Samoa detects scores of COVID cases within days of outbreak
2 years, 9 months ago

Samoa detects scores of COVID cases within days of outbreak

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Samoa has reported scores of new COVID-19 cases each day since detecting its first case of community transmission last week. Samoa and several neighboring Pacific island nations were among the last places in the world to avoid virus outbreaks. Samoa has had previous virus scares and lockdowns after returning plane passengers tested positive while isolating, but had managed to avoid any community outbreaks until now.

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History of this topic

Many Asian Nations Seeing Covid Rise, India, Singapore on List. Are Countries Planning Curbs?
1 year, 8 months ago

Many Asian Nations Seeing Covid Rise, India, Singapore on List. Are Countries Planning Curbs?

News 18  

A recent spike in Covid-19 cases is seen among Asian nations with the fresh wave exerting pressure on the healthcare systems. India, on the other hand, has touched daily cases of 10,000, the highest in nearly eight months, while Indonesia’s caseload is near a four-month high, Bloomberg reported. Medical experts have said the virus’ new XBB.1.16 variant could be driving …

Get ready for the TRIPLEDEMIC this winter: RSV, flu and Covid begin to bite
2 years, 2 months ago

Get ready for the TRIPLEDEMIC this winter: RSV, flu and Covid begin to bite

Daily Mail  

Immunity against them in the population has dropped raising infection risk Doctors warn that other viruses are returning 'with a vengeance' in the US This is prompting fears of a 'tripledemic' hitting the health system this winter Data shows that cases of RSV, flu and Covid are now all starting to rise in the US The US could be thrashed …

‘Like Wildfire’: COVID cases skyrocket on Marshall Islands
2 years, 4 months ago

‘Like Wildfire’: COVID cases skyrocket on Marshall Islands

Al Jazeera  

Authorities in the Marshall Islands declare a health disaster as COVID-19 cases surge in the Pacific nation’s capital, Majuro. A health disaster has been declared on the Marshall Islands after the fast-spreading coronavirus variant Omicron infected more than a tenth of residents in the capital, Majuro, in one week. “We’re gearing up for the hardest part of the outbreak right …

Micronesia’s first COVID-19 outbreak balloons, causing alarm
2 years, 5 months ago

Micronesia’s first COVID-19 outbreak balloons, causing alarm

LA Times  

The sun sets over the runway at the Chuuk Airport in Weno, Federated States of Micronesia. The country’s first COVID-19 outbreak has grown in one week to more than 1,000 cases. Micronesia’s first outbreak of COVID-19 grew in one week to more than 1,000 cases by Tuesday, causing alarm in the Pacific island nation. She said one positive outcome was …

Micronesia last of larger nations to experience COVID-19 outbreak
2 years, 5 months ago

Micronesia last of larger nations to experience COVID-19 outbreak

LA Times  

For more than 2 ½ years, the Pacific archipelago of Micronesia managed to avoid any COVID outbreaks thanks to its geographic isolation and border controls. For more than 2 ½ years, the Pacific archipelago managed to avoid any outbreaks thanks to its geographic isolation and border controls. Turkmenistan is the only other country with more than 100,000 people that hasn’t …

Micronesia last of bigger nations to have COVID-19 outbreak
2 years, 5 months ago

Micronesia last of bigger nations to have COVID-19 outbreak

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Micronesia has likely become the …

Latest on COVID-19 pandemic
2 years, 7 months ago

Latest on COVID-19 pandemic

China Daily  

We provide the latest updates and crucial information on the global COVID-19 pandemic here. June 5 China Latest data released by National Health Commission by midnight, June 4, 2022. - Chinese mainland reports 33 new confirmed local cases, 55 asymptomatic infections - Shanghai reports 6 confirmed, 16 asymptomatic local COVID-19 cases - Beijing reports 16 confirmed, 3 asymptomatic local COVID-19 …

A new COVID-19 variant has been detected in Australia. Here's what we know
2 years, 9 months ago

A new COVID-19 variant has been detected in Australia. Here's what we know

ABC  

A new variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Australia, which is a hybrid of two previous strains. Confirmation that the first Deltacron case in Australia was reported by New South Wales on Friday and on Saturday Queensland Health said "a number of cases" had also been detected here through genomic sequencing. Infectious diseases expert Paul Griffin said most variants …

Samoa detects scores of cases daily in its first-ever coronavirus outbreak
2 years, 9 months ago

