Coronavirus cases are surging across the world. Scientists and researchers across the world are still gathering more information on the new variant that was first detected in late November in South Africa.

Coronavirus cases surge across the world

Ahead of India's Tests vs South Africa, in the African nation, here's looking at Virat Kohli & Co.'s performances in away Tests since 2018.

Team India's impressive record in away Tests since 2018 before SA series

New study has reported that hospitalization cases lower in Omicron patients than Delta patients. Coronavirus cases are surging across the world. Scientists and researchers across the world are still gathering more information on the new variant that was first detected in late November in South Africa.

London's imperial college publishes study on risk of hospitalizations for Omicron patients

New study says hospitalization cases lower in Omicron patients than Delta patients

South Africa is not just affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but is also deeply plagued with increasing rape and sexual abuse cases. It has the world's highest levels of violence against women. As per the official data, there are over 100 rapes reported daily. Also, on average, a woman is murdered every three hours.

The recent stats revealed an increase of 7.1 per cent in rape cases, with 9,556 women raped between July and September.&nbsp; 
President Cyril Ramaphosa deemed the recent stats as "shameful."&nbsp;

He further said that violence against women is a "second pandemic."

"We are in the grip of a relentless war being waged on the bodies of women and children that, despite our best efforts, shows no signs of abating. If a nation's character can be judged by how it treats women and children, then we are falling desperately short," he said.

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The statistics show that about a third of girls in South Africa will have to go through some form of sexual abuse during their lifetime. Also, one in five children will be sexually assaulted.&nbsp;

The rate of child murders has also surged by nearly a third as compared to the previous reporting period.

Precious Robinson, from Right to Care and chairperson of the South African Civil Society for Women’s, Adolescents’ and Children’s Health said that it is very unfortunate that such cases are never reported. “Some cultures have this tendency of saying if a thing happens within a family, let’s not take it out. It’s a secret, it’s a family issue. Families will often worry about what people will say if they hear about it,” she said.

A 2010 study revealed that 25.3 per cent of women in Gauteng province had been “raped by a man, whether a husband or boyfriend, family member, stranger or acquaintance”.&nbsp;

This has also contributed to the worsening mental health conditions as many survivors are shocked and traumatised.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South Africa is not just affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but is also deeply plagued with increasing rape and sexual abuse cases. It has the world's highest levels of violence against women.

South Africa is not just affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but is also deeply plagued with increasing rape and sexual abuse cases. It has the world's highest levels of violence against women. As per the official data, there are over 100 rapes reported daily. Also, on average, a woman is murdered every three hours. The recent stats revealed an increase of 7.1 per cent in rape cases, with 9,556 women raped between July and September. President Cyril Ramaphosa deemed the recent stats as "shameful." He further said that violence against women is a "second pandemic." "We are in the grip of a relentless war being waged on the bodies of women and children that, despite our best efforts, shows no signs of abating. If a nation's character can be judged by how it treats women and children, then we are falling desperately short," he said. Also read | Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines The statistics show that about a third of girls in South Africa will have to go through some form of sexual abuse during their lifetime. Also, one in five children will be sexually assaulted. The rate of child murders has also surged by nearly a third as compared to the previous reporting period. Precious Robinson, from Right to Care and chairperson of the South African Civil Society for Women’s, Adolescents’ and Children’s Health said that it is very unfortunate that such cases are never reported. “Some cultures have this tendency of saying if a thing happens within a family, let’s not take it out. It’s a secret, it’s a family issue. Families will often worry about what people will say if they hear about it,” she said. A 2010 study revealed that 25.3 per cent of women in Gauteng province had been “raped by a man, whether a husband or boyfriend, family member, stranger or acquaintance”. This has also contributed to the worsening mental health conditions as many survivors are shocked and traumatised. (With inputs from agencies)

'A second pandemic': South Africa plagued by surging rape and abuse cases

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

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

Southern Africa has been hit with travel bans after reporting the new Omicron variant. But Europe - with 42 cases of the same variant - faces no such bans. Palki Sharma tells you why such discriminatory policies created Omicron in the first place.

Gravitas: India helps Africa amid Omicron alert

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

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

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

Gravitas: What the world can learn from the Omicron surge

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

At least 20 countries confirm Omicron COVID-19 variant cases

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

New COVID-19 variant Omicron triggers travel bans, restrictions

Dutch health authorities state that the Omicron variant was present in the Netherland even before its first case was reported in South Africa.

