The sub-variant of Omicron coronavirus variant, BA.2, is more transmissible than the original one, but the vaccinated people&nbsp;won’t be able to infect others as easily as the unvaccinated, a Danish study has revealed.

The study found that the people infected with the new sub-variant, which quickly became dominant in Denmark, were roughly 33 per cent more likely to infect others, compared to those infected with BA.1—the Omicron variant.

The study, led by a team of scientists affiliated with the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Health Ministry among other institutions, has not yet been submitted for peer review.

"We conclude that Omicron BA.2 is inherently substantially more transmissible than BA.1, and that it also possesses immune-evasive properties that further reduce the protective effect of vaccination against infection," the study's researchers said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-5-fully-vaccinated-in-poor-countries-compared-to-72-in-rich-nations-study-449551">Only 5% fully vaccinated in poor countries compared to 72% in rich nations: Study</a>

The study further stated that BA.2 is highly immune to vaccines and can even infect vaccinated and booster-vaccinated people.

But vaccines still played an important role, the study underlined, since both booster-vaccinated and fully vaccinated individuals were less like to get infected and transmit either subvariants, compared to those not vaccinated.

Apart from Denmark, BA.2 cases have also been detected in the United States, Britain, Sweden and Norway.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warning-from-wuhan-chinese-scientists-say-new-covid-variant-neocov-has-high-mortality-rate-report-448335">Explainer: What is new coronavirus NeoCov&nbsp;that kills 1 in 3 patients? Find out the truth</a>

More than half of the states in the US have detected BA.2, with a total of 194 confirmed cases nationwide so far, according to a global database of Covid variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a statement Friday, said BA.2 is currently circulating at a very low level in the US

But in Denmark, BA.2 sub-variant accounts for roughly 82 per cent of its cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

The sub-variant of Omicron coronavirus variant, BA.2, is more transmissible than the original one, but the vaccinated people won’t be able to infect others as easily as the unvaccinated, a Danish study has revealed.

The sub-variant of Omicron coronavirus variant, BA.2, is more transmissible than the original one, but the vaccinated people won’t be able to infect others as easily as the unvaccinated, a Danish study has revealed. The study found that the people infected with the new sub-variant, which quickly became dominant in Denmark, were roughly 33 per cent more likely to infect others, compared to those infected with BA.1—the Omicron variant. The study, led by a team of scientists affiliated with the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Health Ministry among other institutions, has not yet been submitted for peer review. "We conclude that Omicron BA.2 is inherently substantially more transmissible than BA.1, and that it also possesses immune-evasive properties that further reduce the protective effect of vaccination against infection," the study's researchers said. Also read | Only 5% fully vaccinated in poor countries compared to 72% in rich nations: Study The study further stated that BA.2 is highly immune to vaccines and can even infect vaccinated and booster-vaccinated people. But vaccines still played an important role, the study underlined, since both booster-vaccinated and fully vaccinated individuals were less like to get infected and transmit either subvariants, compared to those not vaccinated. Apart from Denmark, BA.2 cases have also been detected in the United States, Britain, Sweden and Norway. Also read | Explainer: What is new coronavirus NeoCov that kills 1 in 3 patients? Find out the truth More than half of the states in the US have detected BA.2, with a total of 194 confirmed cases nationwide so far, according to a global database of Covid variants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a statement Friday, said BA.2 is currently circulating at a very low level in the US But in Denmark, BA.2 sub-variant accounts for roughly 82 per cent of its cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron sub-variant highly contagious than original, can even infect booster-vaccinated people: Study

The BA.2 Omicron sub-variant has rapidly infected people in Denmark, and is transmitting even faster than the original Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Study: Omicron sub-variant BA.2 more contagious, 39% of infected patients likely to infect others

Countries around the world are battling a fresh wave of COVID-19 and the highly contagious Omicron variant of the virus. While some have ramped up testing and vaccination measures many are now bringing back stricter curbs in order to tackle the disease.

Countries battle fresh wave of Coronavirus cases

The BCCI has had a tough time to host the last two IPL seasons. IPL 2020 was held entirely in the UAE whereas the IPL 2021 season took place in two halves, in India and the Middle East. While the 2020 edition was delayed by over five&nbsp;months due to the Covid-19 virus, the previous edition was also severely affected when at mid-way the tournament was postponed indefinitely due to the second wave of Covid-19 in India.

The second half of IPL 14 finally took place in late 2021 in the UAE. Hence, all eyes are on the BCCI as to where they will host the 15th edition. Amid the current Covid-19 wave slowing down in the country and restrictions being lifted nationwide, BCCI is all but set to host the upcoming season in India.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishan-kishan-to-pat-cummins-final-list-of-players-with-highest-base-price-of-rs-2-crore-for-ipl-mega-auction-449664">Ishan Kishan to Pat Cummins: Final list of players with highest base price of Rs 2 crore for IPL mega auction</a>

A BCCI official, on the matter, confirmed that the league will 100% be held in the country. The official told the&nbsp;Indian Express, "It will be in India,” on being asked the burning question. On the other hand, the ten franchises have urged the board to finalise the venue of the league ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. For the unversed, the auction will be held in mid-February in Bengaluru.

Regarding the venus of IPL 2022, many reports&nbsp;suggested that BCCI have kept Maharashtra as an option for the league stages&nbsp;-- taking two or three venues into account -- along with Ahmedabad to host the playoffs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-warner-or-dhawan-chopra-predicts-indian-youngster-as-most-expensive-opener-in-ipl-2022-auction-449533">Not Warner or Dhawan! Chopra predicts Indian youngster as 'most expensive opener' in IPL 2022 auction</a>

Earlier, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah had stated that the board will leave 'no stone unturned'&nbsp;to host the entire forthcoming season in the country.

"I can tell you that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that IPL stays in India. The BCCI has not compromised on the health and safety of its stakeholders in the past and will concurrently work on Plan B since the COVID-19 situation with new variants remains fluid. The mega IPL Auction will take place on February 12-13th and we will lock in venues before that," BCCI secretary Jay Shah had earlier confirmed in a statement.

The BCCI has had a tough time to host the last two IPL seasons. IPL 2020 was held entirely in the UAE whereas the IPL 2021 season took place in two halves, in India and the Middle East.

The BCCI has had a tough time to host the last two IPL seasons. IPL 2020 was held entirely in the UAE whereas the IPL 2021 season took place in two halves, in India and the Middle East. While the 2020 edition was delayed by over five months due to the Covid-19 virus, the previous edition was also severely affected when at mid-way the tournament was postponed indefinitely due to the second wave of Covid-19 in India. The second half of IPL 14 finally took place in late 2021 in the UAE. Hence, all eyes are on the BCCI as to where they will host the 15th edition. Amid the current Covid-19 wave slowing down in the country and restrictions being lifted nationwide, BCCI is all but set to host the upcoming season in India. ALSO READ | Ishan Kishan to Pat Cummins: Final list of players with highest base price of Rs 2 crore for IPL mega auction A BCCI official, on the matter, confirmed that the league will 100% be held in the country. The official told the Indian Express, "It will be in India,” on being asked the burning question. On the other hand, the ten franchises have urged the board to finalise the venue of the league ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. For the unversed, the auction will be held in mid-February in Bengaluru. Regarding the venus of IPL 2022, many reports suggested that BCCI have kept Maharashtra as an option for the league stages -- taking two or three venues into account -- along with Ahmedabad to host the playoffs. ALSO READ | Not Warner or Dhawan! Chopra predicts Indian youngster as 'most expensive opener' in IPL 2022 auction Earlier, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah had stated that the board will leave 'no stone unturned' to host the entire forthcoming season in the country. "I can tell you that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that IPL stays in India. The BCCI has not compromised on the health and safety of its stakeholders in the past and will concurrently work on Plan B since the COVID-19 situation with new variants remains fluid. The mega IPL Auction will take place on February 12-13th and we will lock in venues before that," BCCI secretary Jay Shah had earlier confirmed in a statement.

IPL 2022: Mega event to be held in India; franchises eager for BCCI to finalise venues - Report

About two thousand people took to streets of Paris to express anger against the vaccine pass. The protesters lashed out at the vaccine passes which they said were discriminatory and excessive.

Demonstrators rallied behind far-right figure, Florian Philippot, who has called for the demonstration and has been a vocal opponent to health restrictions in France. Other smaller protests took place simultaneously in the French capital.

"The vaccine pass is segregation in plain sight and the worst part is that a lot of people support this segregation," protester Alain, who declined to give a last name, told Reuters.

The French vaccine pass took effect on Jan. 24, replacing a health pass that showed proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or past infection.

Protesters held up placards reading "Freedom" and waved flags of various countries, notably Canada, where a movement of truck drivers opposing health measures is under way.

The vaccine pass briefly brought new momentum to weekly street protests against COVID-related restrictions on public life, but turnout consistently decreased in recent weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

About two thousand people took to streets of Paris to express anger against the vaccine pass. The protesters lashed out at the vaccine passes which they said were discriminatory and excessive.

