it remains to be seen if the BCCI will stick to the original schedule or tweak it a bit. ALSO READ | Will India's tour of SA go ahead amid Omicron scare? BCCI and CSA in touch, monitoring situation closely For the unversed, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah -- who have been rested for the ongoing NZ Tests -- were initially asked to enter a mandatory quarantine in Mumbai from December 3. However, as per reports, they are yet to receive a clear itinerary. Hence, the confusion prevails. TOI also reports that the series might also be rescheduled in the given scenario. "Until the players get a reply from the BCCI, confusion will prevail because nobody knows anything. But if you look at the statement that's been released by a ministerial department of the government of South Africa, it emphasizes on the security process and thanks BCCI for the deep relationship the two countries have shared. That's their way of saying, 'come and we'll take care'. The ball is now in BCCI's court," sources privy to developments told TOI. India's last tour of SA was held in early 2018, when Kohli & Co. played three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is in the rainbow nation. Back then, India had lost the Tests 1-2 but won the ODIs and T20Is convincingly. For now, it remains to be seen what will be the final decision regarding their forthcoming tour of SA amid the Omicron threat.

BCCI awaits government's approval for SA tour amid Omicron scare, series might be rescheduled: Report

Maharashtra's state health department reported on Tuesday that six passengers arriving from South Africa and other high-risk countries tested positive for Coronavirus and their samples are being sent for genome sequencing. This happened amid concerns over Omicron, the new variant of SARS-CoV2.

Of those who have come from South Africa and other countries, three have been discovered in Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivali, Mira-Bhayandar, and Pune, while a fourth was found in Mira-Bhayandar. Two other passengers from Nigeria were located in Pimpri-Chinchwad, a corporation located near Pune.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-experts-studying-scientific-reports-on-need-for-covid-booster-dose-says-govt-433030" hreflang="en">Indian experts studying scientific reports on need for Covid booster dose, says govt</a>

"Currently, there are six passengers who arrived from South Africa or other high-risk countries in the state who have tested positive. The samples of all of them have been sent for genetic sequencing and their contact tracing exercise is underway. All these passengers, although tested COVID-19 positive, are either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic," the health department said.

As of November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) dubbed the coronavirus detected in South Africa and some other countries as Omicron.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-threat-covaxin-maker-bharat-biotech-studying-if-vaccine-works-against-variant-433020" hreflang="en">Omicron threat: Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech studying if vaccine works against variant</a>

'Variant of Concern' classification has also been given to the Omicron variant, according to experts, it is possible that the virus takes on some distinctive characteristics due to its genetic modification.

Although this new variant appears to have increased the transmissibility of infection, it is still unclear whether or not it will cause severe disease and whether it will evade immunity. Additional information should become available in the next few weeks.

Maharashtra has imposed a seven-day quarantine on travellers from 'at-risk' countries arriving in the state due to concerns over the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Watch |&nbsp;India issues travel advisory for international passengers over Omicron variant

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The State Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday night issued the guidelines, an official said. 
The list of at-risk countries is announced by the Union government.

The countries listed as 'at-risk' are the European countries, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel.

An RT-PCR test will also be administered to passengers from these countries on the second, fourth, and seventh days following their arrival, according to new guidelines from the authority.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-covishield-work-against-omicron-it-will-be-clear-in-2-3-weeks-says-serum-institutes-poonawalla-433016" hreflang="en">Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla</a>

Furthermore, those passengers who do not test positive will also be home-quarantined for seven days before they can be tested again.

"If they are found positive this time around, their samples too will be sent for genomic sequencing," the health bulletin said.

In accordance with the Centre's guidelines, RT-PCR tests will be performed on five per cent of passengers arriving from countries that are not listed, and any positive samples found will be sent for genomic sequencing.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra's state health department reported on Tuesday that six passengers arriving from South Africa and other high-risk countries tested positive for Coronavirus and their samples are being sent for genome sequencing.

Maharashtra's state health department reported on Tuesday that six passengers arriving from South Africa and other high-risk countries tested positive for Coronavirus and their samples are being sent for genome sequencing. This happened amid concerns over Omicron, the new variant of SARS-CoV2. Of those who have come from South Africa and other countries, three have been discovered in Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivali, Mira-Bhayandar, and Pune, while a fourth was found in Mira-Bhayandar. Two other passengers from Nigeria were located in Pimpri-Chinchwad, a corporation located near Pune. Also read | Indian experts studying scientific reports on need for Covid booster dose, says govt "Currently, there are six passengers who arrived from South Africa or other high-risk countries in the state who have tested positive. The samples of all of them have been sent for genetic sequencing and their contact tracing exercise is underway. All these passengers, although tested COVID-19 positive, are either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic," the health department said. As of November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) dubbed the coronavirus detected in South Africa and some other countries as Omicron. Also read | Omicron threat: Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech studying if vaccine works against variant 'Variant of Concern' classification has also been given to the Omicron variant, according to experts, it is possible that the virus takes on some distinctive characteristics due to its genetic modification. Although this new variant appears to have increased the transmissibility of infection, it is still unclear whether or not it will cause severe disease and whether it will evade immunity. Additional information should become available in the next few weeks. Maharashtra has imposed a seven-day quarantine on travellers from 'at-risk' countries arriving in the state due to concerns over the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Watch | India issues travel advisory for international passengers over Omicron variant The State Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday night issued the guidelines, an official said. The list of at-risk countries is announced by the Union government. The countries listed as 'at-risk' are the European countries, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel. An RT-PCR test will also be administered to passengers from these countries on the second, fourth, and seventh days following their arrival, according to new guidelines from the authority. Also read | Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla Furthermore, those passengers who do not test positive will also be home-quarantined for seven days before they can be tested again. "If they are found positive this time around, their samples too will be sent for genomic sequencing," the health bulletin said. In accordance with the Centre's guidelines, RT-PCR tests will be performed on five per cent of passengers arriving from countries that are not listed, and any positive samples found will be sent for genomic sequencing. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra's Omicron scare: 6 passengers test coronavirus positive, Indian state releases new guidelines

Amid the Omicron variant of COVID-19 creating concern globally, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Monday said the sample of one of the two persons who arrived in Bengaluru recently from South Africa is 'different from the Delta variant'.

The minister said he was not supposed to say anything officially as he was still in touch with the union health ministry and the Indian Council for Medical Research officials.

"There is a delta variant for the past nine months only, but you are saying that one of the samples is Omicron. I cannot say aboutit officially. I am in touch with the ICMR and central government officials," Sudhakar told reporters here.

The sample has been sent to ICMR, he said.

Refusing to divulge the identity of the man, the minister said his COVID report shows that he has contracted a different variant of the novel coronavirus.

"There is a 63-year-old man whose name I should not disclose. His report is a bit different. It appears different from the delta variant. We will discuss with the ICMR officials and will let people know by the evening what it is," the minister said.

The minister said he would chair a marathon meeting on Tuesday with the officers of his department, from the Principal Secretary to the Primary Health Centre level doctors, regarding the steps to be taken.

He added that the members of the Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 have also been invited for the meeting.

Sudhakar also said that he has sought a detailed report on the Omicron variant.

"We will get a clear information on December 1 about how the Omicron behaves after the genomic sequencing. Accordingly we will initiate all measures," he explained.

Underlining the fact that the new variant is visible in at least 12 nations, Sudhakar said the international travellers will be tested carefully and those tested positive will be hospitalised compulsorily.

"We are tracking and closely watching all those who came from South Africa in the past 14 days. We have started tracing and testing their primary and secondary contacts since Saturday," the minister said.

Speaking about Omicron, Sudhakar, who himself is a medical professional, said he has also spoken to his classmate doctors working in South Africa, who told him that the new variant is not as dangerous as the delta variant.

"The satisfying thing I came across after talking to my classmates in South Africa is that this (Omicron variant) spreads rapidly, but it is not as dangerous like Delta.

People feel nausea and vomiting and sometimes the pulse rate goes up, but loss of taste and smell is not there. There is less hospitalisation because it's intensity is not severe," Sudhakar explained.

To a query on the possibility of a lockdown, Sudhakar said there was no such proposal before the government and there was no need to panic as people have already suffered losses due to the earlier lockdown in terms of loss of lives and livelihood.

According to health department officials, the two persons who flew into Bengaluru from South Africa tested positive for COVID-19 on November 11 and 20. Both were hospitalised, they added.

Amid the Omicron variant of COVID-19 creating concern globally, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Monday said the sample of one of the two persons who arrived in Bengaluru recently from South Africa is 'different from the Delta variant'.

Amid the Omicron variant of COVID-19 creating concern globally, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Monday said the sample of one of the two persons who arrived in Bengaluru recently from South Africa is 'different from the Delta variant'. The minister said he was not supposed to say anything officially as he was still in touch with the union health ministry and the Indian Council for Medical Research officials. "There is a delta variant for the past nine months only, but you are saying that one of the samples is Omicron. I cannot say aboutit officially. I am in touch with the ICMR and central government officials," Sudhakar told reporters here. The sample has been sent to ICMR, he said. Refusing to divulge the identity of the man, the minister said his COVID report shows that he has contracted a different variant of the novel coronavirus. "There is a 63-year-old man whose name I should not disclose. His report is a bit different. It appears different from the delta variant. We will discuss with the ICMR officials and will let people know by the evening what it is," the minister said. The minister said he would chair a marathon meeting on Tuesday with the officers of his department, from the Principal Secretary to the Primary Health Centre level doctors, regarding the steps to be taken. He added that the members of the Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 have also been invited for the meeting. Sudhakar also said that he has sought a detailed report on the Omicron variant. "We will get a clear information on December 1 about how the Omicron behaves after the genomic sequencing. Accordingly we will initiate all measures," he explained. Underlining the fact that the new variant is visible in at least 12 nations, Sudhakar said the international travellers will be tested carefully and those tested positive will be hospitalised compulsorily. "We are tracking and closely watching all those who came from South Africa in the past 14 days. We have started tracing and testing their primary and secondary contacts since Saturday," the minister said. Speaking about Omicron, Sudhakar, who himself is a medical professional, said he has also spoken to his classmate doctors working in South Africa, who told him that the new variant is not as dangerous as the delta variant. "The satisfying thing I came across after talking to my classmates in South Africa is that this (Omicron variant) spreads rapidly, but it is not as dangerous like Delta. People feel nausea and vomiting and sometimes the pulse rate goes up, but loss of taste and smell is not there. There is less hospitalisation because it's intensity is not severe," Sudhakar explained. To a query on the possibility of a lockdown, Sudhakar said there was no such proposal before the government and there was no need to panic as people have already suffered losses due to the earlier lockdown in terms of loss of lives and livelihood. According to health department officials, the two persons who flew into Bengaluru from South Africa tested positive for COVID-19 on November 11 and 20. Both were hospitalised, they added.

