New coronavirus variant not out of control, says WHO
4 years ago

New coronavirus variant not out of control, says WHO

Live Mint  

The new coronavirus variant discovered in Britain with a higher transmission rate is not yet out of control and can be contained using existing measures, the World Health Organization said on Monday. "We have had a much higher at different points in this pandemic and we've got it under control," WHO's emergencies chief Michael Ryan told a press conference. British Health Secretary Matt Hancock had earlier claimed the new variant was "out of control", with British officials saying it was 70 percent more transmissible than the main strain. Roughly 30 countries shut their borders to people travelling from Britain or South Africa -- where another variant has emerged -- to stop any further spread.

Control  ryan  little  coronavirus  britain  measures  control  world  variant  health  higher  rate

History of this topic

Fast-spreading new coronavirus strain dubbed ‘variant of interest’
1 year, 4 months ago

Fast-spreading new coronavirus strain dubbed ‘variant of interest’

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The World Health Organisation has classified a fast-spreading coronavirus strain circulating …

UK must be prepared to lock down to prevent disease spread – Hancock
1 year, 6 months ago

UK must be prepared to lock down to prevent disease spread – Hancock

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 UK must be prepared …

Global Covid U-turn? WHO top scientist's note of caution on variants, waves
2 years, 5 months ago

Global Covid U-turn? WHO top scientist's note of caution on variants, waves

Hindustan Times  

Two years and many variants later, coronavirus is still not done with the world it seems. A worker, wearing a protective suit following the coronavirus disease outbreak, transports luggage on the tarmac of Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, on a hot summer day in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Region Wise, according to the WHO, Europe has the highest number of overall …

Coronavirus is under control in the U.S., but the pandemic isn’t over, Fauci says
2 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus is under control in the U.S., but the pandemic isn’t over, Fauci says

LA Times  

Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday the coronavirus is under better control in the United States, but the pandemic isn’t over — and the challenge is how to keep improving the situation. “We are in a different moment of the pandemic,” said Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, in an interview with the Associated Press. “By no means does that mean …

UK faces fresh wave of infections amid global concerns over XE strain | 5 points
2 years, 9 months ago

UK faces fresh wave of infections amid global concerns over XE strain | 5 points

Hindustan Times  

With new coronavirus strains emerging from different parts of the world, fears have grown of yet another pandemic wave approaching soon. Meanwhile, a renewed surge of Covid-19 infections was reported in Britain, led by the Omicron variant and newly discovered mutant strain XE. Covid-19 infections, due to the highly transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant, have hit a record high in Britain, …

'Pandemic is not over': WHO's warning as Covid-19 cases surge globally
2 years, 9 months ago

'Pandemic is not over': WHO's warning as Covid-19 cases surge globally

Hindustan Times  

The World Health Organization on Wednesday warned that the world will continue to battle with surging Covid-19 infections and its emerging variants until all countries are covered with high vaccination. Until we reach high vaccination coverage in all countries, we will continue to face the risk of infections surging and new variants emerging that evade," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom …

Some European countries lift COVID curbs too ‘brutally’: WHO
2 years, 9 months ago

Some European countries lift COVID curbs too ‘brutally’: WHO

Al Jazeera  

The UN health agency sees cases rising in 18 out of 53 countries in Europe, ‘likely’ due to the BA.2 sub-variant. Authorities in several European countries have lifted coronavirus restrictions too “brutally”, the World Health Organization has warned, as they are witnessing a rise in cases “likely” caused by a more transmissible COVID-19 strain. ‘Perfect storm’ Kluge and other epidemiologists …

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD
2 years, 10 months ago

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD

Dutch News  

Government health advisors on the Outbreak Management Team will meet at the end of this week to discuss lifting the final coronavirus restrictions in operation in the Netherlands. The number of new coronavirus cases reached a three-week high at the weekend, following the Carnaval celebrations and the February half-term holidays and the number of new infections hit almost 67,000 in …

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD
2 years, 10 months ago

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD

Dutch News  

Government health advisors on the Outbreak Management Team will meet at the end of this week to discuss lifting the final coronavirus restrictions in operation in the Netherlands. The number of new coronavirus cases reached a three-week high at the weekend, following the Carnaval celebrations and the February half-term holidays and the number of new infections hit almost 67,000 in …

COVID-19 'let loose' in nervy pandemic experiment
2 years, 10 months ago

COVID-19 'let loose' in nervy pandemic experiment

China Daily  

A street in Cologne, Germany, is packed on Saturday as cases of the Omicron variant were reported in the city. Denmark's Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said the novel coronavirus will no longer be characterized as a "socially critical disease", while Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said her country is "moving into a new phase". Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store …