About two thousand people took to streets of Paris to express anger against the vaccine pass. The protesters lashed out at the vaccine passes which they said were discriminatory and excessive. Demonstrators rallied behind far-right figure, Florian Philippot, who has called for the demonstration and has been a vocal opponent to health restrictions in France. Other smaller protests took place simultaneously in the French capital. "The vaccine pass is segregation in plain sight and the worst part is that a lot of people support this segregation," protester Alain, who declined to give a last name, told Reuters. The French vaccine pass took effect on Jan. 24, replacing a health pass that showed proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or past infection. Protesters held up placards reading "Freedom" and waved flags of various countries, notably Canada, where a movement of truck drivers opposing health measures is under way. The vaccine pass briefly brought new momentum to weekly street protests against COVID-related restrictions on public life, but turnout consistently decreased in recent weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands protest France's vaccine pass, call it discriminatory

The White House on Friday said that nearly 60 million US households have ordered the free, rapid Covid tests. While speaking to the reporters, White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that “tens of millions of tests have gone out the door."&nbsp;

However, she did not provide an exact figure of the households that have already received the tests.

As per local media reports, each household is allotted four free Covid tests from the Biden administration. This means that 240 million tests have been ordered through COVIDTests.gov.

The test website was officially launched on January 19.

Two days laters, the White House launched a phone line. This was launched for people who cannot easily access the internet.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-omicron-leads-to-a-higher-death-toll-than-falls-delta-wave-448725">Also read |&nbsp;US: Omicron leads to a higher death toll than fall's Delta wave</a>

Meanwhile, a recent report revealed that the Omicron variant which is driving a new wave of cases in the US, is causing a higher daily American death toll than the previous Delta variant. Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at the University of California said, "Omicron will push us over a million deaths."

As per the AP-NORC poll which was revealed this week, most Americans have started taking precautionary measures against the virus than before the omicron surge.&nbsp;

Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at the University of California said, "Omicron will push us over a million deaths."

“That will cause a lot of soul searching. There will be a lot of discussion about what we could have done differently, how many of the deaths were preventable," he further added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House on Friday said that nearly 60 million US households have ordered the free, rapid Covid tests. While speaking to the reporters, White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that “tens of millions of tests have gone out the door.

The White House on Friday said that nearly 60 million US households have ordered the free, rapid Covid tests. While speaking to the reporters, White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that “tens of millions of tests have gone out the door." However, she did not provide an exact figure of the households that have already received the tests. As per local media reports, each household is allotted four free Covid tests from the Biden administration. This means that 240 million tests have been ordered through COVIDTests.gov. The test website was officially launched on January 19. Two days laters, the White House launched a phone line. This was launched for people who cannot easily access the internet. Also read | US: Omicron leads to a higher death toll than fall's Delta wave Meanwhile, a recent report revealed that the Omicron variant which is driving a new wave of cases in the US, is causing a higher daily American death toll than the previous Delta variant. Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at the University of California said, "Omicron will push us over a million deaths." As per the AP-NORC poll which was revealed this week, most Americans have started taking precautionary measures against the virus than before the omicron surge. Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at the University of California said, "Omicron will push us over a million deaths." “That will cause a lot of soul searching. There will be a lot of discussion about what we could have done differently, how many of the deaths were preventable," he further added. (With inputs from agencies)

As Omicron cases surge, 60M households ordered free Covid rapid tests, says White House

Omicron variant which is driving a new wave of cases in the US, is causing a higher daily American death toll than the previous Delta variant. Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at the University of California said, "Omicron will push us over a million deaths."

“That will cause a lot of soul searching. There will be a lot of discussion about what we could have done differently, how many of the deaths were preventable," he further added.&nbsp;

The average death toll is now at the same level as last February.

As per the AP-NORC poll which was revealed this week, most Americans have started taking precautionary measures against the virus than before the omicron surge.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ba2-subvariant-more-transmissible-than-original-omicron-scientists-448644">Also read |&nbsp;BA.2 subvariant more transmissible than original Omicron: Scientists</a>

Meanwhile, scientists have recently warned that the new subvariant, BA.2, is 1.5 time more transmissible than the original Omicron strain.

The Omicron variant BA.2 also known as a "stealth Omicron" has surged in UK and Denmark.

According to Denmark's Statens Serum Institute, the new sublineage is 1.5 times more transmissible than the original Omicron strain also known as BA.1.

The World Health Organisation(WHO) hasn't declared BA.2 as a "variant of concern" but the health body said it is monitoring the situation as it spreads worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant which is driving a new wave of cases in the US, is causing a higher daily American death toll than the previous Delta variant. Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at the University of California said, "Omicron will push us over a million deaths.

Omicron variant which is driving a new wave of cases in the US, is causing a higher daily American death toll than the previous Delta variant. Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at the University of California said, "Omicron will push us over a million deaths." “That will cause a lot of soul searching. There will be a lot of discussion about what we could have done differently, how many of the deaths were preventable," he further added. The average death toll is now at the same level as last February. As per the AP-NORC poll which was revealed this week, most Americans have started taking precautionary measures against the virus than before the omicron surge. Also read | BA.2 subvariant more transmissible than original Omicron: Scientists Meanwhile, scientists have recently warned that the new subvariant, BA.2, is 1.5 time more transmissible than the original Omicron strain. The Omicron variant BA.2 also known as a "stealth Omicron" has surged in UK and Denmark. According to Denmark's Statens Serum Institute, the new sublineage is 1.5 times more transmissible than the original Omicron strain also known as BA.1. The World Health Organisation(WHO) hasn't declared BA.2 as a "variant of concern" but the health body said it is monitoring the situation as it spreads worldwide. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Omicron leads to a higher death toll than fall's Delta wave

England is now returning to plan A, which basically means learning to live with a disease that is probably here to stay.

England is now returning to plan A, which means learning to live with the COVID-19

The US' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level-3 Travel Health Notice for India due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country.

US issues Level-3 Travel Health Notice for India despite having higher average cases than India

As the world continues to battle against the Omicron wave, the World Health Organisation(WHO) warned that sub-variants have been on the rise worldwide.

Reports say the BA.2 variant dubbed the "stealth Omicron" has been on the rise in UK and Denmark.

What is the BA.2 variant?

Amid the surge in Omicron cases, British health officials have detected growing cases of BA.2 variant. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) at least 400 cases have been detected in the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-survives-over-21-hours-on-skin-and-more-than-8-days-on-plastic-study-447942">Also Read |&nbsp;Omicron survives over 21 hours on skin and more than 8 days on plastic: Study</a>

Omicron has three sub-strains - BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3.

The UK health agency has classified BA.2 sub-lineage as a variant under investigation (VUI) amid sharp rise in new cases of the variant.

Virologist Tom Peacock in a tweet said "virology labs worldwide are currently scrambling to assess BA.2" while asserting that there is no strong data available on it. "Even with slightly higher transmissibility this absolutely is not a Delta," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Several countries are near, or even past the peak of BA.1 waves. I would be very surprised if BA.2 caused a second wave at this point. Even with slightly higher transmissibility this absolutely is not a Delta -&gt; Omicron change and instead is likely to be slower and more subtle.
— Tom Peacock (@PeacockFlu) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeacockFlu/status/1483768677883392002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Assuming BA.2 is antigenically similar but more transmissible it is likely to exacerbate existing Omicron waves," Peacock added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Update 1: <a href="https://twitter.com/UKHSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKHSA</a> has designated BA.2 a VUI (similar to WHO catagory VOI), separate from BA.1 due to the continuing growth in the UK.<a href="https://t.co/bw9gEquALa">https://t.co/bw9gEquALa</a>
— Tom Peacock (@PeacockFlu) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeacockFlu/status/1484496201798103045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The BA.2 has reportedly spread to 40 countries including Sweden, Germany, Norway, France, Singapore, the Philippines and India. &nbsp;

What is WHO's view on BA.2 variant?

The UN health body hasn't designated the new Omicron sub-variant as a "variant of concern" although it said it is monitoring the situation closely as cases rise across the world.

WHO said the overall risk involving&nbsp;Omicron remains high amid record number of cases worldwide with the new variant accounting for 89 &nbsp;per cent cases and&nbsp;Delta comprising of 10.7 COVID-19 cases.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the world continues to battle against the Omicron wave, the World Health Organisation(WHO) warned that sub-variants have been on the rise worldwide. Reports say the BA.

As the world continues to battle against the Omicron wave, the World Health Organisation(WHO) warned that sub-variants have been on the rise worldwide. Reports say the BA.2 variant dubbed the "stealth Omicron" has been on the rise in UK and Denmark. What is the BA.2 variant? Amid the surge in Omicron cases, British health officials have detected growing cases of BA.2 variant. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) at least 400 cases have been detected in the UK. Also Read | Omicron survives over 21 hours on skin and more than 8 days on plastic: Study Omicron has three sub-strains - BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3. The UK health agency has classified BA.2 sub-lineage as a variant under investigation (VUI) amid sharp rise in new cases of the variant. Virologist Tom Peacock in a tweet said "virology labs worldwide are currently scrambling to assess BA.2" while asserting that there is no strong data available on it. "Even with slightly higher transmissibility this absolutely is not a Delta," he added. Several countries are near, or even past the peak of BA.1 waves. I would be very surprised if BA.2 caused a second wave at this point. Even with slightly higher transmissibility this absolutely is not a Delta -> Omicron change and instead is likely to be slower and more subtle. — Tom Peacock (@PeacockFlu) January 19, 2022 × "Assuming BA.2 is antigenically similar but more transmissible it is likely to exacerbate existing Omicron waves," Peacock added. Update 1: @UKHSA has designated BA.2 a VUI (similar to WHO catagory VOI), separate from BA.1 due to the continuing growth in the UK.https://t.co/bw9gEquALa — Tom Peacock (@PeacockFlu) January 21, 2022 × The BA.2 has reportedly spread to 40 countries including Sweden, Germany, Norway, France, Singapore, the Philippines and India. What is WHO's view on BA.2 variant? The UN health body hasn't designated the new Omicron sub-variant as a "variant of concern" although it said it is monitoring the situation closely as cases rise across the world. WHO said the overall risk involving Omicron remains high amid record number of cases worldwide with the new variant accounting for 89 per cent cases and Delta comprising of 10.7 COVID-19 cases. (With inputs from Agencies)

Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'?

