The Guardian says New York City and some north-eastern US states appear to be seeing rapid decreases in their numbers of Covid-19 cases.
Browsing: Omicron
Omicron variant
The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) is a variant of SARS-CoV-2 that was first reported to the World Health Organization from South Africa on 24 November 2021.
The variant is defined by it its fast-spreading nature – it multiples around 70 times faster than the Delta variant but is known to be less severe. Omicron infections are 91 per cent less fatal than the delta variant, with 51 per cent less risk of hospitalization.
How serious is the COVID-19 variant omicron?
In fully vaccinated and/or boosted people, omicron symptoms tend to be mild. In unvaccinated people, symptoms may be quite severe, possibly leading to hospitalization or even death. Omicron is also more likely to cause symptoms even if you’ve been exposed or tested positive in the past.
The Independent says The Covid pandemic may be coming to an end in the UK, a leading expert has suggested.
Aljazeera says Deaths in the Philippines due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be double the health department’s official numbers.
CNN says the Omicron surge hasn’t peaked nationwide, and ‘the next few weeks will be tough,’ US surgeon general says
The Metro says The UK has recorded another 70,924 cases of Covid but it appears the country has past the worst of the Omicron wave.
The Guardian says The Philippine government has defended a controversial ban that prevents unvaccinated people from using public transport.
The Metro says The self-isolation period for people who have tested positive for Covid-19 has been slashed.
France24 says Huge numbers of French teachers went on strike Thursday as staff demand clarity from the government on coronavirus measures.
Aljazeera says The World Health Organization (WHO) has added two more drugs to its guidelines for recommended treatments for COVID-19.
The Independent says India has again reported a sharp rise in Covid-19 deaths amid an emerging third wave in the country and the global spread of Omicron.
The Metro says more than half a million people cancelled flights from Heathrow in December alone due to travel fears about the Omicron.
The Guardian says The UK’s main statistical body has reported more than 175,000 deaths involving Covid since the start of the pandemic.
Arab News says The United States reported 1.35 million new coronavirus infections on Monday, according to a Reuters tally, the highest daily total for any country in the world.
The Metro says Health professionals have dismissed claims that a new Covid variant named ‘Deltacron’ has emerged that is a hybrid of the Delta and Omicron strains.
A number of Sunday Papers say the public must learn to live with Covid as it is now a permanent feature of our lives. Newly released images of the Duchess of Cambridge feature in most papers.
Wales Online says Sports fans will remain shut out from professional matches and events in Wales for at least another week as part of the Welsh Government’s Covid regulations.
The Metro says hundreds of troops are being drafted into London hospitals to replace staff isolating with Omicron as the NHS grapples with critical workforce shortages.
Italy will impose mandatory vaccinations for Covid on everyone over 50 years of age, the Italian government has announced on Wednesday.
The Guardian says Italy has made it obligatory for people aged 50 or more to be vaccinated against Covid-19 as the country scrambles to ease pressure on hospitals.
The Metro says The rules for Covid-19 testing are set to change imminently with people who are positive on a lateral flow test.
The Guardian says India is in the midst of a Covid third wave, as the spread of Omicron has led to a doubling of cases in recent days.
France24 says France’s Emmanuel Macron said he wanted to “piss off” the non-vaccinated, in a slangy, cutting remark that prompted howls of condemnation from rivals.
Wales Online says The latest seven-day infection rate across Wales has risen to its highest figure at any stage of the pandemic.
Irish Mirror says the three Coalition party leaders are set to meet on Tuesday to discuss key changes to some of Ireland’s public health measures.
The Guardian says Prof Neil Ferguson, the scientist who helped shape Britain’s coronavirus lockdown strategy, says he is “cautiously optimistic” that Omicron infections have plateaued in London.