'Learn to live with this virus': Boris Johnson scraps Covid restrictions in UK
2 years, 10 months ago

'Learn to live with this virus': Boris Johnson scraps Covid restrictions in UK

India Today  

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday said he would end all coronavirus restrictions in England including mandatory self-isolation for people with Covid-19 and free testing, drawing scepticism from some scientists and political opponents. Johnson said that the legal requirement to self-isolate for people who test positive for Covid would be removed on Feb. 24 while free universal testing would …

Immunocompromised and disabled people ‘abandoned’ by end of Covid restrictions
2 years, 10 months ago

Immunocompromised and disabled people ‘abandoned’ by end of Covid restrictions

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. The Government is lifting restrictions without a plan to protect immunocompromised people, for who …

People with Covid in England won't need to self-isolate
2 years, 10 months ago

People with Covid in England won't need to self-isolate

India Today  

People with Covid-19 won't be legally required to self-isolate in England starting in the coming week, the UK government has announced, as part of a plan for “living with Covid” that is also likely to see testing for coronavirus scaled back. “We’ve reached a stage where we think you can shift the balance away from state mandation, away from banning …

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate
2 years, 10 months ago

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate

Associated Press  

LONDON — People with COVID-19 won’t be legally required to self-isolate in England starting in the coming week, the U.K. government has announced, as part of a plan for “living with COVID” that is also likely to see testing for the coronavirus scaled back. “We’ve reached a stage where we think you can shift the balance away from state mandation, …

Coronavirus live |
2 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus live |

The Hindu  

It is too early to say anything definite on the COVID-19 pandemic becoming an endemic, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Wednesday while inaugurating the revamped canteen of the Ministry. National India adds 30,757 COVID-19 cases, tally increased to 4,27,54,315 With 30,757 people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, India’s total tally of cases rose to …

As COVID curbs are lifted, experts call for clear messaging
2 years, 10 months ago

As COVID curbs are lifted, experts call for clear messaging

Al Jazeera  

The Netherlands, Germany, South Africa and the United Kingdom are among several countries which have announced plans to lift the majority of COVID restrictions, despite the continuing spread of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant. The raft of announcements, including plans to scrap COVID self-isolation for those who test positive in England and an end to social distancing rules in …

WHO: Europe entering ‘plausible endgame’ to COVID pandemic
2 years, 11 months ago

WHO: Europe entering ‘plausible endgame’ to COVID pandemic

Associated Press  

COPENHAGEN — The director of the World Health Organization’s Europe office said Thursday the continent is now entering a “plausible endgame” to the pandemic and that the number of coronavirus deaths is starting to plateau. Dr. Hans Kluge said at a media briefing that there is a “singular opportunity” for countries across Europe to take control of COVID-19 transmission due …

Covid across the world, from Thailand to Denmark
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid across the world, from Thailand to Denmark

India Today  

The Thai authorities have adopted fresh guidelines to declare Covid-19 an endemic in the country, while Denmark is all set to ease curbs. Official figures show that the country already meets the three criteria, but Ministry of Public Health spokesman Rungrueng Kitphati said it would still be between six months and a year before the government would be able to …

As we attempt to live with Covid, a class of vulnerable people is emerging: the new excluded
2 years, 11 months ago

As we attempt to live with Covid, a class of vulnerable people is emerging: the new excluded

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Rejoice again, I tell you, for …

Biden confirms end of Omicron travel curbs for African nations
3 years ago

Biden confirms end of Omicron travel curbs for African nations

Al Jazeera  

US president says restrictions are ‘no longer necessary’, as new COVID-19 variant becomes dominant strain. US President Joe Biden has formally ordered an end to travel restrictions on eight southern African countries imposed last month to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, saying that the curbs are “no longer necessary to protect the public health”. The Biden administration …

Can the world conquer coronavirus in 2022?
3 years ago

Can the world conquer coronavirus in 2022?