The European Union’s health regulator gave its nod for the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 anti-viral pill on Thursday.

In a statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it had “recommended authorising Paxlovid for treating COVID-19 in adults who... are at increased risk of the disease becoming severe.”

Paxlovid has so far been authorised for people aged 12 and older in a handful of countries including the United States, Canada and Israel.

The European Union had allowed member states to use it ahead of formal approval as an emergency measure against Omicron, reports news agency AFP.

The drug, which comprises two types of tablet, is the first COVID-19 therapy which can be taken at home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-exit-from-zero-covid-19-china-struggles-to-find-policy-off-ramp-448101" hreflang="en">No exit from zero-COVID-19: China struggles to find policy off-ramp</a>

It is usually prescribed to high-risk patients from getting so sick that they need to be hospitalised.

It is taken twice a day for five days in combination with a second medicine called ritonavir, a generic antiviral.

Unlike vaccines, it does not target the ever-evolving spike protein which the coronavirus uses to invade cells.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-survives-over-21-hours-on-skin-and-more-than-8-days-on-plastic-study-447942" hreflang="en">Omicron survives over 21 hours on skin and more than 8 days on plastic: Study</a>

The company in its&nbsp;preliminary lab studies concluded that the pill, in theory, is more variant-proof than the vaccines.

In a Pfizer study involving more than 2,200 people at high risk for developing serious COVID-19, it was found that Paxlovid reduced the risk of hospitalisation or death by 89 per cent, compared with a placebo, when taken within three days of first symptoms of illness.

When taken within five days, the drug reduced the risk of hospitalisation and death by 88 per cent, the study conducted by the company claimed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union’s health regulator gave its nod for the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 anti-viral pill on Thursday. In a statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it had “recommended authorising Paxlovid for treating COVID-19 in adults who.

The European Union’s health regulator gave its nod for the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 anti-viral pill on Thursday. In a statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it had “recommended authorising Paxlovid for treating COVID-19 in adults who... are at increased risk of the disease becoming severe.” Paxlovid has so far been authorised for people aged 12 and older in a handful of countries including the United States, Canada and Israel. The European Union had allowed member states to use it ahead of formal approval as an emergency measure against Omicron, reports news agency AFP. The drug, which comprises two types of tablet, is the first COVID-19 therapy which can be taken at home. Also read | No exit from zero-COVID-19: China struggles to find policy off-ramp It is usually prescribed to high-risk patients from getting so sick that they need to be hospitalised. It is taken twice a day for five days in combination with a second medicine called ritonavir, a generic antiviral. Unlike vaccines, it does not target the ever-evolving spike protein which the coronavirus uses to invade cells. Also read | Omicron survives over 21 hours on skin and more than 8 days on plastic: Study The company in its preliminary lab studies concluded that the pill, in theory, is more variant-proof than the vaccines. In a Pfizer study involving more than 2,200 people at high risk for developing serious COVID-19, it was found that Paxlovid reduced the risk of hospitalisation or death by 89 per cent, compared with a placebo, when taken within three days of first symptoms of illness. When taken within five days, the drug reduced the risk of hospitalisation and death by 88 per cent, the study conducted by the company claimed. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union health regulator gives nod for use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill

Moderna Inc has announced that it has started clinical trials of a booster dose of a vaccine that is specifically designed to fight the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. The aim of the trial is to assess safety, tolerability and immune response generated by the booster dose.&nbsp;

The trials will include a total of 600 adults. Out of these, 300 adults will be those who have already received two doses of Moderna's Covid vaccine at least six months ago. The other half will be those who have received two doses plus the previously authorised booster dose.

The booster will be evaluated as both a third and a fourth dose.

Moderna chief executive Stephane Bancel, in a statement, said, "We are reassured by the antibody persistence against Omicron at six months after the currently authorised. Nonetheless, given the long-term threat demonstrated by Omicron's immune escape, we are advancing our Omicron-specific variant vaccine booster candidate and we are pleased to begin this part of our Phase 2 study."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-is-the-new-stealth-omicron-447976">Also read |&nbsp;Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'?</a>

Earlier, Moderna had claimed that its vaccine helps prevent the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.

Dr Paul Burton, Moderna's Chief Medical Officer, in an interview said, "It's highly effective, and it's extremely safe. I think it will protect people through the coming holiday period and through these winter months, when we're going to see the most severe pressure of Omicron."

As per the company, a two-dose course of its vaccine generated low neutralising antibodies against the variant. However, a 50 microgram booster dose increased neutralising antibodies against the variant 37 fold. A 100 microgram booster dose of the same vaccine drove antibody over 80 times the pre-boost levels.

(With inputs from agencies)

Moderna Inc has announced that it has started clinical trials of a booster dose of a vaccine that is specifically designed to fight the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Moderna Inc has announced that it has started clinical trials of a booster dose of a vaccine that is specifically designed to fight the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. The aim of the trial is to assess safety, tolerability and immune response generated by the booster dose. The trials will include a total of 600 adults. Out of these, 300 adults will be those who have already received two doses of Moderna's Covid vaccine at least six months ago. The other half will be those who have received two doses plus the previously authorised booster dose. The booster will be evaluated as both a third and a fourth dose. Moderna chief executive Stephane Bancel, in a statement, said, "We are reassured by the antibody persistence against Omicron at six months after the currently authorised. Nonetheless, given the long-term threat demonstrated by Omicron's immune escape, we are advancing our Omicron-specific variant vaccine booster candidate and we are pleased to begin this part of our Phase 2 study." Also read | Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'? Earlier, Moderna had claimed that its vaccine helps prevent the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. Dr Paul Burton, Moderna's Chief Medical Officer, in an interview said, "It's highly effective, and it's extremely safe. I think it will protect people through the coming holiday period and through these winter months, when we're going to see the most severe pressure of Omicron." As per the company, a two-dose course of its vaccine generated low neutralising antibodies against the variant. However, a 50 microgram booster dose increased neutralising antibodies against the variant 37 fold. A 100 microgram booster dose of the same vaccine drove antibody over 80 times the pre-boost levels. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna begins trial of Omicron-specific vaccine for adults

A study by Japanese researchers has claimed that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 can remain alive on skin and plastic more than the earlier variants like Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma.

The researchers from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan analysed the differences in viral environmental stability between the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and all variants of concern (VOCs).

The yet-to-be peer-reviewed study, posted recently on the preprint repository BioRxiv, stated that Omicron can survive on the skin for over 21 hours and more than eight days on any plastic surface.

Hence, it might be the reason why Omicron spreads faster than other strains, the study noted.

“The high environmental stability of these VOCs could increase the risk of contact transmission and contribute to their spread,” the authors of the study said.

“This study showed that Omicron has the highest environmental stability among VOCs, which might be one of the factors that have allowed the variant to replace the&nbsp;Delta variant&nbsp;and spread rapidly,” they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/can-weed-cure-covid-cannabis-compound-stops-coronavirus-in-test-tube-447858" hreflang="en">Can weed cure Covid? Cannabis compound stops coronavirus in test tube</a>

The study found that the Omicron variant can survive up to 193.5 hours on plastic surfaces and 21.1 hours on the skin.

In comparison, the original strain and other later variants like Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants survived for 56 hours, 191.3 hours, 156.6 hours, 59.3 hours, and 114 hours, respectively.

Whereas on the skin, the average virus survival times were 8.6 hours for the original version, 19.6 hours for Alpha, 19.1 hours for Beta, 11 hours for Gamma and 16.8 hours for Delta, they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-research-hints-at-4-factors-that-may-increase-chances-of-long-covid-447776" hreflang="en">New research hints at 4 factors that may increase chances of long COVID</a>

The findings also analysed the effectiveness of ethanol-based sanitisers on the variants.

The research noted that Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants showed a slight increase in resistance to ethanol in response to increased environmental stability.

Whereas on the skin surface, all VOCs were completely inactivated by 15-second exposure to 35 per cent ethanol.

"Therefore, it is highly recommended that current infection control (hand hygiene) practices use disinfectants... as proposed by the World Health Organisation,” the researchers added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A study by Japanese researchers has claimed that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 can remain alive on skin and plastic more than the earlier variants like Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma.