Samoa detects scores of cases daily in its first-ever coronavirus outbreak

LA Times  

A traditional boat is hauled ashore in Apia, Samoa, in 2015. Samoa has reported scores of new coronavirus cases daily since detecting its first-ever case of community transmission last week. The South Pacific island nation of 200,000 people has been in lockdown since Saturday as it deals with its first outbreak since a worldwide pandemic was declared two years ago. …

Facing its first virus outbreak, Samoa goes into lockdown
2 years, 9 months ago

Facing its first virus outbreak, Samoa goes into lockdown

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Samoa will go into lockdown …

Indonesian new virus cases set record as omicron spreads
2 years, 10 months ago

Indonesian new virus cases set record as omicron spreads

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia reported a record number of new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday driven by the highly transmissible omicron variant. The country confirmed 57,049 new infections, more than the previous record of about 56,700 set last July, when the delta variant overwhelmed hospitals on the main island of Java. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Monday that cases …

Health officials confirm Omicron variant spreading through Tonga as Pacific Island nation records 31 new cases of COVID-19
2 years, 10 months ago

Health officials confirm Omicron variant spreading through Tonga as Pacific Island nation records 31 new cases of COVID-19

ABC  

Health officials have confirmed the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has entered Tonga for the first time after last month's volcanic eruption, as the number of cases almost doubles to 64. Key points: Tonga has now recorded 64 cases of COVID-19, with testing confirming all cases are the Omicron variant Around 100,000 people were placed into lockdown after the country recorded …

Covid-19: Omicron drives S Korea's cases to record high; Aus to open borders for vaccinated tourists
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid-19: Omicron drives S Korea's cases to record high; Aus to open borders for vaccinated tourists

India Today  

South Korea reported record high in daily Covid-19 cases with the Omicron variant of the virus driving the surge. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 38,691 new cases of the virus on Monday, a nine-fold increase from the levels seen in mid-January, when Omicron became the country’s dominant strain. Jeong Eun-kyeong, the country’s top infectious disease expert, warned …

These countries are still Covid-free
2 years, 11 months ago

These countries are still Covid-free

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Other islands elsewhere have also stayed Covid-free according to the World Health Organization: Niue, Tokelau, Saint Helena, the Cook Islands …

Aid reaching disaster-hit Tonga brings first virus outbreak
2 years, 11 months ago

Aid reaching disaster-hit Tonga brings first virus outbreak

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. "Clearly when you've got countries …

COVID hits one of the last uninfected places on the planet
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID hits one of the last uninfected places on the planet

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It’s a matter of buying …

Tonga records two COVID-19 community cases, Pacific Island nation prepares for two-day lockdown
2 years, 11 months ago

Tonga records two COVID-19 community cases, Pacific Island nation prepares for two-day lockdown

ABC  

Tonga will enter a two-day nationwide lockdown from Wednesday night after recording two asymptomatic community cases of COVID-19. Key points: Tonga had been COVID-free and has not had any community transmission of the virus since the start of the pandemic The lockdown comes as the Pacific Island nation struggles to recover from a volcanic eruption and tsunami last month The …

COVID endangers fragile health systems in Pacific nations: Report
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID endangers fragile health systems in Pacific nations: Report

Al Jazeera  

Palau and Fiji have reported high vaccination rates allowing it to contain the virus but countries like the Solomon Islands are seeing a surge in cases. A record surge in COVID-19 cases is threatening to overwhelm hospitals and fragile health systems in the Pacific, from the Solomon Islands to Palau, according to the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent …

After two years, the coronavirus hits one of the last uninfected places on Earth
2 years, 11 months ago

After two years, the coronavirus hits one of the last uninfected places on Earth

LA Times  

The Tarawa atoll of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, one of the last on the planet to suffer a coronavirus outbreak. When the coronavirus began spreading around the world, the remote Pacific archipelago of Kiribati closed its borders, ensuring that the pathogen didn’t reach its shores for nearly two full years. Kiribati finally began reopening this month, allowing the …

COVID cases in Americas hit highest level on record: PAHO
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID cases in Americas hit highest level on record: PAHO

Al Jazeera  

Health systems across the region are feeling the strain of a rapid rise in cases and hospitalisations linked to Omicron. New COVID-19 infections in the Americas have reached their highest level since the pandemic began, health officials said, as the highly contagious Omicron variant is now the predominant strain in the region. During a weekly virtual news briefing on Wednesday, …