Al Jazeera  

On Thursday, December 23 at 19:30 GMT: The COVID-19 pandemic has continued unabated throughout 2021, with coronavirus now estimated to have infected more than 276 million people worldwide. The reach of vaccination campaigns in developed countries promoted cautious optimism among some public health officials that 2022 would the year that the pandemic would begin to recede, after waves of Delta …

UK health boss: COVID-19 rules could tighten by Christmas
3 years ago

UK health boss: COVID-19 rules could tighten by Christmas

Associated Press  

LONDON — Britain’s health secretary has refused to rule out imposing tougher COVID-19 restrictions before Christmas amid the rapid rise of infections and continuing uncertainty about the omicron variant. The British Medical Association is warning that almost 50,000 doctors, nurses and other National Health Service staff in England could be off sick with Covid-19 by Christmas Day unless additional measures …

WHO says new coronavirus variant poses ‘very high’ risk of global infection surges
3 years, 1 month ago

WHO says new coronavirus variant poses ‘very high’ risk of global infection surges

LA Times  

Countries around the world struggled to come to terms with a bleak new turn in the nearly 2-year-old pandemic, with the World Health Organization warning Monday that Omicron, a highly mutated variant of the coronavirus, poses a “very high” global risk of new outbreaks. The variant’s emergence “underlines just how perilous and precarious our situation is,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom …

Rich countries blamed for new Omicron COVID variant: "It was entirely preventable"
3 years, 1 month ago

Rich countries blamed for new Omicron COVID variant: "It was entirely preventable"

Salon  

This article originally appeared at Common Dreams. Tim Bierley of the U.K.-based advocacy group Global Justice Now said in a statement that the B.1.1.529 mutation is an "entirely avoidable" consequence of deliberate policy decisions by rich countries, which have hoarded vaccine doses and refused to force pharmaceutical giants to share technology with developing nations. Ursula von der Leyen, president of …

Israel tightens travel restrictions over new COVID variant
3 years, 1 month ago

Israel tightens travel restrictions over new COVID variant

Associated Press  

JERUSALEM — Israel on Sunday approved barring entry to foreign nationals and the use of controversial technology for contact tracing as part of its efforts to clamp down on a new coronavirus variant. It also approved use of the Shin Bet internal security agency’s controversial phone monitoring technology to perform contact tracing of individuals confirmed with the new omicron variant …

As UK reports 2 cases of Omricon, top scientist says new Covid variant 'not a disaster'
3 years, 1 month ago

As UK reports 2 cases of Omricon, top scientist says new Covid variant 'not a disaster'

India TV News  

Highlights A vaccine expert believes it's “extremely unlikely” that the Omicron variant will trigger a new wave The UK imposed travel restrictions on six southern African countries. Two people in the UK have been found to be infected with the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, the UK government announced on Saturday as it added four more African countries to its travel …

Will flight restrictions help as new virus variant emerges?
3 years, 1 month ago

Will flight restrictions help as new virus variant emerges?

Live Mint  

A new coronavirus variant identified in southern Africa is leading to a new round of travel restrictions just as many had finally begun to ease. But the World Health Organization has called it a “variant of concern” and governments around the world are not waiting for scientists to better understand the variant to impose flight bans and other travel restrictions. …

Explained: Will flight restrictions help as new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron' emerges?
3 years, 1 month ago

Explained: Will flight restrictions help as new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron' emerges?

Firstpost  

Some say at best the restrictions can buy time for new public health measures to be put in place. But the World Health Organization has called it a “variant of concern” and governments around the world are not waiting for scientists to better understand the variant to impose flight bans and other travel restrictions. “Travel restrictions can delay but not …

Will flight restrictions help as new virus variant emerges?
3 years, 1 month ago

Will flight restrictions help as new virus variant emerges?

Associated Press  

A new coronavirus variant identified in southern Africa is leading to a new round of travel restrictions just as many had finally begun to ease. But the World Health Organization has called it a “variant of concern” and governments around the world are not waiting for scientists to better understand the variant to impose flight bans and other travel restrictions. …

Will Flight Restrictions Help Prevent New COVID-19 Variant Spread?
3 years, 1 month ago

Will Flight Restrictions Help Prevent New COVID-19 Variant Spread?

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING A new coronavirus variant identified in South Africa is leading to a new round of travel restrictions just as many had finally begun to ease. But the World Health Organization has called it a “variant of concern” and governments around the world are not waiting for scientists to better understand the variant to impose flight bans and …

COVID-19: New variant from South Africa sends panic waves across the world | Key developments
3 years, 1 month ago

COVID-19: New variant from South Africa sends panic waves across the world | Key developments

India TV News  

Highlights The U.K. banned flights from South Africa and five other southern African countries Fauci said U.S. public health officials were talking Friday with South African colleagues. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said flights will have to “be suspended until we have a clear understanding about the danger posed by this new variant, and travelers returning from this …

