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Post by Admin on Nov 30, 2021 19:21:06 GMT
Omicron variant drives fears of potential new COVID-19 wave ABC News contributor Dr. John Brownstein speaks on the effectiveness of the vaccine and COVID-related mandates after the omicron variant became present in more than a dozen countries.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Omicron coronavirus variant poses a high risk of infection surges around the globe. The variant could lead to severe consequences in some regions, the WHO said on Monday. The head of the organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, renewed a call for a global push to get vaccines to poorer nations. Covid-19 is "not done with us" yet he warned. The variant was detected in South Africa earlier this month with initial evidence suggesting it has a higher re-infection risk. South Africa has been praised for its prompt reporting of the variant. "Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic," the WHO said. Cases have already been reported in a number of countries including Canada, the UK, Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands. The new variant has prompted the UK, EU and US to issue a travel ban on Southern African countries - a decision criticised by South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa.  Japan has announced it is closing its borders to new foreign visitors from midnight on Tuesday, while Australia has paused its long-awaited plan to ease border restrictions. Travel into Australia for international students and "skilled workers" holding visas was meant to re-start on Wednesday but has now been delayed until 15 December. Israel has also banned foreigners from entering the country. |
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Post by Admin on Dec 1, 2021 0:20:20 GMT
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned the Omicron variant of the coronavirus poses a "very high" risk globally, and could lead to severe consequences in some regions.
"If another major surge of Covid-19 takes place driven by Omicron, consequences may be severe," it said in a technical note, adding however that "to date, no deaths linked to Omicron variant have been reported".
It confirmed previous reports that the variant had an unprecedented number of spike mutations, but added there were considerable uncertainties about the effect these could have.
The WHO said it expected more data within the coming weeks, and called on member states to make sure they were able to maintain health services even if the number of cases started to rise.
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Post by Admin on Dec 1, 2021 18:48:48 GMT
Countries around the world have been increasing anti-coronavirus measures as they try to assess the new threat.
Germany has brought forward the rollout of vaccines for children aged five to 11.
Japan and Hong Kong have said they will expand travel curbs. The US is drawing up new travel guidelines that are likely to include a negative Covid test before arrival.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has been holding a special session in Geneva to start work on an international accord on tackling future pandemics.
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Post by Admin on Dec 1, 2021 19:15:04 GMT
On Thursday (25 November), South African health authorities and scientists announced the discovery of the new B.1.1.529 variant. The variant, which was later given the Greek name ‘Omicron’, has led to a worldwide closure of borders as uncertain governments move to protect their citizens from the new Covid-19 variant. While it has subsequently emerged that Omicron has been in circulation for at least a month and may not have even originated in Africa, South Africa has borne the brunt of these travel restrictions as it was the first country to flag the variant through its world-class genomics facilities.  Some of the key restrictions include: Australia – Australia has marked South Africa as a level 4 ‘do not travel’ risk. On 27 November, the Australian government announced that Australian citizens, permanent residents or their dependents who have been in South Africa in the past 14 days must undergo supervised quarantine for two weeks regardless of vaccination status upon returning to Australia. Direct flights from South Africa to Australia have also been suspended. The UK – The UK government has placed South Africa onto its much-maligned travel ‘red list’, barring entry for all travellers except UK nationals who will have to quarantine. The European Union – The EU has placed a blanket travel ban on Southern Africa, with only residents allowed entry. The US – The Biden administration implemented a travel ban on South Africa on Friday. In a subsequent press conference, the US government said that the ban was not introduced to punish South Africa but rather to protect the American people. |
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Post by Admin on Dec 1, 2021 20:52:34 GMT
Fauci announces first Omicron variant case in the US
Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke at a White House press briefing, announcing that the first confirmed US case of the Omicron coronavirus variant was discovered in California. #CNN #News
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