A study by Japanese researchers has claimed that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 can remain alive on skin and plastic more than the earlier variants like Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma. The researchers from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan analysed the differences in viral environmental stability between the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and all variants of concern (VOCs). The yet-to-be peer-reviewed study, posted recently on the preprint repository BioRxiv, stated that Omicron can survive on the skin for over 21 hours and more than eight days on any plastic surface. Hence, it might be the reason why Omicron spreads faster than other strains, the study noted. “The high environmental stability of these VOCs could increase the risk of contact transmission and contribute to their spread,” the authors of the study said. “This study showed that Omicron has the highest environmental stability among VOCs, which might be one of the factors that have allowed the variant to replace the Delta variant and spread rapidly,” they said. Also read | Can weed cure Covid? Cannabis compound stops coronavirus in test tube The study found that the Omicron variant can survive up to 193.5 hours on plastic surfaces and 21.1 hours on the skin. In comparison, the original strain and other later variants like Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants survived for 56 hours, 191.3 hours, 156.6 hours, 59.3 hours, and 114 hours, respectively. Whereas on the skin, the average virus survival times were 8.6 hours for the original version, 19.6 hours for Alpha, 19.1 hours for Beta, 11 hours for Gamma and 16.8 hours for Delta, they said. Also read | New research hints at 4 factors that may increase chances of long COVID The findings also analysed the effectiveness of ethanol-based sanitisers on the variants. The research noted that Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants showed a slight increase in resistance to ethanol in response to increased environmental stability. Whereas on the skin surface, all VOCs were completely inactivated by 15-second exposure to 35 per cent ethanol. "Therefore, it is highly recommended that current infection control (hand hygiene) practices use disinfectants... as proposed by the World Health Organisation,” the researchers added. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron survives over 21 hours on skin and more than 8 days on plastic: Study

The Netherlands has announced to ease Covid restrictions—one of the harshest in Europe—despite witnessing rising cases.

Cafes, bars and restaurants will be allowed to open until 10 pm, though to gain entry patrons will be required to show a negative test result, prove they are vaccinated or have recently recovered from a coronavirus infection.

Nightclubs will remain closed, and capacity at sporting and cultural events will be limited to 1,250 people.

The new rules will be effective until March 8.

“We are taking a big step today to unlock the Netherlands while the infections numbers are really going through the roof,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday evening, adding that the move was not without risks.

For more than a month, restaurants and cultural venues have been closed, while strict quarantine rules have shut a quarter of primary school classes in the Netherlands.

The Dutch prime minister had been facing the ire of hospitality sector employees, who were left disappointed by the government's decision to allow shops, gyms, hairdressers and sex workers to resume business on January 15 while their sector was kept in lockdown.

There were widespread protests last week by business owners ranging from cafes to museums to theatres who opened in defiance of the restrictions.

Despite the harsh restrictions, new Covid cases have continued to rise. On Tuesday, the National Institute for Health (RIVM) reported a record 366,120 cases for the previous week, a rise of 51 per cent

Nearly 90 per cent of people in the Netherlands have now been vaccinated, reported the BBC.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Netherlands has announced to ease Covid restrictions—one of the harshest in Europe—despite witnessing rising cases. Cafes, bars and restaurants will be allowed to open until 10 pm, though to gain entry patrons will be required to show a negative test result, prove they are vaccinated or have recently recovered from a coronavirus infection.

The Netherlands has announced to ease Covid restrictions—one of the harshest in Europe—despite witnessing rising cases. Cafes, bars and restaurants will be allowed to open until 10 pm, though to gain entry patrons will be required to show a negative test result, prove they are vaccinated or have recently recovered from a coronavirus infection. Nightclubs will remain closed, and capacity at sporting and cultural events will be limited to 1,250 people. The new rules will be effective until March 8. “We are taking a big step today to unlock the Netherlands while the infections numbers are really going through the roof,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday evening, adding that the move was not without risks. For more than a month, restaurants and cultural venues have been closed, while strict quarantine rules have shut a quarter of primary school classes in the Netherlands. The Dutch prime minister had been facing the ire of hospitality sector employees, who were left disappointed by the government's decision to allow shops, gyms, hairdressers and sex workers to resume business on January 15 while their sector was kept in lockdown. There were widespread protests last week by business owners ranging from cafes to museums to theatres who opened in defiance of the restrictions. Despite the harsh restrictions, new Covid cases have continued to rise. On Tuesday, the National Institute for Health (RIVM) reported a record 366,120 cases for the previous week, a rise of 51 per cent Nearly 90 per cent of people in the Netherlands have now been vaccinated, reported the BBC. (With inputs from agencies)

Under fire, Dutch PM eases Covid restrictions despite rising cases

Researchers have revealed that cannabidiol (CBD), which is an active ingredient found in cannabis might help block infection with the virus that causes coronavirus (COVID-19).&nbsp;

It has been established after the laboratory studies that CBD has shown promising results, however, further investigation is needed to produce a concrete result as the possible effect still needs to be tested on humans.

It should be noted that many potential COVID-19 treatments that showed promise in test tubes have not worked or benefitted researchers during Covid studies/trials.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-funding-to-who-fell-by-25-during-the-pandemic-report-447722">US funding to WHO fell by 25% during the pandemic: Report</a>

However, Marsha Rosner of the University of Chicago, who led a team that found CBD might help curb Covid infection in laboratory experiments, says findings will make a "strong case" for trials.&nbsp;

She said as quoted by Reuters: "Our findings do not say this will work in patients. Our findings make a strong case for a clinical trial."&nbsp;

Since it has not been tested on humans, the finding should not be treated as any sort of recommendation to buy and consume CBD oils or smoke marijuana to prevent coronavirus infection.

Using small doses of highly purified CBD that approximate what patients receive in an oral drug already approved for severe epilepsy, Rosner and colleagues found that CBD did not keep the coronavirus from infecting cells in test tubes.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-pfizer-and-biontech-begin-clinical-trial-of-omicron-based-vaccine-447469">COVID-19: Pfizer and BioNTech begin clinical trial of Omicron-based vaccine</a>

As per a report in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abi6110">Science Advances</a>, the researcher found that CBD acted soon after the virus entered the cells. It further blocked it from making copies of itself in part via effects on the inflammatory protein interferon. They found similar effects in infected mice.&nbsp;

"We don't know yet if CBD can prevent COVID, but we think our results provide a strong case for conducting a clinical trial. That's really our mantra: We want a clinical trial," Rosner told Live Science.

Covid cases have increased exponentially in the recent days, especially after the&nbsp;emergence of 'variant of concern' Omicron, which was detected in November last year.&nbsp;

"Our results suggest that CBD and its metabolite 7-OH-CBD can block SARS-CoV-2 infection at early and even later stages of infection. The mechanism appears to be mediated in part by activation of the IRE1α RNase and interferon pathways," part of the study read.&nbsp;

"In addition to these cell-based findings, pre-clinical studies show that CBD treatment reduced viral titers in the lungs and nasal turbinates of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Finally, analysis of a national sample of patients with active records of 100 mg/ml CBD consumption at the time of COVID testing revealed an association with substantially fewer SARS-CoV-2 positive test results," it added.&nbsp;

Researchers have revealed that cannabidiol (CBD), which is an active ingredient found in cannabis might help block infection with the virus that causes coronavirus (COVID-19).

Researchers have revealed that cannabidiol (CBD), which is an active ingredient found in cannabis might help block infection with the virus that causes coronavirus (COVID-19). It has been established after the laboratory studies that CBD has shown promising results, however, further investigation is needed to produce a concrete result as the possible effect still needs to be tested on humans. It should be noted that many potential COVID-19 treatments that showed promise in test tubes have not worked or benefitted researchers during Covid studies/trials. ALSO READ | US funding to WHO fell by 25% during the pandemic: Report However, Marsha Rosner of the University of Chicago, who led a team that found CBD might help curb Covid infection in laboratory experiments, says findings will make a "strong case" for trials. She said as quoted by Reuters: "Our findings do not say this will work in patients. Our findings make a strong case for a clinical trial." Since it has not been tested on humans, the finding should not be treated as any sort of recommendation to buy and consume CBD oils or smoke marijuana to prevent coronavirus infection. Using small doses of highly purified CBD that approximate what patients receive in an oral drug already approved for severe epilepsy, Rosner and colleagues found that CBD did not keep the coronavirus from infecting cells in test tubes. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Pfizer and BioNTech begin clinical trial of Omicron-based vaccine As per a report in Science Advances, the researcher found that CBD acted soon after the virus entered the cells. It further blocked it from making copies of itself in part via effects on the inflammatory protein interferon. They found similar effects in infected mice. "We don't know yet if CBD can prevent COVID, but we think our results provide a strong case for conducting a clinical trial. That's really our mantra: We want a clinical trial," Rosner told Live Science. Covid cases have increased exponentially in the recent days, especially after the emergence of 'variant of concern' Omicron, which was detected in November last year. "Our results suggest that CBD and its metabolite 7-OH-CBD can block SARS-CoV-2 infection at early and even later stages of infection. The mechanism appears to be mediated in part by activation of the IRE1α RNase and interferon pathways," part of the study read. "In addition to these cell-based findings, pre-clinical studies show that CBD treatment reduced viral titers in the lungs and nasal turbinates of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Finally, analysis of a national sample of patients with active records of 100 mg/ml CBD consumption at the time of COVID testing revealed an association with substantially fewer SARS-CoV-2 positive test results," it added.

Can weed cure Covid? Cannabis compound stops coronavirus in test tube

Denmark aims to scrap all remaining domestic COVID-19 restrictions next week, following on from similar announcements in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands in the past week despite high numbers of Omicron infections in Europe.

The Nordic country already loosened restrictions two weeks ago after a month-long lockdown, allowing cinemas and music venues to reopen, but some rules remain, including limited opening hours for restaurants and mandatory face masks.

In a letter to parliament, Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said the government intends to follow recommendations issued by an expert panel on Tuesday to scrap all restrictions by Feb 1.

The government's decision, which is subject to parliamentary approval, will be the most far-reaching easing of curbs seen among the Nordic countries.

Nightclubs can reopen and restaurants will be able to serve alcohol after 10 pm; customers won't need to present vaccine passes upon entry. Commuters can take the bus without having to wear a face mask and shops can lift limits on customer numbers.

If the changes are approved, the only rules that will remain are those covering test and isolation on entry to Denmark, which will stay in place for another four weeks.