New Covid-19 Variant Detected in South Africa Triggers Global Alarm as WHO Urges Caution
3 years, 1 month ago

New Covid-19 Variant Detected in South Africa Triggers Global Alarm as WHO Urges Caution

News 18  

Global authorities reacted with alarm on Friday to a new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa, with the EU and Britain among those tightening border controls as researchers sought to find out if the mutation was vaccine-resistant. Hours after Britain https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britain-says-new-covid-19-variant-is-most-significant-yet-found-2021-11-26 banned flights from South Africa and neighbouring countries and asked travellers returning from there to quarantine, the World Health …

Oil plunges 10% on new coronavirus variant concerns
3 years, 1 month ago

Oil plunges 10% on new coronavirus variant concerns

Live Mint  

Oil prices plunged more than 10% on Friday, the largest one-day drop since April 2020, as a new COVID-19 variant spooked investors and added to concerns that a supply surplus could swell in the first quarter. Global authorities reacted with alarm on Friday to a new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa, with the European Union and Britain among those …

As Europe virus cases surge, UK plows on with its new normal
3 years, 1 month ago

As Europe virus cases surge, UK plows on with its new normal

Associated Press  

LONDON — The bars are shut in Vienna, and the Christmas market is empty in Munich, as several European nations tighten up or even lock down to combat a spike in coronavirus infections. But while Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that a “blizzard from the east” could still ruin Britain’s Christmas, many scientists say the wind is now blowing …

From Singapore, Germany to Britain, new coronavirus variant sparks Africa travel curbs
3 years, 1 month ago

From Singapore, Germany to Britain, new coronavirus variant sparks Africa travel curbs

Firstpost  

Governments across the world are scrambling to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variant — B.1.1.529 — which has a large number of mutations A new variant of COVID-19 is around the corner and the world is huddling to deal with it. On Thursday, a new coronavirus variant — B.1.1.529 — with a large number of mutations first was …

WHO to hold 'special meeting' over new COVID-19 variant detected in South Africa
3 years, 1 month ago

WHO to hold 'special meeting' over new COVID-19 variant detected in South Africa

India TV News  

Highlights The latest variant is the most heavily mutated version discovered so far The new variant has been red-flagged by scientists over an alarmingly high number of spike mutations To date, more than 227 million vaccine doses have been administered in Africa. The World Health Organisation is monitoring the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 first detected in South Africa and will …

Frequent mutations, rapid spread: All about the new coronavirus variant in South Africa
3 years, 1 month ago

Frequent mutations, rapid spread: All about the new coronavirus variant in South Africa

Hindustan Times  

A new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa's most populous Guanteng district has sent governments around the world in a state of high alert – especially in view of the fact that the variant, according to infectious diseases experts, displays a high number of mutations and rapid spread among young people. The new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa, currently …

Countries restrict travel from southern Africa over COVID variant
3 years, 1 month ago

Countries restrict travel from southern Africa over COVID variant

Al Jazeera  

Countries introduce restrictions on travellers from southern Africa amid concerns over a new variant of the coronavirus. Several countries, including the United Kingdom, Israel and Singapore, have imposed travel restrictions after the discovery of a new coronavirus variant in South Africa. Al Jazeera’s Fahmida Miller, reporting from Johannesburg, said “southern African countries depend on tourism and trade” and the new …

The EU wants to stop flights from southern Africa over a new COVID variant
3 years, 1 month ago

The EU wants to stop flights from southern Africa over a new COVID variant

NPR  

The EU wants to stop flights from southern Africa over a new COVID variant Enlarge this image toggle caption Denis Farrell/AP Denis Farrell/AP BRUSSELS — The European Union said Friday it is planning to stop air travel from southern Africa to counter the spread of a new COVID-19 variant as the 27-nation bloc is battling a massive spike in cases. …

WHO classifies new COVID variant as ‘of concern’
3 years, 1 month ago

WHO classifies new COVID variant as ‘of concern’

Al Jazeera  

The World Health Organization names new coronavirus variant Omicron and designates it as a ‘variant of concern’. WHO has named it Omicron, in line with naming protocols https://t.co/bSbVas9yds pic.twitter.com/Gev1zIt1Ek — World Health Organization November 26, 2021 26 Nov 2021 - 17:59 GMT South African official says WHO will designate variant as “of concern” A senior South African health official said …

Britain alarmed by new COVID-19 variant spreading in South Africa
3 years, 1 month ago

