Athletes warned against speaking up on human rights Olympics app found to have security flaws Diplomatic boycott of Olympics irks China How safe is the Beijing Bubble? From Genocide to Omicron, watch the story of China's controversial Olympics

From Genocide to Omicron: The story of China's controversial Olympics

A report on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits highlights a critical situation in Pakistan as it has been stated&nbsp;that the majority of the virus testing is apparently inaccurate. The testing kits imported by the country were of substandard quality.

A Pakistan-based media newspaper The Express Tribune reported citing a health expert that nearly 80 per cent of imported testing kits were of substandard quality and showed discrepancies in the results.&nbsp;

Also, the results of low-quality kits used by most health facilities in the country are 50 per cent accurate, the report said.&nbsp;

The newspaper highlighted the point that Pakistan is yet to form a uniform policy for the diagnosis of various infections including coronavirus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-covid-19-start-diminishing-in-2022-or-the-world-will-see-new-variants-446723">Will COVID-19 start diminishing in 2022 or the world will see new variants?</a>

Dr Saeed Khan, Professor of Pathology at Dow University Ojha campus talked about the&nbsp;types of kits that are currently being used in the country for Covid testing, which are automatic, semi-automatic and manual.

Human involvement is not needed in fully automatic kits, whereas the semi-automatic ones involve the use of human hands.&nbsp;

"If the technician has obtained the patient's sample with expertise and applied it for testing through the automated kit, then the results are perfectly accurate," he said as quoted by the newspaper.&nbsp;

He also talked about the handling of the testing kits, he said that the samples must be kept at a required temperature. "If a patient's sample is taken and placed in the sunlight or in a warm place, the results will be radically different," Dr Khan added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rio-de-janeiro-postpones-carnival-parades-as-omicron-cases-spike-446716">Rio de Janeiro postpones Carnival parades as Omicron cases spike</a>

He said that while some large hospitals in the country are administering US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, high-quality testing kits, smaller laboratories have resorted to using unreliable, cheaper kits.

As per the report, Pakistan has imported Covid diagnostic kits from China, Turkey, the US and several European countries.

Dr Khan recommended stricter testing regulations to stop the use of non-FDA approved kits, as well as a uniform national policy on the diagnosis of infectious diseases.&nbsp;

Pakistan shattered previous records on Friday (January 21), when the country reported the highest number of new daily cases since the pandemic began in early 2020.&nbsp;

The country reported 7,678 new coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours — the highest number of cases since the pandemic began in Feb 2020.

WATCH:&nbsp;COVID-19 cases continue to soar with each passing day

<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/covid-cases-continue-to-soar-with-each-passing-day-446719/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)

A report on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits highlights a critical situation in Pakistan as it has been stated that the majority of the virus testing is apparently inaccurate.

A report on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits highlights a critical situation in Pakistan as it has been stated that the majority of the virus testing is apparently inaccurate. The testing kits imported by the country were of substandard quality. A Pakistan-based media newspaper The Express Tribune reported citing a health expert that nearly 80 per cent of imported testing kits were of substandard quality and showed discrepancies in the results. Also, the results of low-quality kits used by most health facilities in the country are 50 per cent accurate, the report said. The newspaper highlighted the point that Pakistan is yet to form a uniform policy for the diagnosis of various infections including coronavirus. ALSO READ | Will COVID-19 start diminishing in 2022 or the world will see new variants? Dr Saeed Khan, Professor of Pathology at Dow University Ojha campus talked about the types of kits that are currently being used in the country for Covid testing, which are automatic, semi-automatic and manual. Human involvement is not needed in fully automatic kits, whereas the semi-automatic ones involve the use of human hands. "If the technician has obtained the patient's sample with expertise and applied it for testing through the automated kit, then the results are perfectly accurate," he said as quoted by the newspaper. He also talked about the handling of the testing kits, he said that the samples must be kept at a required temperature. "If a patient's sample is taken and placed in the sunlight or in a warm place, the results will be radically different," Dr Khan added. ALSO READ | Rio de Janeiro postpones Carnival parades as Omicron cases spike He said that while some large hospitals in the country are administering US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, high-quality testing kits, smaller laboratories have resorted to using unreliable, cheaper kits. As per the report, Pakistan has imported Covid diagnostic kits from China, Turkey, the US and several European countries. Dr Khan recommended stricter testing regulations to stop the use of non-FDA approved kits, as well as a uniform national policy on the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Pakistan shattered previous records on Friday (January 21), when the country reported the highest number of new daily cases since the pandemic began in early 2020. The country reported 7,678 new coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours — the highest number of cases since the pandemic began in Feb 2020. WATCH: COVID-19 cases continue to soar with each passing day × (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan using 80% of COVID-19 testing kits of substandard quality: Report

Some countries around the world are witnessing a record rise in the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases after the emergence of the Omicron variant. The 'variant of concern' Omicron was detected in November last year and was speculated to be the most worrying Covid variant since delta with a large number of mutations.

Some countries around the world are witnessing a record rise in the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases after the emergence of the Omicron variant. The 'variant of concern' Omicron was detected in November last year and was speculated to be the most worrying Covid variant since delta with a large number of mutations. It appeared to be true when Covid cases saw a record rise in countries like the United Kingdom, and some Southern African countries, putting pressure on the frontline workers with an increase in hospitalisations. As the world continues to fight against the deadly and highly transmissible Covid variants, the question is - what's next? When the pandemic will end? Is Omicron the endgame? Will there be more variants? What is the Omicron 'sub-variant'? Experts say... Infectious disease experts have hinted that may be an end in sight. As quoted by CNN, Dr Tom Frieden said, "I think if we do it right, we're going to have a 2022 in which Covid doesn't dominate our lives so much." Frieden was director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under former United States President Barack Obama. He is now the CEO and president of Resolve to Save Lives. ALSO READ | Rio de Janeiro postpones Carnival parades as Omicron cases spike During Omicron predominance, vaccine efficacy against Covid hospitalization was 81% among adults who had received their second dose less than six months earlier, 57% among those who had received it more than six months earlier, and 90% after a third dose. https://t.co/y5SBmxoADX — Dr. Tom Frieden (@DrTomFrieden) January 21, 2022 × Dr Yvonne Maldonado, who is an epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist at Stanford Medicine, and some other experts talked about the next phase of the pandemic and what will happen next. "We really don't know exactly," Maldonado said. "None of us really anticipated Omicron. Well, there were hints, but we did not expect it to happen exactly the way it did," Maldonado said. Meanwhile, the experts believe what has happened in South Africa can happen in other parts of the world. "South Africa's kind of our canary in the coal mine because they were able to pick up the Omicron variant first," Maldonado said. ALSO READ | This COVID-free island gets 36 positive cases on its first international flight In South Africa, where the Omicron variant was first reported, cases peaked but fell off quickly. Experts think will happen everywhere as the UK also saw a similar trend. DrJohn Swartzberg, who is an expert in infectious diseases and vaccinology, said as quoted by CNN, "I anticipate in the short run -- being the next six weeks, four to six weeks -- that it's still going to be pretty rough." Swartzberg is also a clinical professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Public Health. The report also mentioned Swartzberg as saying that maybe the cases will start declining in March. "There will be a sense of optimism, and then we will be able to do more things in our lives. I think May or June is going to really look up for us. I'm quite optimistic," Swartzberg said. Next variants? As of now, the cases are rising. For example, Tokyo recorded its highest number of daily COVID-19 infections for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday. The capital city had 11,227 new coronavirus cases, the local government said. The case count jumped nearly 2.5 times from 4,561 lodged a week before and was higher than 9,699 confirmed cases on Friday. The Russian government on Saturday reported a record number of new coronavirus cases. As reported, Russia registered 57,212 new daily cases, surging past the previous record set Friday of 49,513. When the cases are rising, it's difficult to anticipate what will happen next. Dr George Rutherford, who is an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco said as quoted by CNN, "It's not at all clear what comes next." As per the report, he said that the virus could see gradual mutations, similar to Alpha and Beta variants. Maybe could behave like Delta and Omicron with a large jump. Omicron 'sub-variant' Some experts are optimistic but Omicron 'sub-variant' is posing threats as scientists are keeping a close watch on a recently-discovered sub-variant version virus. Scientists are probing how the sub-variant could affect future pandemic spread. British health authorities have notably identified hundreds of cases of the latest version, dubbed BA.2, while international data suggest it could spread relatively quickly. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) identified more than 400 cases in Britain in the first ten days of this month and has indicated the latest variant has been detected in some 40 other countries, accounting for a majority of most recent cases in some nations including India, Denmark and Sweden. The UKHSA indicated Friday (January 21) it had designated the BA.2 sub-lineage as a variant under investigation (VUI) as cases of it were on the increase even if, in Britain, the BA.1 lineage currently remains dominant. As per the authority, "there is still uncertainty around the significance of the changes to the viral genome." It is required surveillance as, in parallel, cases in recent days showed a sharp rise in BA.2 incidence notably in India and Demark. ×