The UK, Ireland and the Netherlands have in the last week announced similar decisions to remove most coronavirus curbs even though infections with the Omicron variant remain high. Among reasons given were case numbers dropping below peaks and lower numbers of hospitalisations than feared.

Denmark logged 46,590 new cases on Tuesday, slightly below a peak of 47,831 on Friday. The number of coronavirus-related hospitalisations rose to 918, the highest in a year.

But health authorities have estimated between 30%-40% of those currently in hospital with a positive coronavirus test are there for other reasons than COVID-19.

"There has been a decoupling between the trend that was applicable earlier in the epidemic, between increasing infection and increase in COVID hospitalisations," the expert advisory panel said in a report dated Jan 21.

Since a peak of 82 on Jan. 6, the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care has fallen steadily to 44 on Tuesday. 
&nbsp;

Denmark aims to scrap all remaining domestic COVID-19 restrictions next week, following on from similar announcements in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands in the past week despite high numbers of Omicron infections in Europe.

Denmark aims to scrap all remaining domestic COVID-19 restrictions next week, following on from similar announcements in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands in the past week despite high numbers of Omicron infections in Europe. The Nordic country already loosened restrictions two weeks ago after a month-long lockdown, allowing cinemas and music venues to reopen, but some rules remain, including limited opening hours for restaurants and mandatory face masks. In a letter to parliament, Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said the government intends to follow recommendations issued by an expert panel on Tuesday to scrap all restrictions by Feb 1. The government's decision, which is subject to parliamentary approval, will be the most far-reaching easing of curbs seen among the Nordic countries. Nightclubs can reopen and restaurants will be able to serve alcohol after 10 pm; customers won't need to present vaccine passes upon entry. Commuters can take the bus without having to wear a face mask and shops can lift limits on customer numbers. If the changes are approved, the only rules that will remain are those covering test and isolation on entry to Denmark, which will stay in place for another four weeks. The UK, Ireland and the Netherlands have in the last week announced similar decisions to remove most coronavirus curbs even though infections with the Omicron variant remain high. Among reasons given were case numbers dropping below peaks and lower numbers of hospitalisations than feared. Denmark logged 46,590 new cases on Tuesday, slightly below a peak of 47,831 on Friday. The number of coronavirus-related hospitalisations rose to 918, the highest in a year. But health authorities have estimated between 30%-40% of those currently in hospital with a positive coronavirus test are there for other reasons than COVID-19. "There has been a decoupling between the trend that was applicable earlier in the epidemic, between increasing infection and increase in COVID hospitalisations," the expert advisory panel said in a report dated Jan 21. Since a peak of 82 on Jan. 6, the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care has fallen steadily to 44 on Tuesday.

Denmark aims to scrap all domestic COVID-19 curbs by February

Even as the world battles Coronavirus and its various variants, many people still remain unvaccinated. Popularly known as anti-vaxxers or vaccine-skeptics, even after months of vaccine being readily available, these people refuse to get vaccinated. This city is planning on taking harsh steps against its unvaccinated citizens. Find out more.

Tax for unvaccinated! A Canadian city is doing this

According to a US study, the Omicron wave has been less severe with shorter hospitalisations&nbsp;for patients and fewer deaths.

A study in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality weekly report said that hospitalisations was 29 per cent less than last winter's virus surge in the United States and considerably lower at 26 per cent during the Delta wave.

In fact, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said that the Omicron variant "appeared to be less severe than Delta". Tedros had asserted that the new variant cannot be categorised as "mild". The UN health body chief had added that those vaccinated faced less difficulties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-to-remove-restrictions-for-eligible-vaccinated-arrivals-including-from-india-see-changed-rules-447471">Also Read:&nbsp;UK to remove restrictions for eligible vaccinated arrivals</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US study found that the likely reason for the Omicron wave not becoming serious was due to high vaccination coverage in the country including booster doses and rise in immunity due to earlier infections.

The United States is the worst-hit country due to the virus with over 872,120 fatalities and over 72 million virus cases since the pandemic took hold in the country in March 2020.

The CDC maintained that the findings tallied with other data from South Africa, Scotland and England where the Omicron infection rate has been high.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-cases-falling-in-parts-of-the-us-but-expert-says-covid-19-is-here-to-stay-447353">Also Read:&nbsp;Omicron cases falling in parts of the US, but expert says COVID-19 is here to stay</a>

Earlier this month the CDC had said hospitalisations were up 33 per cent and deaths were up 40 per cent amid the Omicron wave as CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the COVID-19 cases are likely to peak in coming weeks.

The Omicron variant was discovered in South Africa in end November and has spread rapidly in the United States leading to new curbs.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to a US study, the Omicron wave has been less severe with shorter hospitalisations for patients and fewer deaths. A study in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality weekly report said that hospitalisations was 29 per cent less than last winter's virus surge in the United States and considerably lower at 26 per cent during the Delta wave.

According to a US study, the Omicron wave has been less severe with shorter hospitalisations for patients and fewer deaths. A study in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality weekly report said that hospitalisations was 29 per cent less than last winter's virus surge in the United States and considerably lower at 26 per cent during the Delta wave. In fact, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said that the Omicron variant "appeared to be less severe than Delta". Tedros had asserted that the new variant cannot be categorised as "mild". The UN health body chief had added that those vaccinated faced less difficulties. Also Read: UK to remove restrictions for eligible vaccinated arrivals The US study found that the likely reason for the Omicron wave not becoming serious was due to high vaccination coverage in the country including booster doses and rise in immunity due to earlier infections. The United States is the worst-hit country due to the virus with over 872,120 fatalities and over 72 million virus cases since the pandemic took hold in the country in March 2020. The CDC maintained that the findings tallied with other data from South Africa, Scotland and England where the Omicron infection rate has been high. Also Read: Omicron cases falling in parts of the US, but expert says COVID-19 is here to stay Earlier this month the CDC had said hospitalisations were up 33 per cent and deaths were up 40 per cent amid the Omicron wave as CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the COVID-19 cases are likely to peak in coming weeks. The Omicron variant was discovered in South Africa in end November and has spread rapidly in the United States leading to new curbs. (With inputs from Agencies)

Shorter hospitalisations, fewer deaths in Omicron wave: US study

The United Kingdom has made changes to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing measures for travellers arriving in the country from February 11 as the government has taken one step further to reopen the travel sector.&nbsp;

India-based news agencies reported that the change in rules is&nbsp;for fully vaccinated travellers, including those from India, arriving in the UK from next month.&nbsp;

As per a statement released by the authorities, all testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated travellers will be removed from 4:00am (local time) on 11 February.&nbsp;

The statement mentioned that the travel rules and measures have been simplified so that families can find options to travel abroad during the school holidays. The move is also a boost to the tourism industry.&nbsp;

The UK has been one of the countries where Omicron wreaked havoc after it emerged last year in November. It led to a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, putting pressure on Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with increased hospitalisation.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-johnson-kim-kardashian-novak-djokovic-heres-a-list-of-most-famous-covid-19-rulebreakers-444829">Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers</a>

Now, all testing requirements will be removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals and only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) is required.&nbsp;

The authorities also informed that those who are not recognised as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK.&nbsp;

Also, the children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection online on NHS COVID Pass from February 3 if they want to travel outside.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-cases-falling-in-parts-of-the-us-but-expert-says-covid-19-is-here-to-stay-447353">Omicron cases falling in parts of the US, but expert says COVID-19 is here to stay</a>

Impact on India

UK has removed COVID-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, including those from India.&nbsp;

UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the country will be connecting with key global markets and will recognise vaccine certificates from 16 more countries and territories including India, bringing the total list to over 180 countries and territories worldwide.&nbsp;

"We made the right calls at the right time and thanks to our vaccine and booster rollout it’s paying off — allowing us to safely remove nearly all COVID-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers. This final step in our stale and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for U.K. tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season," said Shapps.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-scraps-covid-tests-for-travellers-france-introduces-new-vaccine-pass-447394/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The United Kingdom has made changes to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing measures for travellers arriving in the country from February 11 as the government has taken one step further to reopen the travel sector.

The United Kingdom has made changes to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing measures for travellers arriving in the country from February 11 as the government has taken one step further to reopen the travel sector. India-based news agencies reported that the change in rules is for fully vaccinated travellers, including those from India, arriving in the UK from next month. As per a statement released by the authorities, all testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated travellers will be removed from 4:00am (local time) on 11 February. The statement mentioned that the travel rules and measures have been simplified so that families can find options to travel abroad during the school holidays. The move is also a boost to the tourism industry. The UK has been one of the countries where Omicron wreaked havoc after it emerged last year in November. It led to a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, putting pressure on Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with increased hospitalisation. IN PICS | Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers Now, all testing requirements will be removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals and only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) is required. The authorities also informed that those who are not recognised as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK. Also, the children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection online on NHS COVID Pass from February 3 if they want to travel outside. ALSO READ | Omicron cases falling in parts of the US, but expert says COVID-19 is here to stay Impact on India UK has removed COVID-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, including those from India. UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the country will be connecting with key global markets and will recognise vaccine certificates from 16 more countries and territories including India, bringing the total list to over 180 countries and territories worldwide. "We made the right calls at the right time and thanks to our vaccine and booster rollout it’s paying off — allowing us to safely remove nearly all COVID-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers. This final step in our stale and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for U.K. tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season," said Shapps. ×

COVID-19: UK to remove restrictions for eligible vaccinated arrivals, including from India. See changed rules

New coronavirus cases are falling in parts of the United States hit hardest by the fast-spreading Omicron variant, according to a Reuters analysis of public health data, offering an early indication the virus might once again be in retreat.