Covid outbreak on Australian aid ship headed to virus-free Tonga
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid outbreak on Australian aid ship headed to virus-free Tonga

Deccan Chronicle  

Almost two dozen crew on board an Australian Navy ship on its way to provide relief to the Pacific island of Tonga have been diagnosed with coronavirus, potentially hampering aid efforts to the Covid-free nation. Dutton said the Australian government was working with Tongan authorities to ensure the aid could still be delivered safely without passing on Covid to anyone …

COVID: New Zealand adds new restrictions as omicron variant spreads
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID: New Zealand adds new restrictions as omicron variant spreads

India TV News  

Highlights New Zealanders set to face new COVID norms after 9 omicron cases were detected in single family Businesses can remain open and people can still visit family and friends, says PM Jacinda Ardern About 93 per cent of New Zealanders aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated New Zealanders are set to face new COVID-19 restrictions after nine cases …

Omicron 2022: Jacinda Ardern will force New Zealand household Covid contacts to isolate for 24 DAYS
2 years, 11 months ago

Omicron 2022: Jacinda Ardern will force New Zealand household Covid contacts to isolate for 24 DAYS

Daily Mail  

New Zealand will make household contacts of Covid cases isolate for 24 days under harsh new rules brought in to combat an impending Omicron outbreak. New Zealand will make household contacts of Covid cases isolate for 24 days under harsh new rules brought in to combat an impending Omicron outbreak The extension to isolation comes as New Zealand recorded 84 …

Two thirds of passengers on first flight to Covid-free island test positive
2 years, 11 months ago

Two thirds of passengers on first flight to Covid-free island test positive

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The island of Kiribati had managed to stay Covid-free for the entirety of the pandemic - …

New Zealand says it won't use lockdowns when Omicron spreads
2 years, 11 months ago

New Zealand says it won't use lockdowns when Omicron spreads

India Today  

New Zealand is among the few remaining countries to have avoided any outbreaks of the Omicron variant — but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said an outbreak was inevitable and the nation would tighten restrictions as soon as one was detected. But she also said that New Zealand would not impose the lockdowns that it has used previously, including for the …

Kerala logs 76 new Omicron cases; Cluster detected in private nursing college
2 years, 11 months ago

Kerala logs 76 new Omicron cases; Cluster detected in private nursing college

Deccan Chronicle  

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala on Wednesday reported 76 fresh Omicron cases taking the total number of people infected with the new variant of COVID-19 to 421, state health minister Veena George said here. An 'Omicron cluster' was formed at a private nursing college in Pathanamthitta where the disease was suspected to have been spread from a student who was in contact with …

WA records four new cases of COVID-19 including one suspected of having the Omicron variant
2 years, 11 months ago

WA records four new cases of COVID-19 including one suspected of having the Omicron variant

ABC  

Western Australia has recorded four new local cases of COVID-19, including a person suspected of having the Omicron variant who was infectious in the community. Key points: One of the four cases is a family member of a returned traveller from Tasmania One of the four cases is a family member of a returned traveller from Tasmania Health Minister Amber-Jade …

Thursday Island COVID-19 outbreak worsens with eight new cases detected
3 years ago

Thursday Island COVID-19 outbreak worsens with eight new cases detected

ABC  

Health authorities have confirmed eight new cases of coronavirus on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. Acting Director of Medical Services in the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Marlow Coates, said they were all connected to the one case confirmed overnight. "Today there's a lot of discovery going on around how far the spread of this outbreak may …

Omicron fear grips world as Europe, UK see record Covid cases, US confused over new isolation rules
3 years ago

Omicron fear grips world as Europe, UK see record Covid cases, US confused over new isolation rules

India Today  

Omicron continues to rage across the world even as governments impose fresh curbs and measures to curtail the spread of the virus. RECORD CASES IN EUROPE With 1,79,807 cases reported in a single day, France reported Europe's highest Covid cases even as the continent struggled to contain the spread of the newly detected and more contagious Omicron variant. UK'S DAILY …

Indonesia records first Omicron community case
3 years ago

Indonesia records first Omicron community case

Al Jazeera  

Health authorities say mobility restrictions will be increased, especially during the festive season. Indonesian health authorities have begun conducting contact tracing after detecting the country’s first locally transmitted case of the fast-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant. The person infected is a 37-year-old male from the city of Medan who had visited a restaurant in the central business district of the capital, …

