S.Korea's daily COVID-19 cases hit record high, surpassing 27,000 - China.org.cn

South Korea's daily number of COVID-19 cases hit a new record high, surpassing 27,000 for the first time amid the spread of the Omicron variant of the virus, the health authorities said Friday.

Chinese Scientists Say Omicron's DNA Evolved in Rodents before Jumping to Humans - Tasnim News Agency

 (Tasnim) – Chinese scientists say they may have unearthed evidence linking the origin of the heavily-mutated COVID variant in mice.

Scientists scrutinise characteristics of new Omicron sub-variant BA.2 - FRANCE24

 Studies are underway to find out the precise characteristics of the latest Covid-19 variant ‘BA.2’. It already accounts for the majority of most recent cases in a number of countries, including India, Denmark and Sweden. But, for French Health Minister Olivier Véran, this sub-variant’s arrival in France is not "a game changer".

Israel finds 4 Covid vaccine jabs ‘not good enough’ against Omicron — RT World News

A fourth dose of coronavirus vaccine showed dwindling effectiveness against the Omicron variant, according to a trial conducted in Israel, with one its lead researchers saying the immunization is simply “not good enough.”

CDC recommends Americans wear 'most protective mask you can' - The Jerusalem Post

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday revised its guidance for Americans on wearing masks to protect against COVID-19, recommending donning "the most protective mask you can" while stopping short of advocating nationwide usage of N95 respirators.

Omicron to dominate infections in America: US health authority - China.org.cn

Top U.S. health authorities have warned that the Omicron variant is so contagious that it is likely most people in the United States will be infected, The Guardian reported on Wednesday.

COVID cases surge in Americas, driven by omicron variant: PAHO

Cases in the Americas of the omicron coronavirus variant nearly doubled in the past week, reaching 6.1 million as of Jan. 8 from 3.4 million on Jan. 1, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa Etienne said Wednesday.

WHO gives grim prediction on Omicron spread — RT

The World Health Organization has said current modelling suggests that more than half of the population of Europe will be infected with the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the next six to eight weeks.

Omicron-Delta ‘hybrid’ gets sinister name — RT World News

A hybrid of the Delta and Omicron Covid-19 variants has reportedly been discovered in Cyprus, and 25 cases of the virus have already been recorded. Critics of the discovery, however, allege it to be a mere case of contamination.

Israel admits Covid mutation rendered travel bans useless — RT World News

Israel has lifted its strict Covid-19 travel ban against ‘high risk’ countries, such as the US and UK, acknowledging that the spread of the Omicron variant has rendered such restrictions obsolete.

Omicron exposes East-West divide on living with COVID | Al Jazeera

Omicron is exposing an East-West divide between governments determined to halt the spread of the variant and those that see its spread as inevitable and even necessary.

COVID-19 News: For Delhi, Weekend Curfew; Full Capacity Allowed For Buses, Metro

 

-- 

Israel Begins Fourth Covid Jab For Over 60s, Health Workers - UrduPoint

Israel began Monday administering fourth Covid vaccine shots to people over 60 and health workers amid a surge driven by the Omicron variant.

New COVID Restrictions Would Be A Last Resort, Says UK Health Minister - Tasnim News Agency

(Tasnim) – New restrictions in England to slow the spread of COVID-19 will only be introduced as a last resort, health minister Sajid Javid said, stressing that although hospitalizations were rising, the number of patients in intensive care was stable.

Millions in Canada under Covid-19 curfew on New Year’s Eve — RT

More than 8.5 million Canadians have been ordered to remain at home for New Year’s celebrations, with the provincial government of Quebec imposing a curfew and a ban on private gatherings amid the spread of the Omicron variant.

France sees record surge in daily COVID cases to nearly 180,000

France posted a new record for daily coronavirus cases Tuesday, registering nearly 180,000 infections in the past 24 hours.  

France tightens COVID-19 measures but no curfew for New Year's Eve - China.org.cn

France's Prime Minister Jean Castex and Health Minister Olivier Veran announced a series of new measures on Monday to curb the spread of COVID-19 during the New Year festivities and urged their countrymen to respect the preventive measures during the celebrations.

France reports 100,000 COVID cases for first time | Al Jazeera

France reported a record high of 104,611 COVID-19 infections on Saturday, breaking the 100,000 threshold for the first time since the pandemic began.

Fauci urges Americans to ban unvaxxed family members from holidays — RT

 Top White House Covid adviser Anthony Fauci has urged Americans to give the cold shoulder to unvaccinated family members, suggesting they not be invited to holiday celebrations due to their immunization status.

Spain to require masks outdoors amid Covid surge - BBC News

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced plans for mandatory face-coverings outside in response to a dramatic rise in Covid-19 infections.