COVID-19 infections nationally are down by 12% in the last seven days compared with the prior seven, the analysis found.

Cases have decreased in states such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, plus Washington, D.C.

That's prompted some health officials to strike a cautious optimist tone on the trajectory of the pandemic.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease official, told MSNBC on Monday (January 24) that it's reached its peak in certain regions of the country.

Wafaa El-Sadr, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at Columbia University, said she expects the drop in cases to go from east to west across the US.

"I think we're beginning to see already peaking in the United States overall. But does that make that mean that we've peaked everywhere? The answer is no. That will be on a rolling basis across the country," she said.

The Reuters tally shows that nationally hospitalizations are now under 147,000, compared with a peak of 152,746 on January 20.

But in many parts of the US infections continue to increase.

And in some states, including North Carolina and Arkansas, COVID-19 hospitalizations are still setting records.

"I think it's a little bit premature to now change abruptly behaviors," Professor El-Sadr said. "I think what we should do is continue to do what makes sense. And by that, I mean, obviously is wearing masks indoors in any public setting."

The death toll from the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant continues to rise.

Coronavirus deaths hit an 11-month high on Sunday, January 23, climbing 11% in the past week when compared to the prior week, according to the Reuters tally.

COVID-19 fatalities are a lagging indicator, meaning their numbers usually rise a few weeks after new cases and hospitalizations.

On Monday, January 24, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that it was dangerous to assume&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;would herald the end of COVID-19's most acute phase, and exhorted nations to stay focused to beat the pandemic.

"I think for many people, there's been this sense of almost anticipation or a hope that there would be one day when COVID would be completely gone, that they'll wake up and say, OK, today there's no more COVID and yesterday there was COVID," said Professor El-Sadr. "This is very, very unlikely. It's very unlikely that we're going to be able to eliminate or even eradicate this virus."

The&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;death toll has now surpassed the height of deaths caused by the more severe Delta variant when the seven-day average peaked at 2,078 on Sept. 23 last year.

An average of 2,200 people a day, mostly unvaccinated, are now dying due to&nbsp;Omicron.

That is still below the peak of 3,300 lives lost a day during the surge in January 2021 as vaccines were just being rolled out.

New coronavirus cases are falling in parts of the United States hit hardest by the fast-spreading Omicron variant, according to a Reuters analysis of public health data, offering an early indication the virus might once again be in retreat.

New coronavirus cases are falling in parts of the United States hit hardest by the fast-spreading Omicron variant, according to a Reuters analysis of public health data, offering an early indication the virus might once again be in retreat. COVID-19 infections nationally are down by 12% in the last seven days compared with the prior seven, the analysis found. Cases have decreased in states such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, plus Washington, D.C. That's prompted some health officials to strike a cautious optimist tone on the trajectory of the pandemic. Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease official, told MSNBC on Monday (January 24) that it's reached its peak in certain regions of the country. Wafaa El-Sadr, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at Columbia University, said she expects the drop in cases to go from east to west across the US. "I think we're beginning to see already peaking in the United States overall. But does that make that mean that we've peaked everywhere? The answer is no. That will be on a rolling basis across the country," she said. The Reuters tally shows that nationally hospitalizations are now under 147,000, compared with a peak of 152,746 on January 20. But in many parts of the US infections continue to increase. And in some states, including North Carolina and Arkansas, COVID-19 hospitalizations are still setting records. "I think it's a little bit premature to now change abruptly behaviors," Professor El-Sadr said. "I think what we should do is continue to do what makes sense. And by that, I mean, obviously is wearing masks indoors in any public setting." The death toll from the Omicron variant continues to rise. Coronavirus deaths hit an 11-month high on Sunday, January 23, climbing 11% in the past week when compared to the prior week, according to the Reuters tally. COVID-19 fatalities are a lagging indicator, meaning their numbers usually rise a few weeks after new cases and hospitalizations. On Monday, January 24, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that it was dangerous to assume Omicron would herald the end of COVID-19's most acute phase, and exhorted nations to stay focused to beat the pandemic. "I think for many people, there's been this sense of almost anticipation or a hope that there would be one day when COVID would be completely gone, that they'll wake up and say, OK, today there's no more COVID and yesterday there was COVID," said Professor El-Sadr. "This is very, very unlikely. It's very unlikely that we're going to be able to eliminate or even eradicate this virus." The Omicron death toll has now surpassed the height of deaths caused by the more severe Delta variant when the seven-day average peaked at 2,078 on Sept. 23 last year. An average of 2,200 people a day, mostly unvaccinated, are now dying due to Omicron. That is still below the peak of 3,300 lives lost a day during the surge in January 2021 as vaccines were just being rolled out.

Omicron cases falling in parts of the US, but expert says COVID-19 is here to stay

"It's plausible that the region is moving towards a kind of pandemic endgame," says WHO's Hans Kluge; a plausible end to covid crisis for Europeans?

Is Europe eyeing an end to Covid-19 pandemic?

India’s Covid cases saw a marginal dip on Monday, with the country registering 3,06,064 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

On Sunday, India registered 3,33,533 cases,&nbsp;about 27,469 more than today.

The death toll has climbed to 4,89,848 with 439 fresh fatalities, the data stated.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 20.75 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 17.03 per cent, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,68,04,145, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.24 per cent.

The 439 new fatalities include 77 from Kerala and 44 from Maharashtra.

A total of 4,89,848 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,42,115 from Maharashtra, 51,816 from Kerala,38,582 from Karnataka, 37,218 from Tamil Nadu, 25,620 from Delhi, 23,056 from Uttar Pradesh and 20,338 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

“Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed over 162 million doses.

At least 72 per cent of India's adult population is fully vaccinated whereas around 52 per cent of children in the 15-18 years old age group have been inoculated with the first dose of Covid vaccine, the government’s data said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s Covid cases saw a marginal dip on Monday, with the country registering 3,06,064 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

India’s Covid cases saw a marginal dip on Monday, with the country registering 3,06,064 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data. On Sunday, India registered 3,33,533 cases, about 27,469 more than today. The death toll has climbed to 4,89,848 with 439 fresh fatalities, the data stated. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 20.75 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 17.03 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,68,04,145, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.24 per cent. The 439 new fatalities include 77 from Kerala and 44 from Maharashtra. A total of 4,89,848 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,42,115 from Maharashtra, 51,816 from Kerala,38,582 from Karnataka, 37,218 from Tamil Nadu, 25,620 from Delhi, 23,056 from Uttar Pradesh and 20,338 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed over 162 million doses. At least 72 per cent of India's adult population is fully vaccinated whereas around 52 per cent of children in the 15-18 years old age group have been inoculated with the first dose of Covid vaccine, the government’s data said. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Covid tally dips marginally, over 3,00,000 new infections recorded

The COVID-19 is starting to shift from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic, several top experts have opined, adding that a rapid fall in Omicron cases indicated that the deadly virus is in the&nbsp;‘endgame’.

&nbsp;WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told news agency AFP in an interview on Sunday that the region is witnessing the final phase of the Omicron variant.

“It’s plausible that the region is moving towards a kind of pandemic endgame,” Kluge said, adding that Omicron could infect 60 per cent of Europeans by March.

He said that once the Omicron subsides across Europe, “there will be for quite some weeks and months a global immunity, either thanks to the vaccine or because people have immunity due to the infection, and also lowering seasonality.”

“We anticipate that there will be a period of quiet before COVID-19 may come back towards the end of the year, but not necessarily the pandemic coming back,” Kluge said.

US’ top scientist Anthony Fauci also expressed similar optimism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-is-omicron-sub-variant-ba2-a-threat-in-india-more-than-400-cases-found-in-england-446950">COVID-19: Is Omicron 'sub-variant' BA.2 a threat in India? More than 400 cases found in England</a>

He told ABC News that with Covid-19 cases coming down “rather sharply” in parts of the United States, “things are looking good”.

While cautioning against overconfidence, he said that if the recent fall in case numbers in areas like the US's northeast continues, “I believe that you will start to see a turnaround throughout the entire country”.

Watch |&nbsp;Is Europe eyeing an end to COVID-19 pandemic?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-europe-eyeing-an-end-to-covid-19-pandemic-447007/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The WHO regional office for Africa also said last week that cases of Covid had plummeted in that region and deaths were declining for the first time since the Omicron-dominated fourth wave of the virus reached its peak.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/has-third-wave-of-coronavirus-peaked-in-india-find-several-answers-446836">Has third wave of coronavirus peaked in India? Find several answers</a>

The Omicron variant, which studies have shown is more contagious than Delta but generally leads to less severe infection among vaccinated people, has raised long-awaited hopes that Covid-19 is starting to shift from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic illness like seasonal flu.&nbsp;

But WHO’s Europe director Kluge cautioned that it was still too early to consider COVID-19 endemic and said that other variants might still emerge.

“There is a lot of talk about endemic but endemic means...that it is possible to predict what's going to happen. This virus has surprised (us) more than once so we have to be very careful,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The COVID-19 is starting to shift from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic, several top experts have opined, adding that a rapid fall in Omicron cases indicated that the deadly virus is in the ‘endgame’.