MHA seeks states’ ideas to contain Omicron
3 years ago

MHA seeks states’ ideas to contain Omicron

Live Mint  

The ministry of home affairs on Monday urged states to recommend ways to contain the spread of covid-19 following early signs of a surge in cases amid the detection of the new virulent strain Omicron across the country. In a letter, Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla said states must consider imposing need-based local curbs and restrictions for crowd control during …

Omicron hits Hawaii as infection surge nears all-time record
3 years ago

Omicron hits Hawaii as infection surge nears all-time record

Associated Press  

HONOLULU — Hawaii reported 1,511 new coronavirus cases Thursday as state officials say the omicron variant is likely spreading widely throughout the islands. Hawaii Department of Health Director Dr. Libby Char said at a news conference Thursday that people need to get vaccinated, noting that more than 370,000 Hawaii residents have not gotten their shots. “With this rapid rise in …

Europe braces for Omicron ‘storm’, US announces new measures
3 years ago

Europe braces for Omicron ‘storm’, US announces new measures

Al Jazeera  

Omicron infections are multiplying across Europe, the US and Asia, prompting new measures. Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s European head, told a news conference in Vienna that within weeks Omicron would dominate in more countries of the region, “pushing already stretched health systems further to the brink”. “The second thing I think we’re seeing is the White House is …

Bengaluru may impose institutional quarantine on travellers from 'at-risk' countries
3 years ago

Bengaluru may impose institutional quarantine on travellers from 'at-risk' countries

India Today  

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta said that discussions are on with experts to introduce compulsory institutional quarantine for foreign arrivals from 'at-risk' countries, even if they test negative for Covid-19. So we are considering introducing institutional quarantine for all passengers from at-risk countries, even if they test negative for COVID-19. 'PREPARING FOR SPIKE IN NUMBERS' Gaurav Gupta …

The 333 islands opening to the world
3 years ago

The 333 islands opening to the world

BBC  

The 333 islands opening to the world Michele Westmorland/Getty Images As of 1 December, Fiji instituted a quarantine-free travel policy to welcome vaccinated travellers from countries across the globe. Thankfully, the arrival of vaccines was a "game-changer", said Digitaki, as the country made it mandatory to be vaccinated to go to work, to travel or to enter shops and restaurants. …

SA Health confirms two of last week's COVID-19 cases are the Omicron variant
3 years ago

SA Health confirms two of last week's COVID-19 cases are the Omicron variant

ABC  

Health authorities have confirmed two cases of COVID-19 recorded in South Australia last week are the Omicron variant. Key points: Two of SA's COVID-19 cases are the Omicron variant Close contacts of the Omicron cases must quarantine for 14 days SA Health has identified four high risk exposure sites On Friday, SA Health revealed the two cases were suspected to …

Omicron crisis: 12 foreign returnees untraceable in Thane's Kalyan Dombivli area
3 years, 1 month ago

Omicron crisis: 12 foreign returnees untraceable in Thane's Kalyan Dombivli area

Hindustan Times  

As many as 12 of over 300 recent foreign returnees are untraceable in Maharashtra’s Thane district, an official said amid rising concerns over the spread of the new highly transmissible coronavirus variant, Omicron. On Tuesday, officials of Thane district’s Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation said at least 12 people of the 318 passengers who returned from abroad are missing. The new …

Asia-Pacific wants to live with Covid. Concerns over the Omicron variant are threatening those reopening plans
3 years, 1 month ago

Asia-Pacific wants to live with Covid. Concerns over the Omicron variant are threatening those reopening plans

CNN  

Hong Kong CNN — Little is known about the potential dangers posed by the Omicron coronavirus variant but concern over its spread is already threatening to wreck reopening plans in Asia-Pacific. “If Omicron is more infectious, more harmful and vaccines do not work well against it, then we have stepped on the snake square, and we will go down, which …

Israel confirms 7 cases of Omicron variant, 27 others suspected
3 years, 1 month ago

Israel confirms 7 cases of Omicron variant, 27 others suspected

India Today  

Israel’s Health Ministry said Friday it has confirmed seven cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, stoking fears of a pending surge in infections. Israel was one of the first countries to close its borders to all non-Israeli citizens following the discovery of the first case of the omicron variant last week. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali …

Omicron-stricken South Africa may be glimpse into the future
3 years, 1 month ago

Omicron-stricken South Africa may be glimpse into the future

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — Dr. Sikhulile Moyo was analyzing COVID-19 samples in his lab in Botswana last week when he noticed they looked startlingly different from others. Within days, the world was ablaze with the news that the coronavirus had a new variant of concern — one that appears to be driving a dramatic surge in South Africa and offering a glimpse …