Will COVID-19 start diminishing in 2022 or the world will see new variants?

As coronavirus cases are increasing in Brazil, the carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro have been postponed. They will now be held in late April and not the final weekend of February.&nbsp;

Rio and Sao Paulo, in a statement, said, "The decision was made respecting for the current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil and the need, at this time, to preserve lives and join forces to drive vaccination throughout the country."

The parade is a major tourist attraction for Rio. Tens of thousands of audience watch the parade live while tens of millions of people watch it from home.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/addictive-behaviour-woman-sues-meta-snapchat-over-her-daughters-suicide-446653">Also read |&nbsp;'Addictive behaviour': Woman sues Meta, Snapchat over her daughter's suicide</a>

Earlier, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro had downplayed the Omicron coronavirus variant amid a rise in hard-hit Brazil. He further ruled out containment measures while defending herd immunity through widespread illness.

Bolsonaro said the Omicron strain that is causing a surge in Covid cases at home and abroad could be called a "vaccine virus" and is a "welcome" variant. Even when the Omicron variant made landfall in the country, causing cases to spike above 70,000 per day, he swore not to allow his daughter to take the shot and promised to continue fighting lockdowns.

(With inputs from agencies)

As coronavirus cases are increasing in Brazil, the carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro have been postponed. They will now be held in late April and not the final weekend of February.

As coronavirus cases are increasing in Brazil, the carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro have been postponed. They will now be held in late April and not the final weekend of February. Rio and Sao Paulo, in a statement, said, "The decision was made respecting for the current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil and the need, at this time, to preserve lives and join forces to drive vaccination throughout the country." The parade is a major tourist attraction for Rio. Tens of thousands of audience watch the parade live while tens of millions of people watch it from home. Also read | 'Addictive behaviour': Woman sues Meta, Snapchat over her daughter's suicide Earlier, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro had downplayed the Omicron coronavirus variant amid a rise in hard-hit Brazil. He further ruled out containment measures while defending herd immunity through widespread illness. Bolsonaro said the Omicron strain that is causing a surge in Covid cases at home and abroad could be called a "vaccine virus" and is a "welcome" variant. Even when the Omicron variant made landfall in the country, causing cases to spike above 70,000 per day, he swore not to allow his daughter to take the shot and promised to continue fighting lockdowns. (With inputs from agencies)

Rio de Janeiro postpones Carnival parades as Omicron cases spike

India is currently witnessing a record surge in COVID-19 infections fueled by the fast-spreading omicron variant. With an upward move in cases every day, the country is under the grip of an aggressive third wave.

India reports 337,704 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours amid a surge due to Omicron variant

Ireland on Saturday will drop all Covid related restrictions. This comes after a major surge in cases did not cause any increase in ICU numbers.

According to a report by Reuters, after advice from public health officials, the government decided that bars and restaurants will no longer need to close at 8pm. Also, the capacity in indoor and outdoor venues is set to return to full.

However, measures like wearing a mask on public transport and in shops will remain in place for now.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee in a video said, "I am so pleased to be able to say that as of 6 am tomorrow, the vast majority of restrictions that have been in place for almost two years now, on and off, will be lifted."

"I don't think any of us thought we'd actually be getting to this point as quickly as we are now," she added.&nbsp;

These changes are introduced at a time when several governments are coming around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu and asking people to live with it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-we-ready-to-treat-covid-like-the-flu-some-nations-are-increasingly-thinking-so-444834">Also read |&nbsp;Are we ready to treat Covid like the flu? Some nations are increasingly thinking so</a>

Switzerland’s interior minister Alain Berset has said that the transition from pandemic to a stage like the flu may be considered. While speaking at a media conference, he said, “We may be on the eve of a watershed, the transition from a pandemic phase to an endemic phase."

Britain’s Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, told the BBC that the UK is “on a path towards transitioning from pandemic to endemic."&nbsp;

Travel restrictions may also be eased in several European nations. Many countries have shortened their quarantine time. In Estonia and Iceland, quarantine time has been reduced to seven days.

Slovenia has also shortened its quarantine time to five days.&nbsp;

Norway, also, is looking forward to relaxing some Covid restrictions. The Scandinavian country will partly reverse a ban on serving alcohol in bars and restaurants, reports Reuters.

Restrictions in the Netherlands have also been eased. Non-essential stores, hairdressers and gyms will now be allowed to reopen. However, only a limited number of customers will be permitted.

Ireland on Saturday will drop all Covid related restrictions. This comes after a major surge in cases did not cause any increase in ICU numbers. According to a report by Reuters, after advice from public health officials, the government decided that bars and restaurants will no longer need to close at 8pm.