The COVID-19 is starting to shift from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic, several top experts have opined, adding that a rapid fall in Omicron cases indicated that the deadly virus is in the ‘endgame’. WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told news agency AFP in an interview on Sunday that the region is witnessing the final phase of the Omicron variant. “It’s plausible that the region is moving towards a kind of pandemic endgame,” Kluge said, adding that Omicron could infect 60 per cent of Europeans by March. He said that once the Omicron subsides across Europe, “there will be for quite some weeks and months a global immunity, either thanks to the vaccine or because people have immunity due to the infection, and also lowering seasonality.” “We anticipate that there will be a period of quiet before COVID-19 may come back towards the end of the year, but not necessarily the pandemic coming back,” Kluge said. US’ top scientist Anthony Fauci also expressed similar optimism. Also read | COVID-19: Is Omicron 'sub-variant' BA.2 a threat in India? More than 400 cases found in England He told ABC News that with Covid-19 cases coming down “rather sharply” in parts of the United States, “things are looking good”. While cautioning against overconfidence, he said that if the recent fall in case numbers in areas like the US's northeast continues, “I believe that you will start to see a turnaround throughout the entire country”. Watch | Is Europe eyeing an end to COVID-19 pandemic? The WHO regional office for Africa also said last week that cases of Covid had plummeted in that region and deaths were declining for the first time since the Omicron-dominated fourth wave of the virus reached its peak. Also read | Has third wave of coronavirus peaked in India? Find several answers The Omicron variant, which studies have shown is more contagious than Delta but generally leads to less severe infection among vaccinated people, has raised long-awaited hopes that Covid-19 is starting to shift from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic illness like seasonal flu. But WHO’s Europe director Kluge cautioned that it was still too early to consider COVID-19 endemic and said that other variants might still emerge. “There is a lot of talk about endemic but endemic means...that it is possible to predict what's going to happen. This virus has surprised (us) more than once so we have to be very careful,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Fall in Omicron cases: Early signs of Covid heading towards ‘endgame’, say experts

New Zealand announced Sunday that it would impose its highest level of COVID restrictions across the country at midnight, after at least nine cases of the highly transmissible omicron variant were reported.

The cases, in the South Island town of Nelson, are the first omicron infections detected outside of workers connected to the international airport or the country’s hotel quarantine facilities. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said some of the infected people had attended a large wedding in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

“That means omicron is now circulating in Auckland and possibly the Nelson-Marlborough region, if not elsewhere,” Ardern said at a news conference announcing the restrictions.

New Zealand was pursuing a zero-COVID strategy until last year, when a major outbreak of the delta variant forced it to give up those aspirations. But its numbers have remained low. Over the past two months, New Zealand has reported just a few dozen new cases per day.

It was unclear how the people in Nelson — members of a single, multigenerational family — had contracted the virus, though Ardern said they had recently flown on the same Air New Zealand flight as an air steward who later tested positive with omicron.

Ardern said the new measures, classified as “Red” under the country’s traffic-light-based system, were “not lockdown.”

“At Red, businesses stay open and you can do most of things that you normally do, including visiting family and friends and traveling around the country,” she said.

But people who are not vaccinated will face significant restrictions, including being barred from worship services and from businesses that serve food or drinks. Schools will stay open, but all pupils from third grade up must wear masks. Events like weddings and funerals will be limited to 100 people, all of whom must be vaccinated. (If unvaccinated people attend, the limit is reduced to 25.)

More than 93% of New Zealand’s population ages 12 and older are considered fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, but only 23% have received a booster shot. The new restrictions are expected to be kept in place for a number of weeks as more booster shots are distributed.

On Friday, New Zealand announced that people who test positive for the virus would need to isolate for 14 days, up from 10. Their close contacts must now isolate for 10 days, instead of a week.

The omicron variant has brought the pandemic to some of the most remote regions of the world this past week. Some island nations in the Pacific recorded their first cases, prompting the first lockdowns of the pandemic in Kiribati and Samoa.

At the news conference, Ardern said that her wedding to her partner, television host Clarke Gayford, would not be held in the coming weeks as planned.

“I am no different to, dare I say it, thousands of other New Zealanders who have had much more devastating impacts from the pandemic,” she said of the postponement. “The most gutting of which is the inability to be with a loved one when they are gravely ill — that will far, far outstrip any sadness I experience.”

New Zealand announced Sunday that it would impose its highest level of COVID restrictions across the country at midnight, after at least nine cases of the highly transmissible omicron variant were reported.

New Zealand announced Sunday that it would impose its highest level of COVID restrictions across the country at midnight, after at least nine cases of the highly transmissible omicron variant were reported. The cases, in the South Island town of Nelson, are the first omicron infections detected outside of workers connected to the international airport or the country’s hotel quarantine facilities. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said some of the infected people had attended a large wedding in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. “That means omicron is now circulating in Auckland and possibly the Nelson-Marlborough region, if not elsewhere,” Ardern said at a news conference announcing the restrictions. New Zealand was pursuing a zero-COVID strategy until last year, when a major outbreak of the delta variant forced it to give up those aspirations. But its numbers have remained low. Over the past two months, New Zealand has reported just a few dozen new cases per day. It was unclear how the people in Nelson — members of a single, multigenerational family — had contracted the virus, though Ardern said they had recently flown on the same Air New Zealand flight as an air steward who later tested positive with omicron. Ardern said the new measures, classified as “Red” under the country’s traffic-light-based system, were “not lockdown.” “At Red, businesses stay open and you can do most of things that you normally do, including visiting family and friends and traveling around the country,” she said. But people who are not vaccinated will face significant restrictions, including being barred from worship services and from businesses that serve food or drinks. Schools will stay open, but all pupils from third grade up must wear masks. Events like weddings and funerals will be limited to 100 people, all of whom must be vaccinated. (If unvaccinated people attend, the limit is reduced to 25.) More than 93% of New Zealand’s population ages 12 and older are considered fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, but only 23% have received a booster shot. The new restrictions are expected to be kept in place for a number of weeks as more booster shots are distributed. On Friday, New Zealand announced that people who test positive for the virus would need to isolate for 14 days, up from 10. Their close contacts must now isolate for 10 days, instead of a week. The omicron variant has brought the pandemic to some of the most remote regions of the world this past week. Some island nations in the Pacific recorded their first cases, prompting the first lockdowns of the pandemic in Kiribati and Samoa. At the news conference, Ardern said that her wedding to her partner, television host Clarke Gayford, would not be held in the coming weeks as planned. “I am no different to, dare I say it, thousands of other New Zealanders who have had much more devastating impacts from the pandemic,” she said of the postponement. “The most gutting of which is the inability to be with a loved one when they are gravely ill — that will far, far outstrip any sadness I experience.”

With Omicron circulating, New Zealand imposes its toughest restrictions

The number of omicron-lead infections across the world is showing no signs of respite, but protests have intensified against vaccination mandates that have been set by different governments around the world.

Mass protests intensify against vaccination mandates despite Omicron surge

The Omicron wave has pushed daily COVID cases to record highs in several countries. There are growing concerns on whether you could catch the infection multiple times.

How likely is Coronavirus reinfection?

Health experts and scientists are probing a recently-discovered Omicron's sub-variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to determine the potential impact and study how it could affect future pandemic spread.&nbsp;

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has termed the Omicron BA.2 as a "variant under investigation" after the emergence of cases said to be caused by the sub-variant.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/has-third-wave-of-coronavirus-peaked-in-india-find-several-answers-446836">Has third wave of coronavirus peaked in India? Find several answers</a>

As per the latest information, more than 400 cases of the Omicron sub-variant have been identified in England, initial data suggests that the sub-variant is spreading relatively faster. So far, 426 infections have been confirmed as per reports on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

UKHSA has also indicated the latest variant has been detected in some 40 other countries, which is resulting in the rise in the number of recent cases. The health body said the sub-variant has spread in nations including India, Denmark and Sweden.&nbsp;

Omicron sub-variant in India

Weighing in on the recent trend, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) talked about Omicron cases in the country in its latest bulletin.&nbsp;

INSACOG said while most Omicron cases in the country so far have been asymptomatic or mild, hospitalisations and ICU cases have increased in the current wave. The body also said that the threat level remains unchanged. &nbsp;

"Omicron is now in community transmission in India and has become dominant in multiple metros, where new cases have been rising exponentially," INSACOG.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-worried-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-defends-hamster-culling-446941">'We are worried': Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam defends hamster culling</a>

On the sub-variant, INSACOG said, "BA.2 lineage is in a substantial fraction in India and S gene dropout based screening is thus likely to give high false negatives."&nbsp;

"The recently reported B.1.640.2 lineage is being monitored. There is no evidence of rapid spread and while it has features of immune escape, it is currently not a variant of concern. So far, no case has been detected in India," the INSACOG said.

Health experts are probing

Scientists must evaluate how the virus continues to evolve and mutate. Its latest incarnation does not possess the specific mutation used to track and compare BA.1 against Delta, the previously dominant strain.&nbsp;

"What surprised us is the rapidity with which this sub-variant, which has been circulating to a great extent in Asia, has taken hold in Denmark," French epidemiologist Antoine Flahault told AFP.

"(France) expected a spike in contaminations in mid-January: It didn't happen and perhaps that is due to this sub-variant, which seems very transmissible but not more virulent" than BA.1, he observed.

"What interests us is if this (sub-variant) possesses different characteristics" from BA.1 in terms of contagiousness and severity, France's public health agency said Friday.