Sample of one person who came from South Africa is different from Delta, says Karnataka minister

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros on Tuesday cautioned against blanket measures and knee-jerk reactions over Omicron variant of the Covid virus and said that such moves may not be necessary. He said that some countries were introducing such measures and penalising African nations unfairly.

"I well understand the concern of all countries to protect their citizens against a variant that we don't yet fully understand," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"But I am equally concerned that several Member States are introducing blunt, blanket measures that are not evidence-based or effective on their own, and which will only worsen inequities."

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Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa a week ago. Though South Africa won international praise, the detection of new variant also caused global alarm and led to travel bans.

In remarks to a closed-door meeting posted on its website, the WHO's Ethiopian head urged the 194 member states to stick to "rational, proportional" measures.

There were still more questions than answers, Tedros said, about Omicron's severity and the effectiveness of vaccines.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-had-omicron-cases-a-week-before-south-africa-identified-the-covid-variant-433005">Netherlands had Omicron cases a week before South Africa identified the Covid variant</a> 
 
No Omicron-linked deaths have yet been reported though the WHO has said it poses a high risk of infection surges.

"Once again, I thank Botswana and South Africa for detecting, sequencing and reporting this variant so rapidly," added Tedros. "It is deeply concerning to me that those countries are now being penalized by others for doing the right thing."

'Knee-jerk reaction'

Mid-way through a three-day WHO meeting of health ministers, Namibia's delegation on Tuesday expressed disappointment towards those states imposing travel bans on southern Africa.

"This travel ban is a knee-jerk reaction grounded in politics, not in science or guidance from the WHO Constitution," it said. "We therefore ask why is it that other states that (detected) the variant in persons who have no travel history to southern Africa are exempted from this travel ban?"

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-covishield-work-against-omicron-it-will-be-clear-in-2-3-weeks-says-serum-institutes-poonawalla-433016">Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla</a>

Tanzania called for an immediate lifting of the travel curbs, which are hurting tourism in the region, while Canada voiced gratitude for regional transparency.

"Transparent international collaboration, as demonstrated by the leadership of South Africa and the South African scientists who swiftly and openly shared information on this new variant, is what is needed now more than ever," said Leslie Norton, Canada's U.N. ambassador in Geneva.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros on Tuesday cautioned against blanket measures and knee-jerk reactions over Omicron variant of the Covid virus and said that such moves may not be necessary.

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros on Tuesday cautioned against blanket measures and knee-jerk reactions over Omicron variant of the Covid virus and said that such moves may not be necessary. He said that some countries were introducing such measures and penalising African nations unfairly. "I well understand the concern of all countries to protect their citizens against a variant that we don't yet fully understand," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "But I am equally concerned that several Member States are introducing blunt, blanket measures that are not evidence-based or effective on their own, and which will only worsen inequities." × Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa a week ago. Though South Africa won international praise, the detection of new variant also caused global alarm and led to travel bans. In remarks to a closed-door meeting posted on its website, the WHO's Ethiopian head urged the 194 member states to stick to "rational, proportional" measures. There were still more questions than answers, Tedros said, about Omicron's severity and the effectiveness of vaccines. Also Read | Netherlands had Omicron cases a week before South Africa identified the Covid variant No Omicron-linked deaths have yet been reported though the WHO has said it poses a high risk of infection surges. "Once again, I thank Botswana and South Africa for detecting, sequencing and reporting this variant so rapidly," added Tedros. "It is deeply concerning to me that those countries are now being penalized by others for doing the right thing." 'Knee-jerk reaction' Mid-way through a three-day WHO meeting of health ministers, Namibia's delegation on Tuesday expressed disappointment towards those states imposing travel bans on southern Africa. "This travel ban is a knee-jerk reaction grounded in politics, not in science or guidance from the WHO Constitution," it said. "We therefore ask why is it that other states that (detected) the variant in persons who have no travel history to southern Africa are exempted from this travel ban?" Also Read | Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla Tanzania called for an immediate lifting of the travel curbs, which are hurting tourism in the region, while Canada voiced gratitude for regional transparency. "Transparent international collaboration, as demonstrated by the leadership of South Africa and the South African scientists who swiftly and openly shared information on this new variant, is what is needed now more than ever," said Leslie Norton, Canada's U.N. ambassador in Geneva. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron threat: WHO warns against knee-jerk reaction, blanket measures

Amid worldwide panic over the Omicron variant, US President Joe Biden sought to assure Americans about the strain asserting that it is "not a cause for panic".

The US president said "sooner or later" the variant will be in the United States as he&nbsp;urged&nbsp;Americans to take the vaccine.

"Go get the booster shot today, do not wait," Biden told Americans while directing them to wear masks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-halts-border-reopening-after-two-more-omicron-cases-detected-432736">Also Read:&nbsp;Australia halts border reopening after two more Omicron cases detected</a>

"Dr Fauci believes boosters work effectively against the new variants," Biden said, adding, "I am sparing no efforts and keeping my people safe."

Watch:&nbsp;How long will the vaccine immunity last?

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Biden insisted that there should be no letup until the world is vaccinated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-detects-six-omicron-variant-cases-as-uk-tightens-restrictions-432786">Also Read:&nbsp;Scotland detects six Omicron variant cases as UK tightens restrictions</a>

"Over 70 per of Americans will be vaccinated this Christmas, last year majority of schools were closed. This year 99 per cent schools are open."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-defends-travel-ban-due-to-new-variant-omicron-says-it-is-necessary-and-justified-432668">Also Read:&nbsp;Fauci defends travel ban due to new variant omicron</a>

"Even before Omnicron, fortunately for us PCR will pick up this mutation," he said while asking people to wear masks indoors as well.

"The degree of the spread impacts on whether or not there's a need for any travel restrictions. But I don't anticipate that at this point, lockdowns are off the table right now," the US president said.

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(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid worldwide panic over the Omicron variant, US President Joe Biden sought to assure Americans about the strain asserting that it is "not a cause for panic". The US president said "sooner or later" the variant will be in the United States as he urged Americans to take the vaccine.

Amid worldwide panic over the Omicron variant, US President Joe Biden sought to assure Americans about the strain asserting that it is "not a cause for panic". The US president said "sooner or later" the variant will be in the United States as he urged Americans to take the vaccine. "Go get the booster shot today, do not wait," Biden told Americans while directing them to wear masks. Also Read: Australia halts border reopening after two more Omicron cases detected "Dr Fauci believes boosters work effectively against the new variants," Biden said, adding, "I am sparing no efforts and keeping my people safe." Watch: How long will the vaccine immunity last? Biden insisted that there should be no letup until the world is vaccinated. Also Read: Scotland detects six Omicron variant cases as UK tightens restrictions "Over 70 per of Americans will be vaccinated this Christmas, last year majority of schools were closed. This year 99 per cent schools are open." Also Read: Fauci defends travel ban due to new variant omicron "Even before Omnicron, fortunately for us PCR will pick up this mutation," he said while asking people to wear masks indoors as well. "The degree of the spread impacts on whether or not there's a need for any travel restrictions. But I don't anticipate that at this point, lockdowns are off the table right now," the US president said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Don't anticipate further travel restrictions, says Biden amid Omicron threat

Global financial markets were spooked on Tuesday after Moderna’s chief executive warned that the existing COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to be effective against the Omicron variant.

Leading European stock markets fell about 1.5 per cent in early trade, shares in Asia-Pacific fell during Tuesday’s trade, led by declines of 2.4 per cent for South Korea’s Kospi and 1.6% for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index. Japan’s Nikkei 225 also shed 1.6 per cent

In New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&amp;P 500 respectively opened 0.2% and 0.3% lower, while crude oil futures shed more than 3 per cent.

“There is no world, I think, where (the effectiveness) is the same level…we had with Delta,” Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told the Financial Times.

“I think it’s going to be a material drop. I just don’t know how much because we need to wait for the data. But all the scientists I’ve talked to…are like ‘this is not going to be good’,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-omicron-variant-causing-mild-disease-says-south-african-medical-association-slams-hype-432552">Covid: Omicron variant causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association, slams hype&nbsp;</a>

However, European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the University of Oxford, which helped AstraZeneca to develop Covid vaccine, asserted that was no evidence that the current vaccines would not work against Omicron.

EMA executive Director Emer Cooke told the European Parliament that even if the new variant becomes more widespread, existing vaccines will continue to provide protection.

Expressing similar views, the University of Oxford said it was ready to work with AstraZeneca to prepare a booster shot.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moderna-says-current-vaccines-not-effective-against-the-omicron-variant-432697">Moderna says current vaccines not effective against the Omicron variant</a>

"Despite the appearance of new variants over the past year, vaccines have continued to provide very high levels of protection against severe disease and there is no evidence so far that Omicron is any different," the university's statement read.