Ireland on Saturday will drop all Covid related restrictions. This comes after a major surge in cases did not cause any increase in ICU numbers. According to a report by Reuters, after advice from public health officials, the government decided that bars and restaurants will no longer need to close at 8pm. Also, the capacity in indoor and outdoor venues is set to return to full. However, measures like wearing a mask on public transport and in shops will remain in place for now. Justice Minister Helen McEntee in a video said, "I am so pleased to be able to say that as of 6 am tomorrow, the vast majority of restrictions that have been in place for almost two years now, on and off, will be lifted." "I don't think any of us thought we'd actually be getting to this point as quickly as we are now," she added. These changes are introduced at a time when several governments are coming around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu and asking people to live with it. Also read | Are we ready to treat Covid like the flu? Some nations are increasingly thinking so Switzerland’s interior minister Alain Berset has said that the transition from pandemic to a stage like the flu may be considered. While speaking at a media conference, he said, “We may be on the eve of a watershed, the transition from a pandemic phase to an endemic phase." Britain’s Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, told the BBC that the UK is “on a path towards transitioning from pandemic to endemic." Travel restrictions may also be eased in several European nations. Many countries have shortened their quarantine time. In Estonia and Iceland, quarantine time has been reduced to seven days. Slovenia has also shortened its quarantine time to five days. Norway, also, is looking forward to relaxing some Covid restrictions. The Scandinavian country will partly reverse a ban on serving alcohol in bars and restaurants, reports Reuters. Restrictions in the Netherlands have also been eased. Non-essential stores, hairdressers and gyms will now be allowed to reopen. However, only a limited number of customers will be permitted.

Ireland to scrap almost all Covid restrictions, bars allowed to open till late

After Malayalam superstar Mammootty, his son, actor Dulquer Salmaan has also contracted coronavirus. Dulquer announced on social media on Thursday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. 
 
Taking to his Instagram Story, the 'Kurup' star shared his health update. 
 
He wrote, "I have just tested positive for COVID-19. I'm isolating at home and have mild flu symptoms but am otherwise ok. People who were in close contact with me during shoots over the last few days, please isolate and test if you notice symptoms." 
 
He further asked everyone to mask up and stay safe."This pandemic is not over and we must stay vigilant. Please mask up and stay safe," he added. 
 
Meanwhile, on the work front, the makers of Dulquer's upcoming film 'Salute' have postponed the film's release date due to rising COVID-19 cases. 
 
The new release date is yet to be announced. The film was earlier scheduled to arrive in theatres on January 14, 2022.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After Malayalam superstar Mammootty, his son, actor Dulquer Salmaan has also contracted coronavirus. Dulquer announced on social media on Thursday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

After Malayalam superstar Mammootty, his son, actor Dulquer Salmaan has also contracted coronavirus. Dulquer announced on social media on Thursday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Taking to his Instagram Story, the 'Kurup' star shared his health update. He wrote, "I have just tested positive for COVID-19. I'm isolating at home and have mild flu symptoms but am otherwise ok. People who were in close contact with me during shoots over the last few days, please isolate and test if you notice symptoms." He further asked everyone to mask up and stay safe."This pandemic is not over and we must stay vigilant. Please mask up and stay safe," he added. Meanwhile, on the work front, the makers of Dulquer's upcoming film 'Salute' have postponed the film's release date due to rising COVID-19 cases. The new release date is yet to be announced. The film was earlier scheduled to arrive in theatres on January 14, 2022.

After Indian actor Mammootty,  his son Dulquer Salmaan tests COVID-19 positive

A latest preliminary study has revealed that Russia's Covid vaccine, Sputnik V, shows higher Omicron-antibody levels than the Pfizer Covid vaccine. The joint Russian-Italian study was conducted by scientists from the Spallanzani Institute in Italy and Gamaleya Institute in Moscow, which also happens to be the developer of the Sputnik V vaccine.

"Today the necessity of third booster vaccination is obvious," the preliminary study.&nbsp;

The study involved 51 people vaccinated with Sputnik V and 17 people who were vaccinated with two shots of the Pfizer vaccine.

As a part of the study, the researchers compared the blood serum of people who had received the different vaccines. They elaborated that the samples which were taken 3-6 months after the second dose of a vaccine have shown that the levels of antibodies in people who have taken two doses of Sputnik V were more resistant to Omicron than those vaccinated with Pfizer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-urges-countries-to-lift-travel-bans-and-not-ask-for-vaccination-proof-for-entry-446291">Also read |&nbsp;WHO urges countries to lift travel bans and not ask for vaccination proof for entry</a>

Head of RDIF Kirill Dmitriev, in a statement, said, "Partnership of different platforms is the key...boosting with Sputnik Light will help strengthen efficacy of other vaccines in light of combined Delta and Omicron challenge."

The study will soon seek certification by peer review.&nbsp;

Study's findings revealed that Omicron-specific neutralising antibodies were detected in the blood serum of 74.2 per cent of the people vaccinated with Sputnik while for Pfizer it was 56.9 per cent.

The Omicron variant of coronavirus has driven a surge of cases all across the world. While most countries have imposed travel restrictions, WHO has urged nations to lift travel bans and mandatory vaccination for entry into countries.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had earlier warned global leaders that the Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that the Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over.

(With inputs from agencies)

A latest preliminary study has revealed that Russia's Covid vaccine, Sputnik V, shows higher Omicron-antibody levels than the Pfizer Covid vaccine. The joint Russian-Italian study was conducted by scientists from the Spallanzani Institute in Italy and Gamaleya Institute in Moscow, which also happens to be the developer of the Sputnik V vaccine.

A latest preliminary study has revealed that Russia's Covid vaccine, Sputnik V, shows higher Omicron-antibody levels than the Pfizer Covid vaccine. The joint Russian-Italian study was conducted by scientists from the Spallanzani Institute in Italy and Gamaleya Institute in Moscow, which also happens to be the developer of the Sputnik V vaccine. "Today the necessity of third booster vaccination is obvious," the preliminary study. The study involved 51 people vaccinated with Sputnik V and 17 people who were vaccinated with two shots of the Pfizer vaccine. As a part of the study, the researchers compared the blood serum of people who had received the different vaccines. They elaborated that the samples which were taken 3-6 months after the second dose of a vaccine have shown that the levels of antibodies in people who have taken two doses of Sputnik V were more resistant to Omicron than those vaccinated with Pfizer. Also read | WHO urges countries to lift travel bans and not ask for vaccination proof for entry Head of RDIF Kirill Dmitriev, in a statement, said, "Partnership of different platforms is the key...boosting with Sputnik Light will help strengthen efficacy of other vaccines in light of combined Delta and Omicron challenge." The study will soon seek certification by peer review. Study's findings revealed that Omicron-specific neutralising antibodies were detected in the blood serum of 74.2 per cent of the people vaccinated with Sputnik while for Pfizer it was 56.9 per cent. The Omicron variant of coronavirus has driven a surge of cases all across the world. While most countries have imposed travel restrictions, WHO has urged nations to lift travel bans and mandatory vaccination for entry into countries. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had earlier warned global leaders that the Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that the Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over. (With inputs from agencies)

Sputnik V shows higher Omicron-antibody levels than Pfizer: Study

Airlines across the world are concerned about possible losses from covid's third wave. Now America's United Airlines it has trimmed its capacity forecast and warned of higher cost after posting a smaller than expected fourth quarter loss this after citing turbulence from omicron coronavirus variant.

Covid: Airlines cut capacity forecast due to Omicron variant

A German research team has reportedly developed an artificial intelligence tool which can predict how a patient will react after being hospitalised based on a blood sample.

