WHO chief’s Omicron warning: ‘An event canceled is better than a life canceled,’
3 years ago

WHO chief’s Omicron warning: ‘An event canceled is better than a life canceled,’

CNN  

CNN — It might be time to rethink your festive plans, the World Health Organization has warned amid a rising number of cases of the coronavirus caused by the Omicron variant. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the pandemic might mean canceling in-person events over the holiday period, adding that “an event canceled is better than a life canceled.” The Omicron variant is taking over the world in a previously unseen speed. Germany’s newly formed Expert Council on Covid-19 said on Monday that the government must take “nationwide, well-coordinated and well-communicated measures for contact reduction” to combat the spread of the variant. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that he may take action to prevent the further spread of coronavirus and the Omicron variant in the UK – but refrained from announcing any new restrictions.

Number Event Variant Omicron Tedros  event  number  world  cases  spread  traditional  rising  better  canceled  omicron  tedros  variant  week  chiefs  warning  life

History of this topic

Omicron’s staying power is key to mild winter as cases rise
2 years, 2 months ago

Omicron’s staying power is key to mild winter as cases rise

Hindustan Times  

The rhythm of pre-pandemic life is back around much of the world. “It’s totally possible that some strange new combination of mutations is emerging in some person who is chronically infected and that could spark a new variant,” he said, “but we don’t have the ability to predict that.” The more infections there are, the higher the chances of unpredictable …

WHO: In 10 weeks, omicron surge causes COVID cases to soar
2 years, 10 months ago

WHO: In 10 weeks, omicron surge causes COVID cases to soar

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The World Health Organization chief said Tuesday that 90 million cases of coronavirus have been reported since the omicron variant was first identified 10 weeks ago — amounting to more than in all of 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many countries easing their restrictive measures amid public fatigue about them, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom …

Do not assume Covid pandemic reaching ‘end game’, warns WHO
2 years, 11 months ago

Do not assume Covid pandemic reaching ‘end game’, warns WHO

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 The head of the World …

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern cancels her wedding due to Omicron surge
2 years, 11 months ago

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern cancels her wedding due to Omicron surge

Deccan Chronicle  

Wellington: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Sunday informed that she has canceled her wedding amid a new wave of Omicron cases in the country. She said that health authorities have reported nine Omicron cases in Motueka in a single-family household, CNN reported adding that the family travelled to Auckland to attend a wedding, a funeral, an amusement park, …

Omicron cases surge: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern cancels her wedding
2 years, 11 months ago

Omicron cases surge: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern cancels her wedding

India TV News  

Highlights New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern on Jan 23 informed that she has canceled her wedding She cancelled her marraige amid a new wave of Omicron cases in New Zealand PM said that health authorities have reported 9 Omicron cases in Motueka in a single-family New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Sunday informed that she has canceled her wedding …

Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in Britain, US
2 years, 11 months ago

Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in Britain, US

Associated Press  

Scientists are seeing signals that COVID-19′s alarming omicron wave may have peaked in Britain and is about to do the same in the U.S., at which point cases may start dropping off dramatically. “What we need to do is make sure the hospitals can still function — transportation, other essential services are not disrupted while this happens.” The University of …

Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in US and Britain
2 years, 11 months ago

Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in US and Britain

Hindustan Times  

Scientists are seeing signals that Covid-19′s alarming omicron wave may have peaked in Britain and is about to do the same in the US, at which point cases may start dropping off dramatically. Shabir Mahdi, dean of health sciences at South Africa’s University of Witwatersrand, said European countries that impose lockdowns won't necessarily come through the omicron wave with fewer …

Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in US and Britain
2 years, 11 months ago

Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in US and Britain

India Today  

Scientists are seeing signals that Covid-19s alarming omicron wave may have peaked in Britain and is about to do the same in the US, at which point cases may start dropping off dramatically. Shabir Mahdi, dean of health sciences at South Africa’s University of Witwatersrand, said European countries that impose lockdowns won’t necessarily come through the omicron wave with fewer …

Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in U.S. and Britain
2 years, 11 months ago

Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in U.S. and Britain

LA Times  

Scientists are seeing signals that the alarming Omicron wave may have peaked in Britain and is about to do the same in the U.S., at which point cases may start dropping off dramatically. Shabir Mahdi, dean of health sciences at South Africa’s University of Witwatersrand, said European countries that impose lockdowns won’t necessarily come through the Omicron wave with fewer …

Outbreak team says lockdown extension likely; Retailers angered
2 years, 11 months ago

Outbreak team says lockdown extension likely; Retailers angered

NL Times  

Due to uncertainties about the "important characteristics" of the Omicron variant, the Outbreak Management Team is not in favor of a quick relation of Covid-19 measures, apart from reopening schools. According to OMT, the hospital admissions resulting from the wave could remain relatively limited. Although Omicron appears to be milder than delta, there is still a risk it could overload …

With Omicron, are we seeing the beginning of the end of Covid pandemic?
2 years, 11 months ago

With Omicron, are we seeing the beginning of the end of Covid pandemic?

