UK, Germany, Italy confirm cases of Omicron coronavirus variant
The United Kingdom, Germany and Italy have confirmed their first two cases of the new Omicron strain of coronavirus.
The variant has prompted several countries to impose restrictions such as travel bans on several southern African countries, against the advice of the World Health Organization, while others have imposed fresh lockdowns to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Omicron variant, which scientists say has a high number of mutations, was first detected in South Africa last week. Cases have also been reported in travellers in Belgium, Israel and Hong Kong.
The mutations in Omicron, also known as B.1.1.529, could help the virus evade the body’s immune response and make it more transmissible, according to scientists. It could take weeks to know if current vaccines are less effective against it.
Saudi Arabia to allow conditional entry ‘from all countries’ despite Omicron
Saudi Arabia has said it will allow entry to travellers “from all countries” as long as they have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine inside the kingdom.
The ministry said the travellers would be allowed in from next Saturday and would need to quarantine for three days.
Saudi Arabia suspended flights on Friday to and from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini.
President Biden getting updates on new variant: White House
US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the latest situation regarding the Omicron variant, the White House said.
“At the same time, senior health officials and the COVID response team have been monitoring the latest updates on Omicron and in regular touch with health officials around the world,” a White House official said in a statement.
Netherlands suspects detection of Omicron
Some of 61 COVID-19 cases detected among a group of passengers that arrived in the Netherlands from South Africa this week are likely to be the Omicron variant, health authorities have said.
“In a number of the tested persons the Omicron variant is presumed to have been found,” the Netherlands Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said in a statement.
A spokesperson for the RIVM said it was “almost certain” the cases were of the new variant but further testing is needed.
Germany confirms first two cases of Omicron
Two cases of the Omicron variant have been detected in the southern German state of Bavaria, the regional health ministry has said.
The two infected people entered Germany at Munich airport on November 24, before Germany designated South Africa as a virus-variant area, and are now isolating, the ministry said.