Reports claim the machine learning tool can accurately predict whether the person will survive or die based on levels of protein in a person's blood.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/couple-on-neverending-date-due-to-covid-lockdown-gets-engaged-446039">Also Read:&nbsp;Couple on never ending date due to Covid lockdown gets engaged</a>

It is meant to help health workers to understand whether a patient needs critical care or can fight the virus without much help. The prediction model detects 14 levels of protein in a patient before making a decision.

Researchers say they tested the tool on 50 patients at Charité University Hospital in Germany as it carried out machine learning. Reports say 15 patients died out of the 50 as researchers sought protein levels and built the tool based on findings from data of the patients.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-education-minister-criticised-for-announcing-covid-19-measures-from-ibiza-trip-446017">Also Read:&nbsp;French minister criticised for announcing COVID-19 measures from Ibiza trip</a>

After the initial trial 24 coronavirus patients who had received treatment were also tested as researchers found 19 survived and five patients died. The researchers said the AI tool accurately predicted the five deaths.

The researchers however pointed out that the sample size was small consisting of 50 patients and 24 other patients during open trials.

The new findings come as Europe and America battle the Omicron the wave with hospitals overwhelmed in several areas. Several health workers have been hit due to the Omicron wave making it tough for hospitals to function.

(With inputs from Agencies)

A German research team has reportedly developed an artificial intelligence tool which can predict how a patient will react after being hospitalised based on a blood sample.

A German research team has reportedly developed an artificial intelligence tool which can predict how a patient will react after being hospitalised based on a blood sample. Reports claim the machine learning tool can accurately predict whether the person will survive or die based on levels of protein in a person's blood. Also Read: Couple on never ending date due to Covid lockdown gets engaged It is meant to help health workers to understand whether a patient needs critical care or can fight the virus without much help. The prediction model detects 14 levels of protein in a patient before making a decision. Researchers say they tested the tool on 50 patients at Charité University Hospital in Germany as it carried out machine learning. Reports say 15 patients died out of the 50 as researchers sought protein levels and built the tool based on findings from data of the patients. Also Read: French minister criticised for announcing COVID-19 measures from Ibiza trip After the initial trial 24 coronavirus patients who had received treatment were also tested as researchers found 19 survived and five patients died. The researchers said the AI tool accurately predicted the five deaths. The researchers however pointed out that the sample size was small consisting of 50 patients and 24 other patients during open trials. The new findings come as Europe and America battle the Omicron the wave with hospitals overwhelmed in several areas. Several health workers have been hit due to the Omicron wave making it tough for hospitals to function. (With inputs from Agencies)

Now, an AI tool can predict recovery time of COVID-19 patients

Meanwhile, the world is witnessing a new wave of covid-19 pandemic infections while Omicron is considered a relatively mild variant, but the rising name of cases shows that the new variant shouldn't be dealt lightly.

Omicron is mild but serious, Here's why Covid-19 variant shouldn't be neglected

India reports 317,532 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours amid a surge due to Omicron variant

With countries battered by Omicron and Deltra variants of Coronavirus, a UN agency has said that tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024.

The highly contagious Omicron variant, though mild, will “disrupt the recovery” in early 2022 after the last year witnessed four per cent growth over 2020, the World Tourism Organisation said.

“The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates and traveller confidence,” the UNWTO said in a press release.

The Madrid-based UN agency, however, pointed out that the tourism industry might “see better prospects" for this year after&nbsp;restrictions in the early months due to the Omicron wave.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-cull-thousands-of-hamsters-after-finding-traces-of-animal-to-human-covid-transmission-445851">&nbsp;Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission</a>

The agency predicts a 30 to 78 per cent rise in international arrivals this year over 2021, while remaining far below 2019 levels.

In 2021, some countries reported a marginal rise in passenger arrivals. In Europe and the Americas, foreign visitor arrivals surged by 19 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively, last year over 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-wave-50000-to-300000-more-deaths-in-us-by-march-model-predicts-445852">Omicron wave: 50,000 to 300,000 more deaths in US by March, model predicts</a>

In the Middle East, however, arrivals declined by 24 per cent in 2021, while in the Asia-Pacific region they were 65 per cent below 2020 levels, and 94 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels.

“The economic contribution of tourism in 2021 (measured in tourism direct gross domestic product) is estimated at $1.9 trillion, above the $1.6 trillion in 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion,” the statement noted.

(With inputs from agencies)

With countries battered by Omicron and Deltra variants of Coronavirus, a UN agency has said that tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024.

With countries battered by Omicron and Deltra variants of Coronavirus, a UN agency has said that tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024. The highly contagious Omicron variant, though mild, will “disrupt the recovery” in early 2022 after the last year witnessed four per cent growth over 2020, the World Tourism Organisation said. “The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates and traveller confidence,” the UNWTO said in a press release. The Madrid-based UN agency, however, pointed out that the tourism industry might “see better prospects" for this year after restrictions in the early months due to the Omicron wave. Also read | Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission The agency predicts a 30 to 78 per cent rise in international arrivals this year over 2021, while remaining far below 2019 levels. In 2021, some countries reported a marginal rise in passenger arrivals. In Europe and the Americas, foreign visitor arrivals surged by 19 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively, last year over 2020. Also read | Omicron wave: 50,000 to 300,000 more deaths in US by March, model predicts In the Middle East, however, arrivals declined by 24 per cent in 2021, while in the Asia-Pacific region they were 65 per cent below 2020 levels, and 94 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels. “The economic contribution of tourism in 2021 (measured in tourism direct gross domestic product) is estimated at $1.9 trillion, above the $1.6 trillion in 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion,” the statement noted. (With inputs from agencies)

Global tourism not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024: UN agency

The First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party, Nicola Sturgeon, has stated that the restrictions placed in place to stop the spread of the Omicron form of COVID in Scotland will be relaxed on Monday.

More recent numbers showing a decrease in infections, according to the First Minister, "gives us confidence that we have turned the corner on the Omicron wave."

As a result, she stated that the restrictions, which include a limit on the number of people who can attend indoor events, table service only at bars and other venues that serve alcohol, and the shutdown of nightclubs, will be abolished on January 24. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-masks-not-mandatory-in-uk-schools-from-tomorrow-says-boris-johnson-445976">Also read | Most Covid restrictions in UK to be lifted next week, says PM Boris Johnson</a>

Sturgeon noted that guidelines limiting gatherings to a maximum of three houses, as well as regulations prohibiting adults from participating in indoor contact sports, will expire on the same date.&nbsp;

She also said there would be no extension to coronavirus vaccine passports at the moment, stating: "Given that cases are now falling quite rapidly, and the current wave is receding, we decided that we will not at this stage extend the Covid certification scheme to other premises."