India TV News  

Highlights Omicron is spreading fast but its symptoms are mild, many experts believe it as an established fact Mutations will keep happen, so we need to look at end game differently, say doctors Booster doses will likely become a routine task When will the pandemic end? Omicron: A see-through of what could be future trends The newest variant is a …

Amid global surge WHO chief says, we can end Covid-19 pandemic in 2022 if.....
2 years, 11 months ago

Amid global surge WHO chief says, we can end Covid-19 pandemic in 2022 if.....

India Today  

With coronavirus cases on the rise again globally, and the Omicron variant slowly seeping in almost every country, the World Health Organisation chief is hopeful that the pandemic can end in 2022. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the global health body said, "if we end inequity, we end the pandemic." In a statement issued as the world welcomed 2022, …

Omicron mutes New Year parties worldwide as countries impose COVID-19 restrictions
2 years, 11 months ago

Omicron mutes New Year parties worldwide as countries impose COVID-19 restrictions

Firstpost  

In Britain, the United States and even Australia — long a refuge from the pandemic — the variant’s prominence is driving record new cases. New York: The world ushered in 2022 on Friday with scaled-back celebrations due to new restrictions aimed at slowing soaring Covid cases — although hope remained for a better new year. New York revived its New …

Omicron dampens new year celebrations amid COVID restrictions
2 years, 11 months ago

Omicron dampens new year celebrations amid COVID restrictions

Al Jazeera  

Most of the festivities and events cancelled or scaled down as the Omicron variant continues to rapidly spread despite restrictions. The Omicron coronavirus variant dampened new year festivities around much of the world with Paris cancelling its fireworks show, London relegating its to television and New York City scaling down its famous ball drop celebration in Times Square. But in …

New Year's Eve muted by Omicron; many hoping for better 2022
2 years, 11 months ago

New Year's Eve muted by Omicron; many hoping for better 2022

India TV News  

Highlights In India, millions of people were planning to ring in the new year from their homes The annual New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony was cancelled for the 2nd straight year in Seoul Popular fireworks from atop Auckland's Sky Tower has been cancelled amid Covid scare New Year 2022 News: Good riddance to 2021. In many places, plans for New …

New Year's Eve muted by omicron; many hoping for better 2022
2 years, 11 months ago

New Year's Eve muted by omicron; many hoping for better 2022

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. In many places, plans for New Year's Eve celebrations …

Omicron update: Global cases top 1 million, as WHO urges caution
2 years, 11 months ago

Omicron update: Global cases top 1 million, as WHO urges caution

Live Mint  

Just as the World Health Organization warned that Omicron still poses “very high” risk and could overwhelm healthcare systems across the world, the highly transmissible omicron variant has taken worldwide Covid-19 cases above 1 million for a second straight day This comes two years after reports of a mysterious pneumonia first emerged in Wuhan, the pandemic shows no signs of …

UK rules out new restrictions before Christmas amid Omicron surge
3 years ago

UK rules out new restrictions before Christmas amid Omicron surge

India TV News  

Highlights British govt said it won't introduce any new coronavirus restrictions until after Christmas Confirmed coronavirus cases in UK, where omicron is now dominant, surged by almost 60% in a week Govt has offered grants, loans to support restaurants, bars, theaters, others as business is hit The British government said Thursday it won't introduce any new coronavirus restrictions until after …

Omicron surge: 'Don't let your guard down', Centre urges states; PM Modi to review situation today
3 years ago

Omicron surge: 'Don't let your guard down', Centre urges states; PM Modi to review situation today

India Today  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting to review the Covid situation in the country ahead of Christmas and New Year at 6:30 pm on Thursday. In light of the concerns sparked by the rise in Omicron cases, the Centre has advised states and Union Territories to be vigilant and monitor case positivity rates. It asked the local administrations …

Coronavirus Updates: Delhi Bans Gatherings for Christmas, New Year Celebrations
3 years ago

Coronavirus Updates: Delhi Bans Gatherings for Christmas, New Year Celebrations

News 18  

In an effort to fight the Omicron variant surging through the country, President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the government would provide 500 million free rapid tests, increase support for hospitals under strain and redouble vaccination and boosting efforts. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday ruled out imposing additional lockdown measures in England before Christmas but said the …

Omicron complicates holiday travel plans across the US
3 years ago

Omicron complicates holiday travel plans across the US

Al Jazeera  

Long lines for testing and fears of the new coronavirus variant have undermined holiday travel plans for a second year. Americans are facing a second Christmas of upended holiday plans, with a surge in COVID-19 infections fueled by the now-dominant Omicron variant forcing some people to cancel their travel and fret about whether it is safe to visit loved ones. …

UK PM Boris Johnson rules out tougher lockdown before Christmas, daily Covid-19 cases fall slightly
3 years ago

UK PM Boris Johnson rules out tougher lockdown before Christmas, daily Covid-19 cases fall slightly

India Today  

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday ruled out imposing additional lockdown measures in England before Christmas but said the Omicron variant related data will be kept under review to see if stricter measures are needed next week. In a video clip released by Downing Street, Johnson said: "In view of the continuing uncertainty about several things — the severity …