"However, we have the necessary tools and processes in place for rapid development of an updated COVID-19 vaccine if it should be necessary."

The World Health Organization and scientists have said it could take weeks to understand whether Omicron is likely to cause severe illness or escape protection against immunity induced by vaccines.

Meanwhile, several major drugmakers have already announced that they are preparing a “Omecron-specific” vaccine.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has said they have already started working on a version of its COVID-19 vaccine specifically targeting the new Omicron variant.

Moderna Inc has said it was developing a booster shot against the new variant. While Johnson &amp; Johnson announced on Monday that it is “pursuing an Omicron-specific variant vaccine and will progress it as needed.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Global financial markets were spooked on Tuesday after Moderna’s chief executive warned that the existing COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to be effective against the Omicron variant.

Global financial markets were spooked on Tuesday after Moderna’s chief executive warned that the existing COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to be effective against the Omicron variant. Leading European stock markets fell about 1.5 per cent in early trade, shares in Asia-Pacific fell during Tuesday’s trade, led by declines of 2.4 per cent for South Korea’s Kospi and 1.6% for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index. Japan’s Nikkei 225 also shed 1.6 per cent In New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 respectively opened 0.2% and 0.3% lower, while crude oil futures shed more than 3 per cent. “There is no world, I think, where (the effectiveness) is the same level…we had with Delta,” Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told the Financial Times. “I think it’s going to be a material drop. I just don’t know how much because we need to wait for the data. But all the scientists I’ve talked to…are like ‘this is not going to be good’,” he said. Also read | Covid: Omicron variant causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association, slams hype However, European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the University of Oxford, which helped AstraZeneca to develop Covid vaccine, asserted that was no evidence that the current vaccines would not work against Omicron. EMA executive Director Emer Cooke told the European Parliament that even if the new variant becomes more widespread, existing vaccines will continue to provide protection. Expressing similar views, the University of Oxford said it was ready to work with AstraZeneca to prepare a booster shot. Also read | Moderna says current vaccines not effective against the Omicron variant "Despite the appearance of new variants over the past year, vaccines have continued to provide very high levels of protection against severe disease and there is no evidence so far that Omicron is any different," the university's statement read. "However, we have the necessary tools and processes in place for rapid development of an updated COVID-19 vaccine if it should be necessary." The World Health Organization and scientists have said it could take weeks to understand whether Omicron is likely to cause severe illness or escape protection against immunity induced by vaccines. Meanwhile, several major drugmakers have already announced that they are preparing a “Omecron-specific” vaccine. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has said they have already started working on a version of its COVID-19 vaccine specifically targeting the new Omicron variant. Moderna Inc has said it was developing a booster shot against the new variant. While Johnson & Johnson announced on Monday that it is “pursuing an Omicron-specific variant vaccine and will progress it as needed.” (With inputs from agencies)

Global markets spooked after Moderna says Covid vaccine less effective against Omicron

In two to three weeks, it will be clear how effective Covishield vaccine is against COVID-19 variant Omicron, Adar Poonawalla, the chief of Serum Institute of India which manufactures the Indian version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, told a news channel on Monday.

In an interview to NDTV, Poonawala said that Omicron-specific booster shots are possible and added that the focus of the government must remain to get everyone double vaccinated.

“The tests are on for Omicron, and we should have the results in a couple of weeks. The message for all - and a priority - is for everyone to get the 2 doses of the vaccine. That is the first step to stay protected. It is only after that that one can enhance that safety with boosters over the next year,” Poonawalla said.

"The Lancet has reported that Covishield's efficacy is very high and significantly reduces chances of hospitalisation and possibility of death... It is not necessary that the efficacy of Covishield would drop with time," he added, referring to the new study published in the peer-reviewed journal.

The drugmaker also said that they would soon be launching a new vaccine for kids who are above two years old.

When asked whether Covishield&nbsp;will be rolled out for kids, he said, “No. Our approach for vaccinating children will be with CovoVax - the new vaccine awaiting licencing in India and should be done soon. Our approach is to vaccinate children right down to the age of 2 years old with CovoVax.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-omicron-variant-causing-mild-disease-says-south-african-medical-association-slams-hype-432552">Covid: Omicron variant causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association, slams hype&nbsp;</a>

Poonawalla said the CovoVax will be available for children in the next 6 months.

The new variant, Omercon, has forced several nations to roll out a third dose or a booster shot to protect against the deadly virus.

Studies are currently underway to determine how vaccines are effective against the new strain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moderna-says-current-vaccines-not-effective-against-the-omicron-variant-432697">Moderna says current vaccines not effective against the Omicron variant</a>

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has said they have already started working on a version of its COVID-19 vaccine specifically targeting the new Omicron variant in case the current inoculation is not effective against the latest strain.

While Moderna Inc has said it was developing a booster shot against the new variant.

Another drugmaker Johnson &amp; Johnson announced on Monday that it is “pursuing an Omicron-specific variant vaccine and will progress it as needed.”

(With inputs from agencies)

In two to three weeks, it will be clear how effective Covishield vaccine is against COVID-19 variant Omicron, Adar Poonawalla, the chief of Serum Institute of India which manufactures the Indian version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, told a news channel on Monday.

In two to three weeks, it will be clear how effective Covishield vaccine is against COVID-19 variant Omicron, Adar Poonawalla, the chief of Serum Institute of India which manufactures the Indian version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, told a news channel on Monday. In an interview to NDTV, Poonawala said that Omicron-specific booster shots are possible and added that the focus of the government must remain to get everyone double vaccinated. “The tests are on for Omicron, and we should have the results in a couple of weeks. The message for all - and a priority - is for everyone to get the 2 doses of the vaccine. That is the first step to stay protected. It is only after that that one can enhance that safety with boosters over the next year,” Poonawalla said. "The Lancet has reported that Covishield's efficacy is very high and significantly reduces chances of hospitalisation and possibility of death... It is not necessary that the efficacy of Covishield would drop with time," he added, referring to the new study published in the peer-reviewed journal. The drugmaker also said that they would soon be launching a new vaccine for kids who are above two years old. When asked whether Covishield will be rolled out for kids, he said, “No. Our approach for vaccinating children will be with CovoVax - the new vaccine awaiting licencing in India and should be done soon. Our approach is to vaccinate children right down to the age of 2 years old with CovoVax.” Also read | Covid: Omicron variant causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association, slams hype Poonawalla said the CovoVax will be available for children in the next 6 months. The new variant, Omercon, has forced several nations to roll out a third dose or a booster shot to protect against the deadly virus. Studies are currently underway to determine how vaccines are effective against the new strain. Also read | Moderna says current vaccines not effective against the Omicron variant Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has said they have already started working on a version of its COVID-19 vaccine specifically targeting the new Omicron variant in case the current inoculation is not effective against the latest strain. While Moderna Inc has said it was developing a booster shot against the new variant. Another drugmaker Johnson & Johnson announced on Monday that it is “pursuing an Omicron-specific variant vaccine and will progress it as needed.” (With inputs from agencies)

Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla

Amid panic over the Omicron variant, the World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros&nbsp;Adhanom Ghebreyesus asserted that although vaccines save lives however it does not fully eliminate transmission of the virus.

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"Vaccines save lives, but they do not fully prevent infection or <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> transmission. 
 
Until we reach high levels of vaccination in every country, suppressing transmission remains essential"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHASpecial?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHASpecial</a> <a href="https://t.co/DAKujmAHT3">https://t.co/DAKujmAHT3</a>
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"The lack of sharing of biological samples hindered our collective ability to understand how the virus was evolving," he said, adding,"and it will all happen again unless nations of the world can come together to say with one voice: never again."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-halts-border-reopening-after-two-more-omicron-cases-detected-432736">Also Read:&nbsp;Australia halts border reopening after two more Omicron cases detected</a>

The WHO chief said political divisions have deepened and inequalities widened undermining science with misinformation being abundant.

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"And the lack of a consistent and coherent global approach has resulted in a splintered and disjointed response, breeding misunderstanding, misinformation and mistrust. 
 
The fabric of multilateralism has been frayed"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHASpecial?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHASpecial</a> <a href="https://t.co/QihTEU5FKw">https://t.co/QihTEU5FKw</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1465271822597959685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tedros focussed the world's attention on Africa amid the detection of the new virus variant informing that at least 103 countries have not reached even 40 per cent of vaccination with most of them being in Africa.

The WHO chief reminded that the vulnerable should be vaccinated first and then boosters&nbsp;should be given to healthy people.

Watch:&nbsp;'EU in better shape to face new covid wave'

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"The lack of sharing of information and data by many countries in the early days of the pandemic hindered our collective ability to get a clear picture of its profile and trajectory," the WHO chief reiterated.&nbsp;

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"Science has been undermined. Misinformation has abounded. 
 
And it will all happen again unless you, the nations of the world, can come together to say with one voice: never again. 
 
At its heart, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> pandemic is a crisis of solidarity and sharing"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://t.co/BwuJvpamHL">pic.twitter.com/BwuJvpamHL</a>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moderna-says-current-vaccines-not-effective-against-the-omicron-variant-432697">Also Read:&nbsp;Moderna says current vaccines not effective against the Omicron variant</a>

Tedros recalled that millions of people have lost their jobs and plunged into poverty due to the pandemic even as the global economy has been clawing its way out of recession.

Tedros pointed out that 5 million people have died due to the virus, however, "excess deaths caused by the virus and by disruption to essential health services are far higher."

Tedros said the world needed "tailored" and "comprehensive measures" with lockdowns being the "last resort in the most extreme circumstances."

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid panic over the Omicron variant, the World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus asserted that although vaccines save lives however it does not fully eliminate transmission of the virus.