Measures used to counter Delta COVID-19 variant should work for Omicron: WHO
3 years, 1 month ago

Measures used to counter Delta COVID-19 variant should work for Omicron: WHO

Firstpost  

Continuing to push for higher vaccination rates, abiding by social-distancing guidelines, and wearing masks are among other measures, said WHO Regional Emergency Director Dr Babatunde Olowokure Manila : Measures used to counter the delta variant should remain the foundation for fighting the coronavirus pandemic, even in the face of the new omicron version of the virus, World Health Organization officials …

WHO says measures used against delta should work for omicron
3 years, 1 month ago

WHO says measures used against delta should work for omicron

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — Measures used to counter the delta variant should remain the foundation for fighting the coronavirus pandemic, even in the face of the new omicron version of the virus, World Health Organization officials said Friday, while acknowledging that the travel restrictions imposed by some countries may buy time. But every country and every community must prepare for new …

Nowhere to hide: Omicron variant of COVID-19 widens its reach, Singapore and Malaysia report first cases
3 years, 1 month ago

Nowhere to hide: Omicron variant of COVID-19 widens its reach, Singapore and Malaysia report first cases

Firstpost  

The heavily mutated variant is setting alarm bells across nations and spreading at a rapid pace, forcing nations to impose new travel curbs and stricter restrictions on their citizenry The Omicron variant of the coronavirus disease, deemed highly contagious and capable of undergoing frequent mutations, has made its way from South Africa to Europe and to parts of Asia. Shortly …

Sri Lanka detects first case of Omicron coronavirus variant
3 years, 1 month ago

Sri Lanka detects first case of Omicron coronavirus variant

India Today  

Sri Lanka on Friday detected its first case of Covid-19's new variant Omicron, Deputy Director General of Health Services Hemantha Herath said. The Sri Lankan government on November 28 had announced that arrivals from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini are required to undergo mandatory quarantine. Herath said that the detection was made possible by the continued surveillance …

Omicron-stricken South Africa may offer a glimpse into the pandemic future
3 years, 1 month ago

Omicron-stricken South Africa may offer a glimpse into the pandemic future

LA Times  

Dr. Sikhulile Moyo was analyzing coronavirus samples in his lab in Botswana last week when he noticed they looked startlingly different from others. Within days, the world was ablaze with the news that the virus had a new variant of concern — one that appears to be driving a dramatic surge of infections in South Africa and offering a glimpse …

Covid-19: New Zealand reports 134 new community cases of Delta variant
3 years, 1 month ago

Covid-19: New Zealand reports 134 new community cases of Delta variant

India TV News  

Highlights New Zealand logged 134 new Delta variant cases of Covid-19 in the community. The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in New Zealand stands at 11,206. New Zealand reported 134 new Delta variant cases of Covid-19 in the community on Tuesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country's current community outbreak to 8,431. The total number …

WHO warns that new Omicron COVID-19 variant poses ‘very high’ risk
3 years, 1 month ago

WHO warns that new Omicron COVID-19 variant poses ‘very high’ risk

Firstpost  

The warning came as more countries around the world reported cases of the variant while scientists race to figure out just how dangerous the mutant version might be Geneva: The World Health Organisation warned on Monday that the global risk from the omicron variant is “very high” based on the early evidence, saying the mutated coronavirus could lead to surges …

South Africa slams 'unjustified' reaction as Omicron continues to spread across the globe
3 years, 1 month ago

South Africa slams 'unjustified' reaction as Omicron continues to spread across the globe

ABC  

More countries have detected the Omicron strain of COVID-19 and imposed travel restrictions as scientists work to assess the seriousness of the threat. Key points: The confirmed Omicron cases are among 61 passengers who tested positive for COVID on flights from South Africa Several other European countries, including Italy, Germany and Belgium have also reported cases of the new variant …

How to fight Covid-19 while the scientists wait for answers on Omicron (Opinion)
3 years, 1 month ago

How to fight Covid-19 while the scientists wait for answers on Omicron (Opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP is an infectious disease epidemiologist, senior director of the system-wide special pathogens program at NYC Health + Hospitals, health and safety lead at the Enhanced Investigations Unit of NYC Test & Trace, and fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. CNN — Syra Madad Courtesy of Syra Madad Jacob Glanville …

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