Her remarks came as the Scottish Conservatives advocated for the end of January to be the end of practically all coronavirus restrictions. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-year-old-girl-hilariously-trolls-johnson-over-partygate-netizens-hail-future-uk-pm-445878">5-year-old girl hilariously trolls Johnson over ‘partygate’, netizens hail 'future UK PM’</a>

The Scottish Conservatives have asked for the wearing of masks in schools to be abolished, as well as work-from-home guidance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party, Nicola Sturgeon, has stated that the restrictions placed in place to stop the spread of the Omicron form of COVID in Scotland will be relaxed on Monday.

The First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party, Nicola Sturgeon, has stated that the restrictions placed in place to stop the spread of the Omicron form of COVID in Scotland will be relaxed on Monday. More recent numbers showing a decrease in infections, according to the First Minister, "gives us confidence that we have turned the corner on the Omicron wave." As a result, she stated that the restrictions, which include a limit on the number of people who can attend indoor events, table service only at bars and other venues that serve alcohol, and the shutdown of nightclubs, will be abolished on January 24. Also read | Most Covid restrictions in UK to be lifted next week, says PM Boris Johnson Sturgeon noted that guidelines limiting gatherings to a maximum of three houses, as well as regulations prohibiting adults from participating in indoor contact sports, will expire on the same date. She also said there would be no extension to coronavirus vaccine passports at the moment, stating: "Given that cases are now falling quite rapidly, and the current wave is receding, we decided that we will not at this stage extend the Covid certification scheme to other premises." Her remarks came as the Scottish Conservatives advocated for the end of January to be the end of practically all coronavirus restrictions. Also Read | 5-year-old girl hilariously trolls Johnson over ‘partygate’, netizens hail 'future UK PM’ The Scottish Conservatives have asked for the wearing of masks in schools to be abolished, as well as work-from-home guidance. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron restrictions in Scotland to end on Monday, says Nicola Sturgeon

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. The masks will be made available next week.

Tens of thousands of distribution points will be set up nationwide in order to give away masks. Pharmacies and community centres are expected to be main distribution centres. The White House said that the distribution drive will kick into full gear in February.

"This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history," an unnamed White House official said in a statement.

The US is currently facing a surge of Covid cases due to Omicron variant of coronavirus. Other than the initiative to distribute masks, the White House is also focussing on expanding Covid-19 testing.

On Tuesday it launched a website where each American household can order free tests, to be performed at home.

The government aims to distribute one billion rapid tests in the United States, the country whose Covid-19 death toll of 853,000 is the world's highest.

US also has a problem of anti-vaxxers, those who have raised questions about side effects of Covid vaccines. More often, these doubts have been based on unscientific into propagated by individuals online. There is a strong public opinion in the US that vaccination must not be compulsory.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. The masks will be made available next week. Tens of thousands of distribution points will be set up nationwide in order to give away masks. Pharmacies and community centres are expected to be main distribution centres. The White House said that the distribution drive will kick into full gear in February. "This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history," an unnamed White House official said in a statement. The US is currently facing a surge of Covid cases due to Omicron variant of coronavirus. Other than the initiative to distribute masks, the White House is also focussing on expanding Covid-19 testing. On Tuesday it launched a website where each American household can order free tests, to be performed at home. The government aims to distribute one billion rapid tests in the United States, the country whose Covid-19 death toll of 853,000 is the world's highest. US also has a problem of anti-vaxxers, those who have raised questions about side effects of Covid vaccines. More often, these doubts have been based on unscientific into propagated by individuals online. There is a strong public opinion in the US that vaccination must not be compulsory. (With inputs from agencies)

US government to distribute 400 million Covid N95 masks for free

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned global leaders that Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over.

Tedros has also cautioned against the assumption that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is significantly milder and has eliminated the threat posed by the virus.

“Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said late on Tuesday.

"Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading, hurts the overall response and costs more lives," he added.

He cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”.

Tedros said there were indications that the Omicron-fuelled surge of Covid cases may have peaked in some countries. “Now is not the time to give up and wave the white flag,” he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Omicron continues to sweep the 🌍. I remain concerned about countries with low vaccination rates, as unvaccinated people are many times more at risk of severe illness &amp; death. I urge everyone to do their best to reduce risk of infection &amp; help take pressure off health systems. <a href="https://t.co/CymL7Vxvel">pic.twitter.com/CymL7Vxvel</a>
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1483530265062486017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 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>

Tedros also raised concern about low vaccination coverage in some countries, saying that there was an urgent need to remove the pressure building on health systems.

“We can still significantly reduce the impact of the current wave by sharing and using health tools effectively, and implementing public health and social measures that we know work," Tedros said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-fourth-dose-of-vaccine-not-good-enough-against-omicron-variant-reveals-israeli-study-445635">COVID-19: Fourth dose of vaccine 'not good enough' against Omicron variant, reveals Israeli study</a>

The latest warning comes on the backdrop of Europe reporting a record number of Covid infections in the past month.

Europe recorded five million cases last week and the WHO has predicted that Omicron could infect half of all Europeans by March, filling hospitals across the continent.

Germany on Tuesday recorded 112,323 coronavirus cases and 239 deaths, officials said, with Omicron found in more than 70 per cent of the infections.

Brazil has registered a new record number of daily cases of more than 137,000 on Tuesday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-office-locked-with-workers-trapped-inside-after-omicron-case-detected-445537">China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected</a>

And in the Asia-pacific region, Japan has tightened restrictions across the country, including Tokyo, as it battles record infections fuelled by Omicron.

&nbsp;While China has partially relaxed transport restrictions in the megacity of Xi’an where millions have been confined to their homes for weeks.

India, too, on Wednesday reported 2,82,970 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, which is a rise of over 18 per cent from the previous day's count.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned global leaders that Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over.

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned global leaders that Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over. Tedros has also cautioned against the assumption that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is significantly milder and has eliminated the threat posed by the virus. “Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said late on Tuesday. "Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading, hurts the overall response and costs more lives," he added. He cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”. Tedros said there were indications that the Omicron-fuelled surge of Covid cases may have peaked in some countries. “Now is not the time to give up and wave the white flag,” he said. Omicron continues to sweep the 🌍. I remain concerned about countries with low vaccination rates, as unvaccinated people are many times more at risk of severe illness & death. I urge everyone to do their best to reduce risk of infection & help take pressure off health systems. pic.twitter.com/CymL7Vxvel — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 18, 2022 × Tedros also raised concern about low vaccination coverage in some countries, saying that there was an urgent need to remove the pressure building on health systems. “We can still significantly reduce the impact of the current wave by sharing and using health tools effectively, and implementing public health and social measures that we know work," Tedros said. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Fourth dose of vaccine 'not good enough' against Omicron variant, reveals Israeli study The latest warning comes on the backdrop of Europe reporting a record number of Covid infections in the past month. Europe recorded five million cases last week and the WHO has predicted that Omicron could infect half of all Europeans by March, filling hospitals across the continent. Germany on Tuesday recorded 112,323 coronavirus cases and 239 deaths, officials said, with Omicron found in more than 70 per cent of the infections. Brazil has registered a new record number of daily cases of more than 137,000 on Tuesday. ALSO READ | China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected And in the Asia-pacific region, Japan has tightened restrictions across the country, including Tokyo, as it battles record infections fuelled by Omicron. While China has partially relaxed transport restrictions in the megacity of Xi’an where millions have been confined to their homes for weeks. India, too, on Wednesday reported 2,82,970 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, which is a rise of over 18 per cent from the previous day's count. (With inputs from agencies)

Pandemic ‘nowhere near over’: WHO chief warns against assumption that Omicron is milder

The World Health Organization has expressed some serious concerns over the current status of the pandemic. According to the WHO Chief the covid-19 pandemic is far from over as the omicron variant continues to sweep across the world. Speaking during a briefing in Geneva, he said that said there were at least about 18 million new covid -19 cases that had been reported last week adding that the number of deaths remained stable.