Omicron covid variant found in Europe before South Africa

The new Omicron variant is spreading across the globe. Nations are shutting down borders and COVID-19 restrictions are returning. WION takes you where the news began as we report live from South Africa on the latest Omicron variant updates.

Countries ban travel from South Africa and other nations over Omicron COVID-19 variant

In response to the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron in southern Africa, the United States, Canada, Russia, and a host of other countries joined the European Union in restricting travel for visitors from that region.

Omicron variant sparks travel bans, South Africa faces backlash

The discovery of a new and potentially more transmissible coronavirus variant by South African health authorities has sparked a forceful reaction across the world. An epidemiologist from South Africa brings you an overview of the variant.

Omicron, a new COVID-19 variant sparks travel bans, worries scientists

Sri Lanka will ban entry to most of travellers from six Southern African countries over concerns about the new Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Sri Lanka bans travellers from six African nations over Omicron variant

South Africa has alerted the world with the new covid variant Omicron due to which many countries have imposed a travel ban on several African countries. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has now come out and criticised the West for this move.

Covid variant Omicron: 'No scientific justification for curbs,' South African prez Cyril Ramaphosa

South Africa reported its highest daily tally of new coronavirus cases ever, a few days after President Cyril Ramaphosa tested positive for the infection. South Africa was the first country to detect the new omicron strain.

Omicron variant | South Africa reports 26,976 covid-19 cases reported in 24 hours

As COVID cases surge in South Africa amid Omicron variant's spread, President Cyril Ramaphosa tests COVID positive. Indian PM Narendra Modi and WHO wished him a speedy recovery. `

Fully vaccinated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa test COVID positive amid Omicron scare

According to South African doctors, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is milder than that of Delta. The number of COVID cases soar in the African nation.

South African Doctors: Omicron variant milder than Delta

COVID-19 cases in Omicron-hit South Africa more than double within a week as it reports around 20,000 new cases and 36 COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours. However, it is still early to determine how many of these cases are because of the Omicron variant.

South Africa records 20,000 Covid cases of Omicron variant

Omicron wave hits South Africa as 20,000 new COVID-19 cases & 36 deaths reported in last 24 hours

Lions are listed as endangered species across the world but South Africa is going against the global trend. The population of the big cat is rising here due to a successful conservation programme.

South Africa sets up small reserves to protect Lions

Coronavirus: 'Variant of concern' Omicron raises fears globally; cases have been detected in these countries

Omicron travel chaos: Countries that imposed travel curbs over new Covid variant

Lions, who often fall prey to poachers and face a loss of habitat witnessed a rise in population in South Africa.

Lion population rises in South Africa as it goes against the global trend

Lions are listed as endangered across the world but South Africa is going against this global trend, the population of the big cat is rising there due to a successful conservation plan.

South Africa home to 17% of world's Lion population

At least 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines have expired in Senegal without being used in the past two months and another 200,000 are set to expire at the end of December because demand is too slow.

Senegal expects 400,000 COVID-19 vaccines to go waste by year-end

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock could miss the second and third test matches against India, with his wife expecting the birth of their child in early January, ESPN Cricinfo website reported on Monday.

South Africa are due to host India in a three-test series beginning Dec. 26 in Pretoria. The second test is set to start on Jan. 3 in Johannesburg, while the final test is scheduled for Jan. 11 in Cape Town. The teams will then play three one-dayers.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-have-already-found-the-player-saba-karim-names-hardik-pandyas-replacement-before-south-africa-odis-436581">We have already found the player: Saba Karim names Hardik Pandya's replacement before South Africa ODIs</a>

De Kock last played for South Africa at the Twenty20 World Cup, where he opted to sit out their second group game following a board order to take a knee in support of the "Black Lives Matter" movement.

He later apologised for his decision and took a knee in the following three matches as South Africa were knocked out in the Super 12 stage of the competition.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-reveal-babar-azam-responds-to-reporters-question-about-chat-with-virat-kohli-during-t20-world-cup-436542">'Won't reveal': Babar Azam responds to reporter's question about chat with Virat Kohli during T20 World Cup</a>

Meanwhile, Team India will undergo 3-day quarantine in Mumbai before flying to Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday by chartered flight. India will play three Tests and three ODIs. 1st test starts in Centurion on 26th December.