Amid panic over the Omicron variant, the World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus asserted that although vaccines save lives however it does not fully eliminate transmission of the virus. "Vaccines save lives, but they do not fully prevent infection or #COVID19 transmission. Until we reach high levels of vaccination in every country, suppressing transmission remains essential"-@DrTedros #WHASpecial https://t.co/DAKujmAHT3 — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 29, 2021 × "The lack of sharing of biological samples hindered our collective ability to understand how the virus was evolving," he said, adding,"and it will all happen again unless nations of the world can come together to say with one voice: never again." Also Read: Australia halts border reopening after two more Omicron cases detected The WHO chief said political divisions have deepened and inequalities widened undermining science with misinformation being abundant. "And the lack of a consistent and coherent global approach has resulted in a splintered and disjointed response, breeding misunderstanding, misinformation and mistrust. The fabric of multilateralism has been frayed"-@DrTedros #WHASpecial https://t.co/QihTEU5FKw — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 29, 2021 × Tedros focussed the world's attention on Africa amid the detection of the new virus variant informing that at least 103 countries have not reached even 40 per cent of vaccination with most of them being in Africa. The WHO chief reminded that the vulnerable should be vaccinated first and then boosters should be given to healthy people. Watch: 'EU in better shape to face new covid wave' "The lack of sharing of information and data by many countries in the early days of the pandemic hindered our collective ability to get a clear picture of its profile and trajectory," the WHO chief reiterated. "Science has been undermined. Misinformation has abounded. And it will all happen again unless you, the nations of the world, can come together to say with one voice: never again. At its heart, the #COVID19 pandemic is a crisis of solidarity and sharing"-@DrTedros pic.twitter.com/BwuJvpamHL — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 29, 2021 × Also Read: Moderna says current vaccines not effective against the Omicron variant Tedros recalled that millions of people have lost their jobs and plunged into poverty due to the pandemic even as the global economy has been clawing its way out of recession. Tedros pointed out that 5 million people have died due to the virus, however, "excess deaths caused by the virus and by disruption to essential health services are far higher." Tedros said the world needed "tailored" and "comprehensive measures" with lockdowns being the "last resort in the most extreme circumstances." (With inputs from Agencies)

Vaccines save lives but do not fully prevent virus transmission: WHO chief

Expert groups in India are deliberating on the need for a booster, or additional, Covid dose, the country’s junior health minister informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The health minister's response comes in the backdrop of growing fears on the possibility of Omicron variant entering the country. So far, no Covid cases of the new strain have been reported in India.

Union minister of state for health Bharati Pravin Pawar said the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) are deliberating and considering scientific evidence for the need and justification for a booster dose.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-detected-omicron-cases-a-week-earlier-than-south-africa-dutch-authorities-433005">Netherlands detected Omicron cases a week earlier than South Africa: Dutch authorities</a>

Responding to a query on the stand of the Indian government on booster doses, Pawar in a written reply said some countries are providing booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

“The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) are deliberating and considering scientific evidences related to dose schedule of COVID vaccines as well as the need and justification for booster dose,” she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-covishield-work-against-omicron-it-will-be-clear-in-2-3-weeks-says-serum-institutes-poonawalla-433016">Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla</a>

There are over 36 countries who are currently administering booster shots to the people. The World Health Organisation (WHO) expert panel has also recommended that individuals with weaker immune systems should be offered an additional or booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine.

However, the Indian government has so far not indicated the need for a booster shot. In October, the government's chief Covid-19 advisor had said that there were no plans to give booster doses.

Doctor Vinod K&nbsp;Paul said there was no clear guidance on whether a third dose is necessary, including from the WHO.

“As of now we do not have a recommendation for a booster bump-up dose,” Paul told reporters, adding however that the government would “continue to watch this space very carefully”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Expert groups in India are deliberating on the need for a booster, or additional, Covid dose, the country’s junior health minister informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Expert groups in India are deliberating on the need for a booster, or additional, Covid dose, the country’s junior health minister informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The health minister's response comes in the backdrop of growing fears on the possibility of Omicron variant entering the country. So far, no Covid cases of the new strain have been reported in India. Union minister of state for health Bharati Pravin Pawar said the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) are deliberating and considering scientific evidence for the need and justification for a booster dose. Also read | Netherlands detected Omicron cases a week earlier than South Africa: Dutch authorities Responding to a query on the stand of the Indian government on booster doses, Pawar in a written reply said some countries are providing booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine. “The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) are deliberating and considering scientific evidences related to dose schedule of COVID vaccines as well as the need and justification for booster dose,” she said. Also read | Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla There are over 36 countries who are currently administering booster shots to the people. The World Health Organisation (WHO) expert panel has also recommended that individuals with weaker immune systems should be offered an additional or booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine. However, the Indian government has so far not indicated the need for a booster shot. In October, the government's chief Covid-19 advisor had said that there were no plans to give booster doses. Doctor Vinod K Paul said there was no clear guidance on whether a third dose is necessary, including from the WHO. “As of now we do not have a recommendation for a booster bump-up dose,” Paul told reporters, adding however that the government would “continue to watch this space very carefully”. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian experts studying scientific reports on need for Covid booster dose, says govt

The new Wuhan virus variant- Omicron is ringing alarm bells worldwide. Travel restrictions are back. New clusters have emerged outside Africa. There are doubts if existing vaccines will work. Palki Sharma bring you the 5 big developments.

Gravitas: New Wuhan Virus variant rings alarm bells worldwide

Bharat Biotech, the maker of India's COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, said on Tuesday that it was studying whether the vaccine would work against Omicron variant. The&nbsp;development follows&nbsp;warning from Moderna CEO about&nbsp;existing vaccines potentially being&nbsp;less effective against Omicron which is feared to be more transmissible and dangerous than previous coronavirus variants.

"Covaxin was developed against the original Wuhan variant," a Bharat Biotech spokesperson was quoted by Reuters.

"It has shown that it can work against other variants, including the Delta variant. We continue to research on new variants."

Meanwhile, Bharat Biotech has resumed export of Covaxin. It has executed long-pending orders in November.

The company also said exports to additional countries will commence from December, according to a statement it shared on Twitter.

It was not immediately clear whether or not these exports were made under the global vaccine-sharing facility COVAX.

Covaxin, which is 78% effective against severe cases of COVID-19, was approved for emergency use listing by the World Health Organization earlier this month.

It is the only homegrown vaccine being used in India's vaccination programme, although it accounts for only about 11% of the nearly 1.23 billion doses administered so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bharat Biotech, the maker of India's COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, said on Tuesday that it was studying whether the vaccine would work against Omicron variant. The development follows warning from Moderna CEO about existing vaccines potentially being less effective against Omicron which is feared to be more transmissible and dangerous than previous coronavirus variants.

Bharat Biotech, the maker of India's COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, said on Tuesday that it was studying whether the vaccine would work against Omicron variant. The development follows warning from Moderna CEO about existing vaccines potentially being less effective against Omicron which is feared to be more transmissible and dangerous than previous coronavirus variants. "Covaxin was developed against the original Wuhan variant," a Bharat Biotech spokesperson was quoted by Reuters. "It has shown that it can work against other variants, including the Delta variant. We continue to research on new variants." Meanwhile, Bharat Biotech has resumed export of Covaxin. It has executed long-pending orders in November. The company also said exports to additional countries will commence from December, according to a statement it shared on Twitter. It was not immediately clear whether or not these exports were made under the global vaccine-sharing facility COVAX. Covaxin, which is 78% effective against severe cases of COVID-19, was approved for emergency use listing by the World Health Organization earlier this month. It is the only homegrown vaccine being used in India's vaccination programme, although it accounts for only about 11% of the nearly 1.23 billion doses administered so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron threat: Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech studying if vaccine works against variant

As the world reels under a new threat -- COVID-19’s new variant called Omicron, we wonder if we’ve heard the name before and in what context!

Well, the name has been used as titles for films before. If you haven’t heard of the films then don’t blame yourself as these didn’t ever quite create a hype for themselves and before you jump the gun, they are not anywhere close to being based on a virus outbreak.&nbsp;

Omicron was used as film titles for two films produced in 1963 and 2013. The posters of these films have started trending on the internet now courtesy the new COVID variant that threatens the world. Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-scam-1992-co-director-shooting-in-south-africa-amid-omicron-variant-scare-432986" hreflang="en">'Scam 1992' co-director shooting in South Africa amid Omicron variant scare</a>

The 2013 movie Omicron is a comedy and science fiction. In the movie Omicron, an alien comes to Earth with a botanical virus and this virus threatens the whole world. A brave woman living in Arizona wins the alien with the plants in her garden and tries to overthrow the government.

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Meanwhile, the plot of the 1963 movie Omicron is of an alien taking over the body of an earthling in order to learn about the planet and threatens the human race. Omicron is a 1963 Italian science fiction comedy film directed by Ugo Gregoretti. So, thankfully nothing about the pandemic that threatens the world.&nbsp;

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-bill-cosby-slams-%E2%80%9Cmetoo-mob%E2%80%9D-on-wanting-to-overturn-rape-conviction-432939" hreflang="en">Bill Cosby slams “#MeToo mob” on wanting to overturn rape conviction</a></h2>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dhanush-wins-best-actor-for-asuran-at-brics-film-festival-432901" hreflang="en">BRICS Film Festival 2021: Dhanush wins Best Actor for 'Asuran'</a></h2>

As for the coronavirus variant, the Omicron variant was first seen in the Republic of South Africa and Botswana. The variant was first detected in Belgium in Europe. Germany, Czechia, Netherlands, Israel, Australia, Italy are among other countries where the variant is seen.

As the world reels under a new threat -- COVID-19’s new variant called Omicron, we wonder if we’ve heard the name before and in what context! Well, the name has been used as titles for films before.