WHO warns covid-19 pandemic nowhere near over | Omicron variant

Amid a rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases globally after the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts and medical scientists are working to investigate the immune escape potential.&nbsp;

As governments across the world are pushing ahead with booster shots to protect amid the emergence of new variants, latest Israeli study regarding Pfizer and Moderna vaccines impact on Omicron gives valuable inputs.&nbsp;

The authors of an Israeli trial said on Monday&nbsp;that the fourth doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against Covid are only "partially" effective for the Omicron variant of the virus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-main-cities-record-sharp-fall-in-covid-infections-445558">India’s main cities record sharp fall in Covid infections</a>

A trial was conducted by a team from Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv in December on fourth doses of coronavirus vaccines, inoculating 154 hospital personnel with Pfizer jabs and 120 other volunteers with Moderna doses.&nbsp;

As per a statement released by the hospital, the initial results showed that "the vaccines are safe and have shown to produce substantial antibodies, but are only partially effective in defending against the Omicron variant."&nbsp;

Professor Gili Regev-Yochay, who leads the study, said that while there was an increase in antibodies after administering the fourth dose, it nonetheless "only offers a partial defenser against the virus" for those infected with the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-office-locked-with-workers-trapped-inside-after-omicron-case-detected-445537">China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected</a>

"The vaccine, which was very effective against the previous strains, is less effective against the Omicron strain," Regev-Yochay said as quoted by The Times Of Israel.&nbsp;

"We see an increase in antibodies, higher than after the third dose. However, we see many infected with Omicron who received the fourth dose. Granted, a bit less than in the control group, but still a lot of infections," she added.

"The bottom line is that the vaccine is excellent against the Alpha and Delta [variants], for Omicron it’s not good enough," she said.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries to delay booster programs as people around the world are yet to get their&nbsp;initial vaccine jabs.&nbsp;

COVID-19 situation in Israel

In Israel, official figures showed that a total of more than 1.7 million infections have been recorded since the start of the pandemic, including more than 8,300 deaths.&nbsp;

Israel was among the first countries to launch mass immunisation campaigns for its population. It then began offering booster shots last summer. More than 537,000 Israelis have received a fourth dose of vaccine, according to the health ministry's latest figures.&nbsp;

<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/twindemic-europe-faces-severe-flu-amid-ongoing-covid-19-pandemic-445624/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Amid a rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases globally after the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts and medical scientists are working to investigate the immune escape potential.

Amid a rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases globally after the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts and medical scientists are working to investigate the immune escape potential. As governments across the world are pushing ahead with booster shots to protect amid the emergence of new variants, latest Israeli study regarding Pfizer and Moderna vaccines impact on Omicron gives valuable inputs. The authors of an Israeli trial said on Monday that the fourth doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against Covid are only "partially" effective for the Omicron variant of the virus. ALSO READ | India’s main cities record sharp fall in Covid infections A trial was conducted by a team from Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv in December on fourth doses of coronavirus vaccines, inoculating 154 hospital personnel with Pfizer jabs and 120 other volunteers with Moderna doses. As per a statement released by the hospital, the initial results showed that "the vaccines are safe and have shown to produce substantial antibodies, but are only partially effective in defending against the Omicron variant." Professor Gili Regev-Yochay, who leads the study, said that while there was an increase in antibodies after administering the fourth dose, it nonetheless "only offers a partial defenser against the virus" for those infected with the Omicron variant. ALSO READ | China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected "The vaccine, which was very effective against the previous strains, is less effective against the Omicron strain," Regev-Yochay said as quoted by The Times Of Israel. "We see an increase in antibodies, higher than after the third dose. However, we see many infected with Omicron who received the fourth dose. Granted, a bit less than in the control group, but still a lot of infections," she added. "The bottom line is that the vaccine is excellent against the Alpha and Delta [variants], for Omicron it’s not good enough," she said. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries to delay booster programs as people around the world are yet to get their initial vaccine jabs. COVID-19 situation in Israel In Israel, official figures showed that a total of more than 1.7 million infections have been recorded since the start of the pandemic, including more than 8,300 deaths. Israel was among the first countries to launch mass immunisation campaigns for its population. It then began offering booster shots last summer. More than 537,000 Israelis have received a fourth dose of vaccine, according to the health ministry's latest figures. ×

COVID-19: Fourth dose of vaccine 'not good enough' against Omicron variant, reveals Israeli study

An office building in the west of Beijing was sealed off without advance warning while workers were still inside. Also, all these workers were subjected to compulsory Covid testing. &nbsp;

This decision was made after an employee tested positive for the Omicron variant. All of this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities.

The residential compound and the workplace of the infected person have been sealed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-records-two-year-high-in-covid-cases-weeks-before-winter-olympics-445515">Also read |&nbsp;China records two-year high in Covid cases weeks before Winter Olympics</a>

China has imposed a lockdown in several cities including Xi'an and Henan province. Health officials had put Xi'an city under strict lockdown as the city registered over 2,000 Covid cases in a month. Also, earlier this week, the authorities moved to lockdown

Anyang city after 58 coronavirus cases were reported including two Omicron cases.

Meanwhile, China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached the highest levels since March 2020. With growing fears about the highly-transmissible Omicron strain challenging China's stringent approach to virus control, a senior health official told residents of the capital to "avoid buying goods from overseas" after saying a local case could have been infected by international post.

An office building in the west of Beijing was sealed off without advance warning while workers were still inside. Also, all these workers were subjected to compulsory Covid testing.

An office building in the west of Beijing was sealed off without advance warning while workers were still inside. Also, all these workers were subjected to compulsory Covid testing. This decision was made after an employee tested positive for the Omicron variant. All of this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities. The residential compound and the workplace of the infected person have been sealed. Also read | China records two-year high in Covid cases weeks before Winter Olympics China has imposed a lockdown in several cities including Xi'an and Henan province. Health officials had put Xi'an city under strict lockdown as the city registered over 2,000 Covid cases in a month. Also, earlier this week, the authorities moved to lockdown Anyang city after 58 coronavirus cases were reported including two Omicron cases. Meanwhile, China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached the highest levels since March 2020. With growing fears about the highly-transmissible Omicron strain challenging China's stringent approach to virus control, a senior health official told residents of the capital to "avoid buying goods from overseas" after saying a local case could have been infected by international post.

China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected

China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached highest levels since March 2020. That this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities.