Christmas and New Year travel on high alert, lockdowns renew as Omicron spreads
3 years ago

Christmas and New Year travel on high alert, lockdowns renew as Omicron spreads

Hindustan Times  

New Zealand delayed the planned reopening of its international border because of the sweeping spread of Omicron around the world on Tuesday, as several other countries re-imposed social distancing measures. Christmas and New Year travel on high alert, lockdowns renew as Omicron spreads Many nations are on high alert just days ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, as the …

Fauci warns Omicron COVID variant ‘raging through the world’
3 years ago

Fauci warns Omicron COVID variant ‘raging through the world’

Al Jazeera  

Top US infectious diseases expert warns hospitals in the country could face stresses in coming weeks as COVID-19 infections surge. Top US pandemic adviser Anthony Fauci has warned of a bleak winter ahead as the Omicron coronavirus variant spurs a new wave of infections globally, sparking restrictions and concerns over hospital capacity. “One thing that’s very clear … is extraordinary …

Omicron variant likely to bring spike in COVID cases, hospitalizations, officials warn
3 years ago

Omicron variant likely to bring spike in COVID cases, hospitalizations, officials warn

LA Times  

People wait in line at a pop-up vaccination clinic run in partnership with the Armenian American Medical Society outside the Glendale Galleria in early December. The majority of California’s confirmed Omicron cases — 38 — have been recorded in Los Angeles County, which on Saturday reported 3,730 new cases of the coronavirus from all variants, mostly Delta, its highest single-day …

Queen Elizabeth cancels pre-Christmas family lunch as UK hits another COVID record
3 years ago

Queen Elizabeth cancels pre-Christmas family lunch as UK hits another COVID record

ABC  

Queen Elizabeth has cancelled a pre-Christmas lunch with her family as a precaution while cases of COVID-19 soar in Britain, a Buckingham Palace source says. Key points: The UK recorded 88,376 cases in a single day, up 10,000 from the previous day The Queen has spent the majority of the pandemic at Windsor Castle France has tightened its borders to …

Concerns over a winter wave of Omicron prompt closures, mask mandates and new COVID fears
3 years ago

Concerns over a winter wave of Omicron prompt closures, mask mandates and new COVID fears

LA Times  

A line forms at a COVID-19 testing site in New York on Thursday. “I feel safe, but there are concerns all around,” said Anthony Cruz, a junior education studies major at New York University who will now take his finals online. “People need to get used to it.” Experts said this is not the time for the country to become …

Covid UK: Britons CANCEL pre-Christmas plans as public heeds Whitty's Omicron warning
3 years ago

Covid UK: Britons CANCEL pre-Christmas plans as public heeds Whitty's Omicron warning

Daily Mail  

Millions of Britons have axed their festive plans so they can see family on Christmas Day after Boris Johnson and Chris Whitty triggered a 'tsunamis of cancellations' for pubs and restaurants by urging the country only to socialise if necessary - and not in large groups or with strangers. And doubling down on the Prime Minister's inference that people must …

Omicron: Records fall and borders close as world races to get control of coronavirus variant
3 years ago

Omicron: Records fall and borders close as world races to get control of coronavirus variant

CNN  

London CNN — The rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant has broken pandemic records and shuttered borders in several parts of the world, as governments and scientists scramble to understand the implications of the strain before it supersedes Delta and becomes dominant worldwide. Dr. Anthony Fauci said the United States was “looking over shoulder” at the encroaching variant while …

Britain’s Omicron surge is seen as a warning, but responses vary
3 years ago

Britain’s Omicron surge is seen as a warning, but responses vary

LA Times  

Spiraling infections in Britain driven in part by the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus rattled many in Europe on Thursday, fueling a familiar dread that tighter restrictions will scuttle holiday plans again this year. After the United Kingdom recorded its highest number of confirmed new COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began, France announced Thursday that it would tighten entry …

UK COVID cases hit record; Top doctor warns of worse to come
3 years ago

UK COVID cases hit record; Top doctor warns of worse to come

Associated Press  

LONDON — The U.K. recorded the highest number of confirmed new COVID-19 infections Wednesday since the pandemic began, and England’s chief medical officer warned the situation is likely to get worse as the omicron variant drives a new wave of illness during the Christmas holidays. “She brings a wealth of experience to the role and I know shares my determination …

No need to cancel Christmas plans, says Boris Johnson
3 years ago

No need to cancel Christmas plans, says Boris Johnson

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Asked whether he will be holding a Christmas party himself, Mr Johnson said events …

Boris Johnson is failing to take the omicron variant seriously
3 years ago

Boris Johnson is failing to take the omicron variant seriously

The Independent  

There is nothing to criticise in the various measures announced by the government to prepare for the impact of the omicron variant of the coronavirus. To borrow one of the prime minister’s many discarded soundbites, the aim through this pandemic has been to “flatten the sombrero” and avoid peaks. Even if omicron turns out to be no more deadly than …

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