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock could miss the second and third test matches against India, with his wife expecting the birth of their child in early January, ESPN Cricinfo website reported on Monday.

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock could miss the second and third test matches against India, with his wife expecting the birth of their child in early January, ESPN Cricinfo website reported on Monday. South Africa are due to host India in a three-test series beginning Dec. 26 in Pretoria. The second test is set to start on Jan. 3 in Johannesburg, while the final test is scheduled for Jan. 11 in Cape Town. The teams will then play three one-dayers. ALSO READ: We have already found the player: Saba Karim names Hardik Pandya's replacement before South Africa ODIs De Kock last played for South Africa at the Twenty20 World Cup, where he opted to sit out their second group game following a board order to take a knee in support of the "Black Lives Matter" movement. He later apologised for his decision and took a knee in the following three matches as South Africa were knocked out in the Super 12 stage of the competition. ALSO READ | 'Won't reveal': Babar Azam responds to reporter's question about chat with Virat Kohli during T20 World Cup Meanwhile, Team India will undergo 3-day quarantine in Mumbai before flying to Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday by chartered flight. India will play three Tests and three ODIs. 1st test starts in Centurion on 26th December.

South Africa's Quinton De Kock to miss final two Tests vs India due to paternity leave: Report

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is receiving treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms after testing positive for the disease. Ramaphosa was fully vaccinated and is self-isolating in Cape Town.

Fully vaccinated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tests positive for COVID-19

As South Africa continues to battle with growing cases of deadly coronavirus, a health official has revealed that the country will be rolling out Pfizer booster shots starting from next month. "The first people who will qualify for the booster dose in South Africa will be people over the age of 60 years," Dr Nicolas Crisp, director general at the health ministry, said during a weekly conference.

Several health practitioners had already started being offered&nbsp;the Johnson &amp; Johnson booster shots.

This comes just a few days after President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that the country is preparing its hospitals for additional admissions as the newly emerged Omicron variant&nbsp;has pushed the country into the fourth wave of infections. He further added that daily infections have increased five-fold in the past week. Two weeks ago, only two per cent of tests were positive. 
Ramaphosa, who called the increase in infections a "grave concern."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-cases-increase-five-fold-in-south-africa-president-says-emergence-of-omicron-was-inevitable-434753">Also read |&nbsp;Covid cases increase five-fold in South Africa; President says emergence of Omicron was inevitable</a>

"While the surge in infections is of great concern, we should remember that we anticipated it. Disease modellers in our country have told us that we would likely experience a fourth wave around this time and that it was almost inevitable that new variants of the virus would emerge, " Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla recently revealed that the new Omicron variant account for&nbsp;70 per cent of new infections in South Africa. He further revealed that the&nbsp;hospitalised patients are so far showing mild symptoms.

Scientists all across the globe are still working to determine the efficacy of the existing vaccine against the Omicron variant. The transmissibility of this variant is said to be lower than any other previously existing variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

As South Africa continues to battle with growing cases of deadly coronavirus, a health official has revealed that the country will be rolling out Pfizer booster shots starting from next month.

As South Africa continues to battle with growing cases of deadly coronavirus, a health official has revealed that the country will be rolling out Pfizer booster shots starting from next month. "The first people who will qualify for the booster dose in South Africa will be people over the age of 60 years," Dr Nicolas Crisp, director general at the health ministry, said during a weekly conference. Several health practitioners had already started being offered the Johnson & Johnson booster shots. This comes just a few days after President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that the country is preparing its hospitals for additional admissions as the newly emerged Omicron variant has pushed the country into the fourth wave of infections. He further added that daily infections have increased five-fold in the past week. Two weeks ago, only two per cent of tests were positive. Ramaphosa, who called the increase in infections a "grave concern." Also read | Covid cases increase five-fold in South Africa; President says emergence of Omicron was inevitable "While the surge in infections is of great concern, we should remember that we anticipated it. Disease modellers in our country have told us that we would likely experience a fourth wave around this time and that it was almost inevitable that new variants of the virus would emerge, " Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter. Health Minister Joe Phaahla recently revealed that the new Omicron variant account for 70 per cent of new infections in South Africa. He further revealed that the hospitalised patients are so far showing mild symptoms. Scientists all across the globe are still working to determine the efficacy of the existing vaccine against the Omicron variant. The transmissibility of this variant is said to be lower than any other previously existing variant. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid deadly fourth wave, South Africa to roll out booster shots next month

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