As the world reels under a new threat -- COVID-19’s new variant called Omicron, we wonder if we’ve heard the name before and in what context! Well, the name has been used as titles for films before. If you haven’t heard of the films then don’t blame yourself as these didn’t ever quite create a hype for themselves and before you jump the gun, they are not anywhere close to being based on a virus outbreak. Omicron was used as film titles for two films produced in 1963 and 2013. The posters of these films have started trending on the internet now courtesy the new COVID variant that threatens the world. Also read: 'Scam 1992' co-director shooting in South Africa amid Omicron variant scare The 2013 movie Omicron is a comedy and science fiction. In the movie Omicron, an alien comes to Earth with a botanical virus and this virus threatens the whole world. A brave woman living in Arizona wins the alien with the plants in her garden and tries to overthrow the government. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywoodirect (@bollywoodirect) × Meanwhile, the plot of the 1963 movie Omicron is of an alien taking over the body of an earthling in order to learn about the planet and threatens the human race. Omicron is a 1963 Italian science fiction comedy film directed by Ugo Gregoretti. So, thankfully nothing about the pandemic that threatens the world. Bill Cosby slams “#MeToo mob” on wanting to overturn rape conviction BRICS Film Festival 2021: Dhanush wins Best Actor for 'Asuran' As for the coronavirus variant, the Omicron variant was first seen in the Republic of South Africa and Botswana. The variant was first detected in Belgium in Europe. Germany, Czechia, Netherlands, Israel, Australia, Italy are among other countries where the variant is seen.

Was Omicron brought by an alien? Here's what we know of films with same name

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal has said the Indian cricket team's tour of South Africa is on as of now despite the threat from Omicron variant growing in the region. Sporting events across South Africa shut down recently after the new variant of coronavirus was detected in the country.

Doubts were also raised over India's upcoming tour of South Africa, however, the BCCI has maintained that the tour remains on as per schedule. The Indian cricketers are scheduled to leave for South Africa in the second week of December for a full-fledged series consisting of three Tests, as many ODIs and four T20Is. The first Test of the three-match series is all set to get underway from December 17.&nbsp;

BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal said the Indian cricket board will stand with Cricket South Africa in the current time of crisis but will not compromise with the safety of the players. South Africa's foreign ministry has said the government will provide a secure bio-bubble for the Indian team to ensure the safety of all players and support staff.

“We stand with them (Cricket South Africa), the only thing is we won't compromise on players' safety. As of now we have a chartered flight going to Johannesburg as scheduled and players will be in a bio bubble," Dhumal told news agency PTI.

"We are in constant touch with the Cricket South Africa (CSA) officials. Whatever best we can do to not compromise the series we will try and do but if the situation aggravates and if it compromises our players' safety and health, we will see,” he added, when asked about possible changes in the venue of the Test matches to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-promises-secure-bio-bubble-for-india-lauds-bcci-for-continuing-a-tour-amid-omicron-scare-433003">South Africa promises secure bio-bubble for India; lauds BCCI for continuing 'A' tour amid Omicron scare</a>

BCCI has also decided not to call back the India A team which is currently in action in South Africa and playing an unofficial Test series against South Africa A. The BCCI has pointed out that there is no advisory yet from the Indian government on not travelling to South Africa and that the board is ready to follow the government's advisory.

"In the end, whatever is the Government of India advisory, we will abide by that,” said Dhumal.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal has said the Indian cricket team's tour of South Africa is on as of now despite the threat from Omicron variant growing in the region.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal has said the Indian cricket team's tour of South Africa is on as of now despite the threat from Omicron variant growing in the region. Sporting events across South Africa shut down recently after the new variant of coronavirus was detected in the country. Doubts were also raised over India's upcoming tour of South Africa, however, the BCCI has maintained that the tour remains on as per schedule. The Indian cricketers are scheduled to leave for South Africa in the second week of December for a full-fledged series consisting of three Tests, as many ODIs and four T20Is. The first Test of the three-match series is all set to get underway from December 17. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal said the Indian cricket board will stand with Cricket South Africa in the current time of crisis but will not compromise with the safety of the players. South Africa's foreign ministry has said the government will provide a secure bio-bubble for the Indian team to ensure the safety of all players and support staff. “We stand with them (Cricket South Africa), the only thing is we won't compromise on players' safety. As of now we have a chartered flight going to Johannesburg as scheduled and players will be in a bio bubble," Dhumal told news agency PTI. "We are in constant touch with the Cricket South Africa (CSA) officials. Whatever best we can do to not compromise the series we will try and do but if the situation aggravates and if it compromises our players' safety and health, we will see,” he added, when asked about possible changes in the venue of the Test matches to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Also Read: South Africa promises secure bio-bubble for India; lauds BCCI for continuing 'A' tour amid Omicron scare BCCI has also decided not to call back the India A team which is currently in action in South Africa and playing an unofficial Test series against South Africa A. The BCCI has pointed out that there is no advisory yet from the Indian government on not travelling to South Africa and that the board is ready to follow the government's advisory. "In the end, whatever is the Government of India advisory, we will abide by that,” said Dhumal.

Team India's tour of South Africa on as of now, says BCCI treasurer amid Omicron theat

With the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, creating a scare in the world, hit series ‘Scam 1992’ co-director Jai Mehta and team are busy shooting for their upcoming project in South Africa where the variant has been detected.

It has been learnt that Scam 1992 director Hansal Mehta and his son Jai have teamed up for a big-scale thriller series revolving around the Somalian Pirates for which they have been shooting in South Africa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dhanush-wins-best-actor-for-asuran-at-brics-film-festival-432901" hreflang="en">BRICS Film Festival 2021: Dhanush wins Best Actor for 'Asuran'</a>

The show has tentatively been named Pirates and will stream on Disney+ Hotstar. It will feature an ensemble cast of Rajat Kapoor, Deepak Tijori, Vivek Gomber, Chandan Roy Sanyal and Amruta Khanvilkar, among others. The cast and crew is currently shooting in Cape Town, South Africa.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-watch-83-trailer-ranveer-singh-brings-the-trophy-home-in-a-nostalgia-rich-film-432899" hreflang="en">Watch 83 trailer: Ranveer Singh brings the trophy home in a nostalgia-rich film</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-miley-cyrus-and-pete-davidson-to-host-saturday-night-live-new-years-eve-special-432882" hreflang="en">Miley Cyrus and Pete Davidson to host Saturday Night Live New Year's Eve special</a></h2>

The team is yet to shoot a large portion of the series and its said that they are currently in a bio bubble as they follow safety protocols to stay safe.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, countries around the world are planning to impose stringent restrictions to restrict the spread of the new variant, Omicron.&nbsp;

With the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, creating a scare in the world, hit series ‘Scam 1992’ co-director Jai Mehta and team are busy shooting for their upcoming project in South Africa where the variant has been detected.

With the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, creating a scare in the world, hit series ‘Scam 1992’ co-director Jai Mehta and team are busy shooting for their upcoming project in South Africa where the variant has been detected. It has been learnt that Scam 1992 director Hansal Mehta and his son Jai have teamed up for a big-scale thriller series revolving around the Somalian Pirates for which they have been shooting in South Africa. Also read: BRICS Film Festival 2021: Dhanush wins Best Actor for 'Asuran' The show has tentatively been named Pirates and will stream on Disney+ Hotstar. It will feature an ensemble cast of Rajat Kapoor, Deepak Tijori, Vivek Gomber, Chandan Roy Sanyal and Amruta Khanvilkar, among others. The cast and crew is currently shooting in Cape Town, South Africa. Watch 83 trailer: Ranveer Singh brings the trophy home in a nostalgia-rich film Miley Cyrus and Pete Davidson to host Saturday Night Live New Year's Eve special The team is yet to shoot a large portion of the series and its said that they are currently in a bio bubble as they follow safety protocols to stay safe. Meanwhile, countries around the world are planning to impose stringent restrictions to restrict the spread of the new variant, Omicron.

'Scam 1992' co-director shooting in South Africa amid Omicron variant scare

World cricket is now functioning at a good pace with plenty of action across the globe. However, cricketing series might again get affected due to the new Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, pointed out by the World Health Organisation (WHO).&nbsp;

In this regard, with the fast spread&nbsp;of the Omicron&nbsp;(B.1.1.529)&nbsp;variant of the Coronavirus in the African countries, the adverse impact is already being felt as the Netherlands-South Africa series got abandoned in the African nation. In addition, the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe has been cancelled. Hence, the onus has fallen on Team India's upcoming tour of South Africa, starting from mid-December.

For the unversed, Virat Kohli's Team India will travel to the African nation for an all-format tour, comprising three Tests, equal number of ODIs and four T20Is. Due to the threat of the new variant Omicron, there are talks that India's tour of SA might get affected, however, no such discussion has been held between the BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/omicron-will-lead-to-challenges-for-the-winter-olympics-china-432950">Omicron will 'lead to challenges' for the winter Olympics: China</a>

CSA acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki has revealed that the two boards are in discussion. Revealing their conversation with the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI, Moseki has said that the Indian board remains committed and is keen to continue with the tour. On the other hand, CSA also remains positive that the tour will go on as scheduled unless the situation&nbsp;gets completely out of grasp.&nbsp;

In addition, the BCCI has stressed upon the fact that at the moment, there has been no advisory or travel ban from the Indian government with regards to touring South Africa. Hence, CSA is confident of making all the required bio-bubble arrangements for India's successful tour of SA.