With growing fears about the highly-transmissible Omicron strain challenging China's stringent approach to virus control, a senior health official told residents of the capital to "avoid buying goods from overseas" after saying a local case could have been infected by international post.

Coronavirus first emerged in China in 2019. The country has stuck to a strict policy of targeting zero Covid cases even as the rest of the world has reopened.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-population-grows-but-birth-rate-drops-to-record-low-in-2021-445326">China's population grows but birth rate drops to record low in 2021</a>

But its approach has come under sustained pressure in recent weeks with multiple clusters in key cities just as the Games are about to get underway in Beijing.

On Monday there were 223 more cases reported, including another 80 in the virus-hit port city of Tianjin, and nine more -- including cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant -- in the southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong.

Athletes and officials have already started to land in the capital ahead of the Games, immediately entering a tightly controlled bubble separating them from the rest of the population.

But after a local Omicron case was detected in Beijing over the weekend, authorities also tightened regulations for arrivals from elsewhere in China.

The city is now demanding a negative test before travel and a follow-up test after entering, with residents urged not to leave the capital for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

Some tourist sites have also been closed.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached highest levels since March 2020. That this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities.

China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached highest levels since March 2020. That this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities. With growing fears about the highly-transmissible Omicron strain challenging China's stringent approach to virus control, a senior health official told residents of the capital to "avoid buying goods from overseas" after saying a local case could have been infected by international post. Coronavirus first emerged in China in 2019. The country has stuck to a strict policy of targeting zero Covid cases even as the rest of the world has reopened. Also Read | China's population grows but birth rate drops to record low in 2021 But its approach has come under sustained pressure in recent weeks with multiple clusters in key cities just as the Games are about to get underway in Beijing. On Monday there were 223 more cases reported, including another 80 in the virus-hit port city of Tianjin, and nine more -- including cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant -- in the southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong. Athletes and officials have already started to land in the capital ahead of the Games, immediately entering a tightly controlled bubble separating them from the rest of the population. But after a local Omicron case was detected in Beijing over the weekend, authorities also tightened regulations for arrivals from elsewhere in China. The city is now demanding a negative test before travel and a follow-up test after entering, with residents urged not to leave the capital for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Some tourist sites have also been closed. (With inputs from agencies)

China records two-year high in Covid cases weeks before Winter Olympics

In the latest development, reports by local Chinese media have stated that the Omicron variant of Covid could have entered Beijing through contaminated mail from Canada. On January 15, Beijing reported its first locally transmitted Omicron case. The residential compound and workplace of the infected person have been sealed.

The deputy director of the Beijing Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Pang Xinghuo said that the infected person received a letter mailed from Canada on January 7. She further revealed that the health authorities investigated the man’s post as the reason for infection when they got to know that he received overseas mail every now and then.

All employees who came in contact with the mail are in quarantine now. Eight people have tested negative so far.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-reports-first-local-omicron-case-weeks-ahead-of-olympic-games-445071">Also read |&nbsp;Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games</a>

While the Chinese authorities have repeatedly said that they have been detecting the virus on contaminated imports, a few researchers and health authorities remain sceptical about this method of transmission. The researchers argue that the virus does not survive long enough on surfaces.

As cases in China continue to surge, several cities including Xi'an and Henan province have imposed a lockdown. Health officials had put Xi'an city under strict lockdown as the city registered over 2,000 Covid cases in a month.&nbsp;

Chinese health officials had earlier imposed restrictions in the northern city of Tianjin as the Omicron variant spread in the area.

Tianjin had reported 21 cases of the domestically transmitted virus as authorities moved to clamp down on the movement of residents.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the latest development, reports by local Chinese media have stated that the Omicron variant of Covid could have entered Beijing through contaminated mail from Canada.

In the latest development, reports by local Chinese media have stated that the Omicron variant of Covid could have entered Beijing through contaminated mail from Canada. On January 15, Beijing reported its first locally transmitted Omicron case. The residential compound and workplace of the infected person have been sealed. The deputy director of the Beijing Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Pang Xinghuo said that the infected person received a letter mailed from Canada on January 7. She further revealed that the health authorities investigated the man’s post as the reason for infection when they got to know that he received overseas mail every now and then. All employees who came in contact with the mail are in quarantine now. Eight people have tested negative so far. Also read | Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games While the Chinese authorities have repeatedly said that they have been detecting the virus on contaminated imports, a few researchers and health authorities remain sceptical about this method of transmission. The researchers argue that the virus does not survive long enough on surfaces. As cases in China continue to surge, several cities including Xi'an and Henan province have imposed a lockdown. Health officials had put Xi'an city under strict lockdown as the city registered over 2,000 Covid cases in a month. Chinese health officials had earlier imposed restrictions in the northern city of Tianjin as the Omicron variant spread in the area. Tianjin had reported 21 cases of the domestically transmitted virus as authorities moved to clamp down on the movement of residents. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron in Beijing may have arrived by mail from Canada: Report

After days of significant rise in its daily case load, India today has reported a marginal drop in its covid curve. India has reported over 258,089 new covid-19 cases which is 13,000 less than Sunday's figures.

Covid-19 News: India logs 258,089 new covid-19 cases, records marginal drop

The Latin American nation of Brazil is currently witnessing an alarming rise in the number of COVID-19 infections. The massive spike, which has been fueled by the fast-spreading omicron variant of the Coronavirus has pushed the country's health infrastructure virtually to its edge now.

Health infrastructure under pressure in Brazil amid a massive spike in COVID cases fueled by Omicron

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised its COVID-19 guidelines. It now urges Americans to wear masks to protect themselves against COVID-19.

US: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised its COVID-19 guidelines amid Omicron

While the world is already struggling with the Omicron variant, scientists have warned that this will not be the last variant of the deadly coronavirus to worry the world. As per the scientists, every variant gives the virus a chance to mutate, and Omicron has an edge over all the previous variants because it spreads way faster.

Leonardo Martinez, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Boston University, while speaking to the Associated Press said, "The faster omicron spreads, the more opportunities there are for mutation, potentially leading to more variants."

Omicron is more likely than Delta to reinfect individuals who have already been infected with Covid. Also, it is more likely to cause “breakthrough infections” in vaccinated people while also attacking the unvaccinated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-a-natural-disaster-most-americans-will-get-covid-19-us-health-officials-444528">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials</a>

Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University said, "It’s the longer, persistent infections that seem to be the most likely breeding grounds for new variants. It’s only when you have very widespread infection that you’re going to provide the opportunity for that to occur.”

According to federal health officials in the US, the Omicron variant is so contagious that most people in the country will be infected, and the pandemic has been compared to a "natural disaster."

Authorities said they are hopeful that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases.&nbsp;

The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US. According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US. Also, it has now replaced Delta in less than a month.

(With inputs from agencies)

While the world is already struggling with the Omicron variant, scientists have warned that this will not be the last variant of the deadly coronavirus to worry the world.