Britain alarmed by new COVID-19 variant spreading in South Africa

Live Mint  

Britain on Thursday said it was concerned by a newly identified coronavirus variant spreading in South Africa that might make vaccines less effective and imperil efforts to fight the pandemic. The UK Health Security Agency said the variant, which is called B.1.1.529, has a spike protein that was dramatically different to the one in the original coronavirus that COVID-19 vaccines …

‘Serious concern’ as South Africa detects new coronavirus variant
3 years, 1 month ago

‘Serious concern’ as South Africa detects new coronavirus variant

Al Jazeera  

South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla says the variant is behind an ‘exponential’ increase in COVID infections. “Unfortunately we have detected a new variant which is a reason for concern in South Africa,” Tulio de Oliveira, from the Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa, told a news conference. Health Minister Joe Phaahla said the variant was of “serious concern” …

Britain raises alarm over new Covid-19 variant found in South Africa which could beat vaccines
3 years, 1 month ago

Britain raises alarm over new Covid-19 variant found in South Africa which could beat vaccines

India Today  

Britain on Thursday said it was concerned by a newly identified coronavirus variant spreading in South Africa that might make vaccines less effective and imperil efforts to fight the pandemic. READ: Covid-19: Centre sounds alert over new coronavirus variant found in South Africa | 5 things you need to know The variant was first identified at the start of this …

Covid rules should stay in place because of uncertainty about spread: OMT
3 years, 2 months ago

Covid rules should stay in place because of uncertainty about spread: OMT

Dutch News  

New estimates about the spread of coronavirus in the autumn and winter are more unfavourable than thought earlier, government health advisors have said in their latest assessment of the pandemic. After social distancing was scrapped on September 25, the number of infections had risen within two weeks, and this makes it inadvisable to relax the rules even more, the OMT …

Covid rules should stay in place because of uncertainty about spread: OMT
3 years, 2 months ago

Covid rules should stay in place because of uncertainty about spread: OMT

Dutch News  

New estimates about the spread of coronavirus in the autumn and winter are more unfavourable than thought earlier, government health advisors have said in their latest assessment of the pandemic. After social distancing was scrapped on September 25, the number of infections had risen within two weeks, and this makes it inadvisable to relax the rules even more, the OMT …

United Kingdom counts on vaccines, ‘common sense’ to keep coronavirus at bay
3 years, 3 months ago

United Kingdom counts on vaccines, ‘common sense’ to keep coronavirus at bay

India TV News  

Britons are encouraged these days- though in most cases not required- to wear face coverings in crowded indoor spaces. For critics, that image encapsulates the flaw in the government’s strategy, which has abandoned most pandemic restrictions and is banking on voluntary restraint and a high vaccination rate to curb the spread of the coronavirus. “The story of this government in …

England simplifies COVID-19 travel rules bashed as confusing
3 years, 3 months ago

England simplifies COVID-19 travel rules bashed as confusing

Associated Press  

LONDON — The British government announced a major simplification of its rules for international travel on Friday, heeding complaints from travelers and businesses that its regulations aimed at staving off the spread of COVID-19 were cumbersome and ineffective. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the “simpler, more straightforward system” would allow “more people to travel, see loved ones or conduct business …

Coronavirus could become a disease of the young in the UK as vaccination rates slow while Delta spreads
3 years, 4 months ago

Coronavirus could become a disease of the young in the UK as vaccination rates slow while Delta spreads

ABC  

After a horrifying 2020 during which the coronavirus killed at least 69,000 people across England and Wales, the UK's vaccine rollout has undoubtedly been an astonishing success. Key points: The UK has fully vaccinated more than 40 million people, which is more than 77 per cent of its adult population The UK has fully vaccinated more than 40 million people, …

WHO: 4 million new coronavirus cases reported globally
3 years, 5 months ago

WHO: 4 million new coronavirus cases reported globally

India TV News  

There were more than 4 million new COVID-19 cases reported globally in the last week, driven mostly by spikes in the Middle East and Asia. In the last week, the highest numbers of coronavirus cases were reported by the U.S., India, Indonesia, Brazil and Iran. After nearly a month of rising cases, WHO said the European region reported a 9% …

Over 4 million new Covid-19 cases reported globally last week, says WHO
3 years, 5 months ago

Over 4 million new Covid-19 cases reported globally last week, says WHO

India Today  

There were more than 4 million new Covid-19 cases reported globally in the last week, driven mostly by spikes in the Middle East and Asia. In the last week, the highest numbers of coronavirus cases were reported by the US, India, Indonesia, Brazil and Iran. After nearly a month of rising cases, WHO said the European region reported a 9 …

Discover Related