As of now, the tour very much remains as per schedule. However, the final decision will be taken by both the boards in the coming days, depending on how the situation turns out globally in the near future. A final decision will be made after giving full consideration to players' safety and travel regulations.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kevin-pietersen-lauds-pm-modi-as-india-ready-to-help-african-nations-amid-omicron-scare-432914">Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare</a>

Team India is currently involved in a two-match Test versus WTC champions New Zealand at home. After the series ends, by December 7, the national side will get few days off before leaving for South Africa. At present, India's A team is involved in a two-match unofficial Test series versus SA A. The second Test got underway from Tuesday (November 30).

India tour of South Africa schedule:&nbsp;

First Test – Johannesburg (December 17-21)

Second Test – Centurion (December 26-30)

Third Test – Cape Town (January 3-7)

First ODI – Paarl (January 11)

Second ODI – Cape Town (January 14)

Third ODI – Cape Town (January 16)

First T20 International – Cape Town (January 19)

Second T20 International – Cape Town (January 21)

Third T20 International – Paarl (January 23)

Fourth T20 International – Paarl (January 26)

World cricket is now functioning at a good pace with plenty of action across the globe. However, cricketing series might again get affected due to the new Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, pointed out by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

World cricket is now functioning at a good pace with plenty of action across the globe. However, cricketing series might again get affected due to the new Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, pointed out by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In this regard, with the fast spread of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the Coronavirus in the African countries, the adverse impact is already being felt as the Netherlands-South Africa series got abandoned in the African nation. In addition, the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe has been cancelled. Hence, the onus has fallen on Team India's upcoming tour of South Africa, starting from mid-December. For the unversed, Virat Kohli's Team India will travel to the African nation for an all-format tour, comprising three Tests, equal number of ODIs and four T20Is. Due to the threat of the new variant Omicron, there are talks that India's tour of SA might get affected, however, no such discussion has been held between the BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA). ALSO READ | Omicron will 'lead to challenges' for the winter Olympics: China CSA acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki has revealed that the two boards are in discussion. Revealing their conversation with the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI, Moseki has said that the Indian board remains committed and is keen to continue with the tour. On the other hand, CSA also remains positive that the tour will go on as scheduled unless the situation gets completely out of grasp. In addition, the BCCI has stressed upon the fact that at the moment, there has been no advisory or travel ban from the Indian government with regards to touring South Africa. Hence, CSA is confident of making all the required bio-bubble arrangements for India's successful tour of SA. As of now, the tour very much remains as per schedule. However, the final decision will be taken by both the boards in the coming days, depending on how the situation turns out globally in the near future. A final decision will be made after giving full consideration to players' safety and travel regulations. ALSO READ | Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare Team India is currently involved in a two-match Test versus WTC champions New Zealand at home. After the series ends, by December 7, the national side will get few days off before leaving for South Africa. At present, India's A team is involved in a two-match unofficial Test series versus SA A. The second Test got underway from Tuesday (November 30). India tour of South Africa schedule: First Test – Johannesburg (December 17-21) Second Test – Centurion (December 26-30) Third Test – Cape Town (January 3-7) First ODI – Paarl (January 11) Second ODI – Cape Town (January 14) Third ODI – Cape Town (January 16) First T20 International – Cape Town (January 19) Second T20 International – Cape Town (January 21) Third T20 International – Paarl (January 23) Fourth T20 International – Paarl (January 26)

Will India's tour of SA go ahead amid Omicron scare? BCCI and CSA in touch, monitoring situation closely

The Omicron variant of Covid, which was first detected in South Africa, has caused a situation of panic all across the globe. Few scientists from the UK have said that it might become a prevalent strain in the region in the upcoming days. However, the seriousness of the matter remains unclear.

The scientists have been conducting lab tests and they hope to know more in the coming weeks. As of now, the scientists have put the situation into three categories - the worst-case scenario, medium-case scenario and the best-case scenario.&nbsp;

Describing it as a 'nightmare' scenario, the scientists have explained the worst-case scenario would be if the variant turns out to be worse than the delta variant and if it is able to hamper the working of existing vaccines and several other treatments.&nbsp; 
In such a scenario, Covid will massively spread and overburden the existing healthcare system. There is also a high probability of lockdown being imposed in such a scenario.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-related-to-omicron-covid-variant-is-very-high-globally-warns-who-432731">Also read |&nbsp;Risk related to Omicron Covid variant is 'very high' globally, warns WHO</a>

The second scenario, which is the middle-case scenario, in which a booster jab is expected to contain the outbreak. As per the scientists, the likeliness of a middle-case scenario is very high.&nbsp;

The third scenario, which is the nest case scenario states that the Omicron variant is way milder than other strains of Covid. A similar point was raised by a South African doctor who treated patients infected with this variant. However, all these people were very young.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the WHO warned that the newly discovered Covid-19 Omicron variant poses a "very high" risk globally.&nbsp;

"If another major surge of Covid-19 takes place driven by Omicron, consequences may be severe," WHO said. It further added, "to date, no deaths linked to Omicron variant have been reported."

WHO has designated it as a "variant of concern". According to the UN health body, a variant of concern demonstrates an "increase in transmissibility" or "detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Omicron variant of Covid, which was first detected in South Africa, has caused a situation of panic all across the globe. Few scientists from the UK have said that it might become a prevalent strain in the region in the upcoming days.

The Omicron variant of Covid, which was first detected in South Africa, has caused a situation of panic all across the globe. Few scientists from the UK have said that it might become a prevalent strain in the region in the upcoming days. However, the seriousness of the matter remains unclear. The scientists have been conducting lab tests and they hope to know more in the coming weeks. As of now, the scientists have put the situation into three categories - the worst-case scenario, medium-case scenario and the best-case scenario. Describing it as a 'nightmare' scenario, the scientists have explained the worst-case scenario would be if the variant turns out to be worse than the delta variant and if it is able to hamper the working of existing vaccines and several other treatments. In such a scenario, Covid will massively spread and overburden the existing healthcare system. There is also a high probability of lockdown being imposed in such a scenario. Also read | Risk related to Omicron Covid variant is 'very high' globally, warns WHO The second scenario, which is the middle-case scenario, in which a booster jab is expected to contain the outbreak. As per the scientists, the likeliness of a middle-case scenario is very high. The third scenario, which is the nest case scenario states that the Omicron variant is way milder than other strains of Covid. A similar point was raised by a South African doctor who treated patients infected with this variant. However, all these people were very young. Meanwhile, the WHO warned that the newly discovered Covid-19 Omicron variant poses a "very high" risk globally. "If another major surge of Covid-19 takes place driven by Omicron, consequences may be severe," WHO said. It further added, "to date, no deaths linked to Omicron variant have been reported." WHO has designated it as a "variant of concern". According to the UN health body, a variant of concern demonstrates an "increase in transmissibility" or "detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology". (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists analyse the impact on Omicron variant; here are the three scenarios

In a wrenchingly familiar cycle of tracking first cases, pointing fingers and banning travel, nations worldwide reacted Monday to the omicron variant of the coronavirus in the piecemeal fashion that has defined&nbsp;and hobbled&nbsp;the pandemic response all along.

As here-we-go-again fear and resignation gripped much of the world, the World Health Organization warned that the risk posed by the heavily mutated variant was “very high.” But operating once again in a vacuum of evidence, governments chose approaches that differed between continents, between neighbouring countries, and even between cities within those countries.

Little is known about omicron beyond its large number of mutations; it will be weeks, at least, before scientists can say with confidence whether it is more contagious&nbsp;early evidence suggests it is&nbsp;whether it causes more serious illness, and how it responds to vaccines.

In China, which had been increasingly alone in sealing itself off as it sought to eradicate the virus, a newspaper controlled by the Communist Party gloated about democracies that are now following suit as Japan, Australia and other countries gave up flirting with a return to normalcy and slammed their borders shut to the world. The West, it said, had hoarded vaccines at the expense of poorer regions, and was now paying a price for its selfishness.

In the United States, federal officials called Monday on vaccinated people to get booster shots. President Joe Biden sought to reassure Americans, saying that the new variant is “a cause for concern, not a cause for panic” and that his administration is already working with vaccine manufacturers to modify vaccines, should that prove necessary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-is-cause-for-concern-not-a-cause-for-panic-biden-432876">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron variant is 'cause for concern, not a cause for panic': Biden</a>

“We’re throwing everything we have at this virus, tracking it from every angle,” the president said in an appearance at the White House.

In southern Africa, where scientists first identified omicron amid a largely unvaccinated population, leaders deplored the travel bans as ruinous and counterproductive to tracking the virus, saying they could discourage transparency about outbreaks. African officials also noted that because of the inequity in distribution of vaccines, the continent faces this latest variant with little to no protection.

But with vaccine deliveries to Africa becoming more reliable, some states looked to a vaccine mandate to curb the spread of the coronavirus. On Sunday, Ghana’s government announced that government employees, health care workers and staff and students at most schools must be vaccinated by Jan. 22.

Europe which has acted in unusual concert in barring travel from southern Africa, is speeding up booster shots in the hope that they will work against omicron, and adjusting or reconsidering a hodgepodge of social-distancing measures, even in restriction-resistant countries such as Britain.

“The lack of a consistent and coherent global approach has resulted in a splintered and disjointed response, breeding misunderstanding, misinformation and mistrust,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization director.

The WHO convened a three-day special session to discuss a treaty that would ensure prompt sharing of data and technology and equitable access to vaccines. The European Union has pushed for the agreement to be legally binding, but the United States has balked.

The very proposal underlined that two years into a devastating pandemic that has killed millions, devastated national economies and robbed many of the world’s children of nearly two years of formative experiences, there is still no global plan for getting out of it.