While the world is already struggling with the Omicron variant, scientists have warned that this will not be the last variant of the deadly coronavirus to worry the world. As per the scientists, every variant gives the virus a chance to mutate, and Omicron has an edge over all the previous variants because it spreads way faster. Leonardo Martinez, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Boston University, while speaking to the Associated Press said, "The faster omicron spreads, the more opportunities there are for mutation, potentially leading to more variants." Omicron is more likely than Delta to reinfect individuals who have already been infected with Covid. Also, it is more likely to cause “breakthrough infections” in vaccinated people while also attacking the unvaccinated. Also read | Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University said, "It’s the longer, persistent infections that seem to be the most likely breeding grounds for new variants. It’s only when you have very widespread infection that you’re going to provide the opportunity for that to occur.” According to federal health officials in the US, the Omicron variant is so contagious that most people in the country will be infected, and the pandemic has been compared to a "natural disaster." Authorities said they are hopeful that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases. The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US. According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US. Also, it has now replaced Delta in less than a month. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn

In a bid to contain the spread of the latest COVID-19 variant, Omicron China has tightened curbs across the country.

China tightens curbs amid a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron mutant variant

Chinese capital city Beijing reported its first locally transmitted Omicron case on Saturday, states local media. This comes just a few weeks before the Olympic games. Pang Xinghuo, an official at the city's disease control authority, while speaking at a news briefing said that the lab testing found "mutations specific to the Omicron variant" in the person.

The residential compound of the infected person has been sealed as of now. His workplace has also been sealed.&nbsp;

Officials collected 2,430 testing samples from people who were linked to the location.&nbsp;

China has imposed a lockdown in several cities including Xi'an and Henan province. Health officials had put Xi'an city under strict lockdown as the city registered over 2,000 Covid cases in a month.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-xian-china-locks-down-another-city-as-omicron-cases-detected-443820">Also read |&nbsp;After Xi’an, China locks down another city as Omicron cases detected</a>

The city has become the epicentre of the virus as it recorded domestically-transmitted epidemic since the Wuhan outbreak.

Earlier this week, the authorities moved to lockdown Anyang city after 58 coronavirus cases were reported including two Omicron cases.

Chinese health officials had earlier imposed restrictions in the northern city of Tianjin as the Omicron variant spread in the area.

Tianjin had reported 21 cases of the domestically transmitted virus as authorities moved to clamp down on the movement of residents.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese capital city Beijing reported its first locally transmitted Omicron case on Saturday, states local media. This comes just a few weeks before the Olympic games.

Chinese capital city Beijing reported its first locally transmitted Omicron case on Saturday, states local media. This comes just a few weeks before the Olympic games. Pang Xinghuo, an official at the city's disease control authority, while speaking at a news briefing said that the lab testing found "mutations specific to the Omicron variant" in the person. The residential compound of the infected person has been sealed as of now. His workplace has also been sealed. Officials collected 2,430 testing samples from people who were linked to the location. China has imposed a lockdown in several cities including Xi'an and Henan province. Health officials had put Xi'an city under strict lockdown as the city registered over 2,000 Covid cases in a month. Also read | After Xi’an, China locks down another city as Omicron cases detected The city has become the epicentre of the virus as it recorded domestically-transmitted epidemic since the Wuhan outbreak. Earlier this week, the authorities moved to lockdown Anyang city after 58 coronavirus cases were reported including two Omicron cases. Chinese health officials had earlier imposed restrictions in the northern city of Tianjin as the Omicron variant spread in the area. Tianjin had reported 21 cases of the domestically transmitted virus as authorities moved to clamp down on the movement of residents. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has brought the world to a standstill, once again - putting a pause to normal life, hampering daily routines with restrictions being imposed worldwide. As the uncertainty continues, stress and anxiety have been taking a toll on people leaving them with just one question - When will the pandemic end?&nbsp;

While few governments are coming around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu, many experts are weighing the probability where Omicron might be the end of this pandemic.&nbsp;

With the variant spreading like wildfire all across the globe, some experts have said that the widespread infection from Omicron could actually push Covid out of the pandemic phase. The theory behind this is that the mild infection which is caused by the Omicron variant may lead to widespread immunity, thus deeming it as a "natural vaccine."

Professor Ian Jones, who happens to be a virologist at the University of Reading in England has backed this theory as he believes that just like the flu, Omicron does not pose any major threat.

He further claimed that the Omicron variant could boost immunity without becoming a cause for serious illness.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-we-ready-to-treat-covid-like-the-flu-some-nations-are-increasingly-thinking-so-444834">Also read |&nbsp;Are we ready to treat Covid like the flu? Some nations are increasingly thinking so</a>

However, another theory is where the experts believe that the Covid pandemic has now become endemic. This phenomenon occurs when a specific virus is found regularly in a particular area or among people.&nbsp;

In an endemic like situation, the virus is more manageable and people somehow learn to cope up with it.&nbsp;

Experts in the US say that most of the population will be infected with the Omicron variant, and WHO itself said more than half of Europe will have the virus in coming days, both pointing towards it becoming as common as the flu.

As of now, the WHO has warned against such a conclusion.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Spain recently became the first European country to move towards ending mask mandates. Several other European nations are also looking forward to relaxing Covid restrictions even after a spike in cases.

It may still be early days but admittedly, neither lockdowns nor vaccinations are completely preventing the spread.&nbsp;

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has brought the world to a standstill, once again - putting a pause to normal life, hampering daily routines with restrictions being imposed worldwide.

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has brought the world to a standstill, once again - putting a pause to normal life, hampering daily routines with restrictions being imposed worldwide. As the uncertainty continues, stress and anxiety have been taking a toll on people leaving them with just one question - When will the pandemic end? While few governments are coming around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu, many experts are weighing the probability where Omicron might be the end of this pandemic. With the variant spreading like wildfire all across the globe, some experts have said that the widespread infection from Omicron could actually push Covid out of the pandemic phase. The theory behind this is that the mild infection which is caused by the Omicron variant may lead to widespread immunity, thus deeming it as a "natural vaccine." Professor Ian Jones, who happens to be a virologist at the University of Reading in England has backed this theory as he believes that just like the flu, Omicron does not pose any major threat. He further claimed that the Omicron variant could boost immunity without becoming a cause for serious illness. Also read | Are we ready to treat Covid like the flu? Some nations are increasingly thinking so However, another theory is where the experts believe that the Covid pandemic has now become endemic. This phenomenon occurs when a specific virus is found regularly in a particular area or among people. In an endemic like situation, the virus is more manageable and people somehow learn to cope up with it. Experts in the US say that most of the population will be infected with the Omicron variant, and WHO itself said more than half of Europe will have the virus in coming days, both pointing towards it becoming as common as the flu. As of now, the WHO has warned against such a conclusion. Meanwhile, Spain recently became the first European country to move towards ending mask mandates. Several other European nations are also looking forward to relaxing Covid restrictions even after a spike in cases. It may still be early days but admittedly, neither lockdowns nor vaccinations are completely preventing the spread.

When will the pandemic end? This is what experts believe

India reports over 200,000 cases for 3 consecutive days due to the Omicron variant

India reports 268,833 new COVID-19 cases amid a surge due to the Omicron variant

India reports 264,202 new COVID-19 cases amid a surge 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