WATCH |&nbsp;New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern cancels her wedding as COVID cases rise due to Omicron

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-cancels-her-wedding-as-covid-cases-rise-due-to-omicron-446860/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Health experts and scientists are probing a recently-discovered Omicron's sub-variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to determine the potential impact and study how it could affect future pandemic spread.

Health experts and scientists are probing a recently-discovered Omicron's sub-variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to determine the potential impact and study how it could affect future pandemic spread. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has termed the Omicron BA.2 as a "variant under investigation" after the emergence of cases said to be caused by the sub-variant. ALSO READ | Has third wave of coronavirus peaked in India? Find several answers As per the latest information, more than 400 cases of the Omicron sub-variant have been identified in England, initial data suggests that the sub-variant is spreading relatively faster. So far, 426 infections have been confirmed as per reports on Sunday evening. UKHSA has also indicated the latest variant has been detected in some 40 other countries, which is resulting in the rise in the number of recent cases. The health body said the sub-variant has spread in nations including India, Denmark and Sweden. Omicron sub-variant in India Weighing in on the recent trend, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) talked about Omicron cases in the country in its latest bulletin. INSACOG said while most Omicron cases in the country so far have been asymptomatic or mild, hospitalisations and ICU cases have increased in the current wave. The body also said that the threat level remains unchanged. "Omicron is now in community transmission in India and has become dominant in multiple metros, where new cases have been rising exponentially," INSACOG. ALSO READ | 'We are worried': Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam defends hamster culling On the sub-variant, INSACOG said, "BA.2 lineage is in a substantial fraction in India and S gene dropout based screening is thus likely to give high false negatives." "The recently reported B.1.640.2 lineage is being monitored. There is no evidence of rapid spread and while it has features of immune escape, it is currently not a variant of concern. So far, no case has been detected in India," the INSACOG said. Health experts are probing Scientists must evaluate how the virus continues to evolve and mutate. Its latest incarnation does not possess the specific mutation used to track and compare BA.1 against Delta, the previously dominant strain. "What surprised us is the rapidity with which this sub-variant, which has been circulating to a great extent in Asia, has taken hold in Denmark," French epidemiologist Antoine Flahault told AFP. "(France) expected a spike in contaminations in mid-January: It didn't happen and perhaps that is due to this sub-variant, which seems very transmissible but not more virulent" than BA.1, he observed. "What interests us is if this (sub-variant) possesses different characteristics" from BA.1 in terms of contagiousness and severity, France's public health agency said Friday. WATCH | New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern cancels her wedding as COVID cases rise due to Omicron × (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Is Omicron 'sub-variant' BA.2 a threat in India? More than 400 cases found in England

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has cancelled her wedding as the country imposed new restrictions to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern cancels her wedding as COVID cases rise due to Omicron

Booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are not just preventing infections with the contagious omicron variant — they are also keeping infected Americans from ending up in the hospital, according to data published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The extra doses are 90% effective against hospitalization with the variant, the agency reported. Booster shots also reduced the likelihood of a visit to an emergency department or urgent care clinic. The extra doses were most effective against infection and death among Americans 50 and older, the data showed.

Overall, the new data show that the vaccines were more protective against the delta variant than against omicron, which lab studies have found is partially able to sidestep the body’s immune response.

It is generally accepted that booster shots keep people from becoming infected, at least for a while. Data from Israel and other countries have also suggested that boosters can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization, especially in older adults.

“Data from other countries have also shown significant benefit of getting the booster, but this is really showing it in the U.S.,” Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University, said of the figures released Friday. “These numbers should be very convincing.”

On Thursday night, the CDC published additional data showing that in December, unvaccinated Americans 50 and older were about 45 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who were vaccinated and got a third shot.

Yet less than 40% of fully vaccinated Americans who are eligible for a booster shot have received one.

Friday’s results are based on three new studies led by the CDC. In one study, researchers analyzed hospitalizations and visits to emergency departments and urgent care clinics in 10 states from Aug. 26, 2021 to Jan. 5, 2022.

Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization with the omicron variant fell to just 57% in people who had received their second dose more than six months earlier, the authors found. A third shot restored that protection to 90%.

It is unclear whether protection from the boosters might also wane as it did after two shots, noted Natalie Dean, a biostatistician at Emory University.

“We just have to recognize that all these estimates of omicron third-dose protection are going to be people who are pretty recently boosted,” she said. “We do wonder the durability of boosters themselves.”

When debating booster shot recommendations for all American adults, scientific advisers to the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC repeatedly bemoaned the lack of booster shot data that was specific to the United States.

There are differences between Israel and the United States — for example, in the way Israel defines severe illness — that made it challenging to interpret the relevance of Israeli data for Americans, they said.

Some members of the Biden administration supported the use of booster doses even before the scientific advisers of the agencies had a chance to review the data from Israel. Federal health officials intensified their boosters-for-all campaign after the arrival of the omicron variant.

The CDC now recommends booster shots for everyone 12 and older, five months after getting two doses of the mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, or two months after a single dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.

The usefulness of booster shots in Americans younger than 50 was a topic of vigorous debate in the fall. Several experts argued at the time that third shots were unnecessary for younger adults because two doses of the vaccine were holding up well.

Some of those experts remained unconvinced by the new data.

It was clear even months ago that older adults and those with weakened immune systems would benefit from extra doses of the vaccine, said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee.

But “where is the evidence that a third dose benefits a healthy young person?” he asked.

“If you’re trying to stop the spread of this virus, vaccinate the unvaccinated,” he said. “We keep trying to further protect the already protected.”

But other experts changed their minds in favor of boosters because of the highly contagious omicron variant. Even if two doses were enough to keep young people out of hospitals, they said, a third dose could limit virus spread by preventing infections.

“They’re both data-driven, legitimate positions,” said John Moore, a virus expert at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. But at this point, the debate is over: “We are using boosters in everyone and that’s what’s happening.”

Booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are not just preventing infections with the contagious omicron variant — they are also keeping infected Americans from ending up in the hospital, according to data published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are not just preventing infections with the contagious omicron variant — they are also keeping infected Americans from ending up in the hospital, according to data published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The extra doses are 90% effective against hospitalization with the variant, the agency reported. Booster shots also reduced the likelihood of a visit to an emergency department or urgent care clinic. The extra doses were most effective against infection and death among Americans 50 and older, the data showed. Overall, the new data show that the vaccines were more protective against the delta variant than against omicron, which lab studies have found is partially able to sidestep the body’s immune response. It is generally accepted that booster shots keep people from becoming infected, at least for a while. Data from Israel and other countries have also suggested that boosters can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization, especially in older adults. “Data from other countries have also shown significant benefit of getting the booster, but this is really showing it in the U.S.,” Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University, said of the figures released Friday. “These numbers should be very convincing.” On Thursday night, the CDC published additional data showing that in December, unvaccinated Americans 50 and older were about 45 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who were vaccinated and got a third shot. Yet less than 40% of fully vaccinated Americans who are eligible for a booster shot have received one. Friday’s results are based on three new studies led by the CDC. In one study, researchers analyzed hospitalizations and visits to emergency departments and urgent care clinics in 10 states from Aug. 26, 2021 to Jan. 5, 2022. Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization with the omicron variant fell to just 57% in people who had received their second dose more than six months earlier, the authors found. A third shot restored that protection to 90%. It is unclear whether protection from the boosters might also wane as it did after two shots, noted Natalie Dean, a biostatistician at Emory University. “We just have to recognize that all these estimates of omicron third-dose protection are going to be people who are pretty recently boosted,” she said. “We do wonder the durability of boosters themselves.” When debating booster shot recommendations for all American adults, scientific advisers to the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC repeatedly bemoaned the lack of booster shot data that was specific to the United States. There are differences between Israel and the United States — for example, in the way Israel defines severe illness — that made it challenging to interpret the relevance of Israeli data for Americans, they said. Some members of the Biden administration supported the use of booster doses even before the scientific advisers of the agencies had a chance to review the data from Israel. Federal health officials intensified their boosters-for-all campaign after the arrival of the omicron variant. The CDC now recommends booster shots for everyone 12 and older, five months after getting two doses of the mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, or two months after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The usefulness of booster shots in Americans younger than 50 was a topic of vigorous debate in the fall. Several experts argued at the time that third shots were unnecessary for younger adults because two doses of the vaccine were holding up well. Some of those experts remained unconvinced by the new data. It was clear even months ago that older adults and those with weakened immune systems would benefit from extra doses of the vaccine, said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee. But “where is the evidence that a third dose benefits a healthy young person?” he asked. “If you’re trying to stop the spread of this virus, vaccinate the unvaccinated,” he said. “We keep trying to further protect the already protected.” But other experts changed their minds in favor of boosters because of the highly contagious omicron variant. Even if two doses were enough to keep young people out of hospitals, they said, a third dose could limit virus spread by preventing infections. “They’re both data-driven, legitimate positions,” said John Moore, a virus expert at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. But at this point, the debate is over: “We are using boosters in everyone and that’s what’s happening.”

Booster shots are instrumental in fighting Omicron, CDC data show

Studies highlight the effectiveness of the Third dose against the Omicron variant of COVID-19. They claim that the booster dose is 90% effective in preventing hospitalisations.

Studies highlight the effectiveness of booster dose against the Omicron variant of COVID-19

COVID-19 cases continue to soar with each passing day. As per the latest data, the number of infections recorded is nearly 3 million globally this week only.

Global COVID cases continue to soar due to the Omicron variant

omicron

Omicron, News on Omicron, stories on Omicron, articles on Omicron, Omicron stories at Wion, Omicron news, Omicron latest news