As the largely vaccinated West clings to initial reports that omicron may cause milder illness and may be susceptible to vaccines, entire swaths of Africa remain essentially unvaccinated. Some nations, like South Africa, have sufficient doses but have struggled to distribute them. Others lack the freezers, logistical infrastructure and medical personnel to inoculate their populations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-defends-travel-ban-due-to-new-variant-omicron-says-it-is-necessary-and-justified-432668">Also read |&nbsp;Fauci defends travel ban due to new variant omicron, says it is necessary and justified</a>

That has given the virus plenty of time and bodies in which to multiply and mutate.

The travel bans are intended to buy time as scientists determine whether the mutations in the new variant will allow it to dodge existing vaccines. But they also seemed to suggest that core lessons from the early phase of the pandemic must be learned again: An infection discovered somewhere is likely everywhere or may be soon enough&nbsp;and a single case detected means many more undetected.

On Monday, Portugal reported 13 omicron cases, all tied to a single soccer team and Scotland reported six, while the numbers in South Africa continued to soar.

Experts warned that the variant will reach every part of the world, if it hasn’t already.

The leaders of the world’s top powers insisted that they understood this, but their assurances also had a strong whiff of geopolitics.

President Xi Jinping of China offered 1 billion doses of COVID vaccine to Africa, on top of nearly 200 million that Beijing has already shipped to the continent, during an address to a conference in Senegal by video link.

The Global Times, a Chinese tabloid controlled by the Communist Party, boasted of China’s success in thwarting virus transmission, and said the West was now paying the price for its selfish policies. “Western countries control most of the resources needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” it read. “But they have failed to curb the spread of the virus and have exposed more and more developing countries to the virus.”

Biden said the United States had sent more free vaccines abroad than all other countries in the world combined. “Now we need the rest of the world to step up as well,” he said.

European health ministers seemed to agree.

“The identification of the omicron variant in the southern part of Africa confirms the urgency to do more to vaccinate the population of the most fragile countries,” Italy’s health minister, Roberto Speranza, said at a virtual meeting of health ministers representing seven of the world’s wealthiest large democracies.

He called on those countries to help administer vaccines. “It is not enough to donate doses,” Speranza said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-praises-south-africa-for-quick-transparent-reporting-of-new-covid-variant-omicron-432491">Also read |&nbsp;US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron</a>

Within a few days of seeing evidence of a new variant, South African scientists, who run the continent’s most advanced genomic sequencing labs, had identified it. Last Wednesday, they made their findings public.

After other parts of the world, including the United States and the European Union, responded with travel bans on southern Africa, South African officials protested that their country was being punished for its speed and transparency.

Responses to the coronavirus have been as varied as the nations that are threatened by it.

Israel, the first nation to block travel in response to omicron, granted its intelligence service temporary permission to monitor the phone data of people with confirmed cases of the variant.

In Italy, which has kept infections low with some of the most stringent rules in Europe, the country’s conference of mayors urged the government to impose a national outdoor mask mandate from Dec. 6 until Jan. 15, as crowds gather to shop for and celebrate Christmas.

Even Britain, which has taken a lax approach to mask wearing and other social-distancing measures, has stepped up its response in the face of omicron. The country introduced new mask mandates and new travel restrictions and appeared to soften its opposition to vaccine passports and requiring masks in restaurants. And Britain’s vaccine advisory board announced Monday that it is suggesting an expansion of the country’s booster program.

In Germany, already hard hit by the latest pandemic wave, fear of the omicron variant was palpable.

“It feels different from the first bits of information we got about the delta variant,” said Christian Drosten, a prominent German virus expert, describing himself as “pretty worried.”

On Monday, the German government announced that Angela Merkel, state governors and Olaf Scholz, who is to succeed Merkel as chancellor next week, had moved up a planned meeting about potential lockdown measures by nine days.

“We need to buy time,” said Karl Lauterbach, a member of the parliament and public health expert who is considered a strong candidate to be the new German government’s health minister, said on Twitter. “Nothing is worse than a new variant into an ongoing wave.”

Pauline Londeix, a prominent French advocate for broader access to medicines and transparent drug policies, told France Inter radio Monday that variants would continue to emerge unless richer countries shared more vaccines. “We need a much more systemic approach,” she said.

The European Commission on Monday urged member states not to impose additional travel restrictions on their citizens.

In contrast to Europe’s patchwork of regulations, China has had a more consistent and plainer policy: It is essentially sealed off as it pursues a “zero COVID” strategy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-in-australia-two-passengers-from-south-africa-test-positive-for-new-covid-strain-432478">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron variant in Australia: Two passengers from South Africa test positive for new COVID strain</a>

China has steadfastly kept a high wall against visitors from the rest of the world. Foreign residents and visa holders are allowed in only under limited circumstances, leading to concerns by some within the business world that COVID restrictions were leaving the country increasingly isolated.

Visitors must submit to two-week quarantines upon arrival and face potential limits on their movement after that. Movements are tracked via monitoring smartphone apps, which display color codes that can signal whether a person has traveled from or through an area with recent infections, triggering instructions to remain in one place.

In other parts of Asia, people are less focused on eradicating the virus than just surviving it.

“This news is terrifying,” said Gurinder Singh, 57, in New Delhi, who worried about his shop going under. “If this virus spreads in India, the government will shut the country again, and we will be forced to beg.”

In a wrenchingly familiar cycle of tracking first cases, pointing fingers and banning travel, nations worldwide reacted Monday to the omicron variant of the coronavirus in the piecemeal fashion that has defined and hobbled the pandemic response all along.

In a wrenchingly familiar cycle of tracking first cases, pointing fingers and banning travel, nations worldwide reacted Monday to the omicron variant of the coronavirus in the piecemeal fashion that has defined and hobbled the pandemic response all along. As here-we-go-again fear and resignation gripped much of the world, the World Health Organization warned that the risk posed by the heavily mutated variant was “very high.” But operating once again in a vacuum of evidence, governments chose approaches that differed between continents, between neighbouring countries, and even between cities within those countries. Little is known about omicron beyond its large number of mutations; it will be weeks, at least, before scientists can say with confidence whether it is more contagious early evidence suggests it is whether it causes more serious illness, and how it responds to vaccines. In China, which had been increasingly alone in sealing itself off as it sought to eradicate the virus, a newspaper controlled by the Communist Party gloated about democracies that are now following suit as Japan, Australia and other countries gave up flirting with a return to normalcy and slammed their borders shut to the world. The West, it said, had hoarded vaccines at the expense of poorer regions, and was now paying a price for its selfishness. In the United States, federal officials called Monday on vaccinated people to get booster shots. President Joe Biden sought to reassure Americans, saying that the new variant is “a cause for concern, not a cause for panic” and that his administration is already working with vaccine manufacturers to modify vaccines, should that prove necessary. Also read | Omicron variant is 'cause for concern, not a cause for panic': Biden “We’re throwing everything we have at this virus, tracking it from every angle,” the president said in an appearance at the White House. In southern Africa, where scientists first identified omicron amid a largely unvaccinated population, leaders deplored the travel bans as ruinous and counterproductive to tracking the virus, saying they could discourage transparency about outbreaks. African officials also noted that because of the inequity in distribution of vaccines, the continent faces this latest variant with little to no protection. But with vaccine deliveries to Africa becoming more reliable, some states looked to a vaccine mandate to curb the spread of the coronavirus. On Sunday, Ghana’s government announced that government employees, health care workers and staff and students at most schools must be vaccinated by Jan. 22. Europe which has acted in unusual concert in barring travel from southern Africa, is speeding up booster shots in the hope that they will work against omicron, and adjusting or reconsidering a hodgepodge of social-distancing measures, even in restriction-resistant countries such as Britain. “The lack of a consistent and coherent global approach has resulted in a splintered and disjointed response, breeding misunderstanding, misinformation and mistrust,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization director. The WHO convened a three-day special session to discuss a treaty that would ensure prompt sharing of data and technology and equitable access to vaccines. The European Union has pushed for the agreement to be legally binding, but the United States has balked. The very proposal underlined that two years into a devastating pandemic that has killed millions, devastated national economies and robbed many of the world’s children of nearly two years of formative experiences, there is still no global plan for getting out of it. As the largely vaccinated West clings to initial reports that omicron may cause milder illness and may be susceptible to vaccines, entire swaths of Africa remain essentially unvaccinated. Some nations, like South Africa, have sufficient doses but have struggled to distribute them. Others lack the freezers, logistical infrastructure and medical personnel to inoculate their populations. Also read | Fauci defends travel ban due to new variant omicron, says it is necessary and justified That has given the virus plenty of time and bodies in which to multiply and mutate. The travel bans are intended to buy time as scientists determine whether the mutations in the new variant will allow it to dodge existing vaccines. But they also seemed to suggest that core lessons from the early phase of the pandemic must be learned again: An infection discovered somewhere is likely everywhere or may be soon enough and a single case detected means many more undetected. On Monday, Portugal reported 13 omicron cases, all tied to a single soccer team and Scotland reported six, while the numbers in South Africa continued to soar. Experts warned that the variant will reach every part of the world, if it hasn’t already. The leaders of the world’s top powers insisted that they understood this, but their assurances also had a strong whiff of geopolitics. President Xi Jinping of China offered 1 billion doses of COVID vaccine to Africa, on top of nearly 200 million that Beijing has already shipped to the continent, during an address to a conference in Senegal by video link. The Global Times, a Chinese tabloid controlled by the Communist Party, boasted of China’s success in thwarting virus transmission, and said the West was now paying the price for its selfish policies. “Western countries control most of the resources needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” it read. “But they have failed to curb the spread of the virus and have exposed more and more developing countries to the virus.” Biden said the United States had sent more free vaccines abroad than all other countries in the world combined. “Now we need the rest of the world to step up as well,” he said. European health ministers seemed to agree. “The identification of the omicron variant in the southern part of Africa confirms the urgency to do more to vaccinate the population of the most fragile countries,” Italy’s health minister, Roberto Speranza, said at a virtual meeting of health ministers representing seven of the world’s wealthiest large democracies. He called on those countries to help administer vaccines. “It is not enough to donate doses,” Speranza said. Also read | US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron Within a few days of seeing evidence of a new variant, South African scientists, who run the continent’s most advanced genomic sequencing labs, had identified it. Last Wednesday, they made their findings public. After other parts of the world, including the United States and the European Union, responded with travel bans on southern Africa, South African officials protested that their country was being punished for its speed and transparency. Responses to the coronavirus have been as varied as the nations that are threatened by it. Israel, the first nation to block travel in response to omicron, granted its intelligence service temporary permission to monitor the phone data of people with confirmed cases of the variant. In Italy, which has kept infections low with some of the most stringent rules in Europe, the country’s conference of mayors urged the government to impose a national outdoor mask mandate from Dec. 6 until Jan. 15, as crowds gather to shop for and celebrate Christmas. Even Britain, which has taken a lax approach to mask wearing and other social-distancing measures, has stepped up its response in the face of omicron. The country introduced new mask mandates and new travel restrictions and appeared to soften its opposition to vaccine passports and requiring masks in restaurants. And Britain’s vaccine advisory board announced Monday that it is suggesting an expansion of the country’s booster program. In Germany, already hard hit by the latest pandemic wave, fear of the omicron variant was palpable. “It feels different from the first bits of information we got about the delta variant,” said Christian Drosten, a prominent German virus expert, describing himself as “pretty worried.” On Monday, the German government announced that Angela Merkel, state governors and Olaf Scholz, who is to succeed Merkel as chancellor next week, had moved up a planned meeting about potential lockdown measures by nine days. “We need to buy time,” said Karl Lauterbach, a member of the parliament and public health expert who is considered a strong candidate to be the new German government’s health minister, said on Twitter. “Nothing is worse than a new variant into an ongoing wave.” Pauline Londeix, a prominent French advocate for broader access to medicines and transparent drug policies, told France Inter radio Monday that variants would continue to emerge unless richer countries shared more vaccines. “We need a much more systemic approach,” she said. The European Commission on Monday urged member states not to impose additional travel restrictions on their citizens. In contrast to Europe’s patchwork of regulations, China has had a more consistent and plainer policy: It is essentially sealed off as it pursues a “zero COVID” strategy. Also read | Omicron variant in Australia: Two passengers from South Africa test positive for new COVID strain China has steadfastly kept a high wall against visitors from the rest of the world. Foreign residents and visa holders are allowed in only under limited circumstances, leading to concerns by some within the business world that COVID restrictions were leaving the country increasingly isolated. Visitors must submit to two-week quarantines upon arrival and face potential limits on their movement after that. Movements are tracked via monitoring smartphone apps, which display color codes that can signal whether a person has traveled from or through an area with recent infections, triggering instructions to remain in one place. In other parts of Asia, people are less focused on eradicating the virus than just surviving it. “This news is terrifying,” said Gurinder Singh, 57, in New Delhi, who worried about his shop going under. “If this virus spreads in India, the government will shut the country again, and we will be forced to beg.”

Fragmented reactions hinder global fight against Omicron variant

China`s foreign ministry said on Tuesday the new Omicron COVID-19 variant will pose challenges for prevention and control, but it nonetheless believes the Winter Olympics will go smoothly. Beijing is set to host the Games from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kevin-pietersen-lauds-pm-modi-as-india-ready-to-help-african-nations-amid-omicron-scare-432914">Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare</a>

China`s foreign ministry said on Tuesday the new Omicron COVID-19 variant will pose challenges for prevention and control, but it nonetheless believes the Winter Olympics will go smoothly.

China`s foreign ministry said on Tuesday the new Omicron COVID-19 variant will pose challenges for prevention and control, but it nonetheless believes the Winter Olympics will go smoothly. Beijing is set to host the Games from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20. ALSO READ | Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare

China claims Winter Olympics will go smoothly despite Omicron scare

China warned on Tuesday that the fast-spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus will make holding the Winter Olympics in Beijing next February difficult.&nbsp;

"I think it will definitely lead to challenges linked to prevention and control," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, adding that Beijing "appreciates the efforts by South Africa in offering timely information" on the variant.

China is aiming to have a COVID-19-free Olympic Games, which would be a major propaganda victory for Beijing's zero-tolerance Covid approach.

Thousands of athletes, reporters, and others are obliged to enter a stringent "closed-loop" bubble upon arrival.

The virus, according to organizers, will be the "greatest hurdle" in holding the Games.

(With inputs from agencies)

China warned on Tuesday that the fast-spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus will make holding the Winter Olympics in Beijing next February difficult. "I think it will definitely lead to challenges linked to prevention and control," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, adding that Beijing "appreciates the efforts by South Africa in offering timely information" on the variant.

China warned on Tuesday that the fast-spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus will make holding the Winter Olympics in Beijing next February difficult. "I think it will definitely lead to challenges linked to prevention and control," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, adding that Beijing "appreciates the efforts by South Africa in offering timely information" on the variant. China is aiming to have a COVID-19-free Olympic Games, which would be a major propaganda victory for Beijing's zero-tolerance Covid approach. Thousands of athletes, reporters, and others are obliged to enter a stringent "closed-loop" bubble upon arrival. The virus, according to organizers, will be the "greatest hurdle" in holding the Games. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron will 'lead to challenges' for the winter Olympics: China

The new Covid variant, Omicron, has been imaged for the first time, revealing that it contains many more mutations than the Delta variant.

The famed Bambino Gesu hospital in Rome created and released the three-dimensional picture.&nbsp;

According to Claudia Alteri, professor of clinical microbiology at Milan State University and a researcher at Bambino Gesu, the study team concentrated on looking for changes in "the three-dimensional structure of the spike protein."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-defends-travel-ban-due-to-new-variant-omicron-says-it-is-necessary-and-justified-432668">Also read | Fauci defends travel ban due to new variant omicron, says it is necessary and justified</a>

In the three-dimensional "image", which looks like a map, "we can clearly see that the Omicron variant presents many more mutations than the Delta variant, concentrated above all in one area of the protein that interacts with human cells,", the team of researchers said in a statement Sunday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Yes, that’s the expectation but more data is needed before we know. Here is a model from <a href="https://twitter.com/bambinogesu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bambinogesu</a> of the spike (S) protein targeted by vaccines &amp; antibody drugs. The red blobs show mutations in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delta</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Omicron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Omicron</a>. Each blob is an opportunity to evade a spike-binding antibody. <a href="https://t.co/WkClrGLR1x">pic.twitter.com/WkClrGLR1x</a>
— David R. Liu (@davidrliu) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidrliu/status/1465047188346650629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"This does not automatically mean that these variations are more dangerous, just that the virus has further adapted to the human species by generating another variant," the researchers said.

"Other studies will tell us if this adaptation is neutral, less dangerous, or more dangerous," they added.

While there may be additional subtle alterations, the larger ones tend to affect factors like the virus's transmissibility. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-praises-south-africa-for-quick-transparent-reporting-of-new-covid-variant-omicron-432491">Also read |&nbsp;US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron</a>

The newest form included more than 50 mutations, which Prof Bennett described as "strange" when compared to the handful of large changes seen in prior variations.&nbsp;

Because the spike area is where the virus binds to human cells and where vaccinations are focused, mutations in this region are particularly important.

Even if a person has been vaccinated or has had Covid previously, if the variety is sufficiently different from past forms of the virus, our immune system may fail to recognise it or remember how to fight it.

According to the World Health Organization, there were at least 10 mutations in this variation associated to the receptor-binding domain on the protein spike.

Compared to two for Delta and three for Beta, this is a significant difference.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The new Covid variant, Omicron, has been imaged for the first time, revealing that it contains many more mutations than the Delta variant. The famed Bambino Gesu hospital in Rome created and released the three-dimensional picture.

The new Covid variant, Omicron, has been imaged for the first time, revealing that it contains many more mutations than the Delta variant. The famed Bambino Gesu hospital in Rome created and released the three-dimensional picture. According to Claudia Alteri, professor of clinical microbiology at Milan State University and a researcher at Bambino Gesu, the study team concentrated on looking for changes in "the three-dimensional structure of the spike protein." Also read | Fauci defends travel ban due to new variant omicron, says it is necessary and justified In the three-dimensional "image", which looks like a map, "we can clearly see that the Omicron variant presents many more mutations than the Delta variant, concentrated above all in one area of the protein that interacts with human cells,", the team of researchers said in a statement Sunday. Yes, that’s the expectation but more data is needed before we know. Here is a model from @bambinogesu of the spike (S) protein targeted by vaccines & antibody drugs. The red blobs show mutations in #Delta & #Omicron. Each blob is an opportunity to evade a spike-binding antibody. pic.twitter.com/WkClrGLR1x — David R. Liu (@davidrliu) November 28, 2021 × "This does not automatically mean that these variations are more dangerous, just that the virus has further adapted to the human species by generating another variant," the researchers said. "Other studies will tell us if this adaptation is neutral, less dangerous, or more dangerous," they added. While there may be additional subtle alterations, the larger ones tend to affect factors like the virus's transmissibility. Also read | US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron The newest form included more than 50 mutations, which Prof Bennett described as "strange" when compared to the handful of large changes seen in prior variations. Because the spike area is where the virus binds to human cells and where vaccinations are focused, mutations in this region are particularly important. Even if a person has been vaccinated or has had Covid previously, if the variety is sufficiently different from past forms of the virus, our immune system may fail to recognise it or remember how to fight it. According to the World Health Organization, there were at least 10 mutations in this variation associated to the receptor-binding domain on the protein spike. Compared to two for Delta and three for Beta, this is a significant difference. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Omicron has high number of mutations compared to Delta, shows first image

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