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When the coronavirus began spreading around the world, the remote Pacific archipelago of Kiribati closed its borders, ensuring the disease didn't reach its shores for nearly two full years.
Kiribati finally began reopening this month, allowing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to charter a plane to bring home 54 of the island nation's citizens. Many of those aboard were missionaries who had left Kiribati before the border closure to spread the faith abroad for what is commonly known as the Mormon church.
Officials tested each returning passenger three times in nearby Fiji, required that they be vaccinated, and put them in quarantine with additional testing when they arrived home.
It wasn't enough.
More than half the passengers tested positive for the virus, which has now slipped out into the community and prompted the government to declare a state of disaster. An initial 36 positive cases from the flight had ballooned to 181 cases by Friday.
Kiribati and several other small Pacific nations were among the last places on the planet to have avoided any virus outbreaks, thanks to their remote locations and strict border controls. But their defences appear no match against the highly contagious omicron variant.
“Generally speaking, it's inevitable. It will get to every corner of the world,” said Helen Petousis-Harris, a vaccine expert at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. “It's a matter of buying enough time to prepare and getting as many people vaccinated as possible.” Only 33% of Kiribati's 113,000 people are fully vaccinated, while 59% have had at least one dose, according to the online scientific publication Our World in Data. And like many other Pacific nations, Kiribati offers only basic health services.
Dr. Api Talemaitoga, who chairs a network of Indigenous Pacific Island doctors in New Zealand, said Kiribati had only a couple of intensive care beds in the entire nation, and in the past relied on sending its sickest patients to Fiji or New Zealand for treatment.
He said that given the limitations of Kiribati's health system, his first reaction when he heard about the outbreak was, “Oh, my lord.” Kiribati has now opened multiple quarantine sites, declared a curfew and imposed lockdowns. President Taneti Maamau said on social media that the government is using all its resources to manage the situation, and urged people to get vaccinated.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, based in the U.S. state of Utah, has a strong presence in many Pacific nations, including Kiribati, where its 20,000 members make it the third-largest Christian denomination. The church has about 53,000 missionaries serving full time around the world, working to convert people.
The pandemic has presented challenges for their missionary work, which is considered a rite of passage for men as young as 18 and women as young as 19.
As the pandemic ebbed and flowed, the church responded. It recalled about 26,000 missionaries who were serving overseas in June 2020, reassigning them to proselytize online from home before sending some back out into the field five months later.
When COVID-19 vaccines became widely available in many countries in April 2021, church officials encouraged all missionaries to get inoculated and required it of those serving outside their home countries.
Church spokesperson Sam Penrod said the returning missionaries remained in quarantine, were cooperating with local health authorities and would be released from their service upon completion of their quarantine.
“With Kiribati's borders being closed since the onset of the pandemic, many of these individuals have continued as missionaries well beyond their 18 to 24 months of anticipated service, with some serving as long as 44 months,” he said.
Before this month's outbreak, Kiribati had reported just two virus cases: crew members on an incoming cargo ship that ultimately wasn't permitted to dock.
But the Kiribati charter flight wasn't the first time missionaries returning home to a Pacific island nation tested positive for COVID-19.
In October, a missionary returning to Tonga from service in Africa was reported as the country's first — and so far only — positive case after flying home via New Zealand. Like those returning to Kiribati, he also was vaccinated and quarantined.
Tonga is desperately trying to prevent any outbreaks as it recovers from a devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami earlier this month. The nation of 105,000 has been receiving aid from around the world but has requested that crews from incoming military ships and planes drop their supplies and leave without having any contact with those on the ground.
“They've got enough on their hands without compounding it with the spread of COVID,” said Petousis-Harris, the vaccine expert. “Anything they can do to keep it out is going to be important. COVID would be just compounding that disaster.” In the long term, however, it is going to be impossible to stop the virus from entering Tonga or any other community, Petousis-Harris said.
Nearby Samoa, with a population of 205,000, is also trying to prevent its first outbreak. It imposed a lockdown through until Friday evening after 15 passengers on an incoming flight from Australia last week tested positive.
By Thursday, that number had grown to 27, including five front-line nurses who had treated the passengers. Officials said all those infected had been isolated and there was no community outbreak so far.
While the incursion of the virus into the Pacific has prompted lockdowns and other restrictions, there were signs that not all traditional aspects of island life would be lost for long.
“Government has decided to allow fishing,” Kiribati declared on Thursday, while listing certain restrictions on times and places. “Only four people will be allowed to be on a boat or part of a group fishing near shore.” (AP)

Covid-19 hits one of the last uninfected places on the planet: all you need to know

When the coronavirus began spreading around the world, the remote Pacific archipelago of Kiribati closed its borders, ensuring the disease didn't reach its shores for nearly two full years.
Kiribati finally began reopening this month, allowing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to charter a plane to bring home 54 of the island nation's citizens. Many of those aboard were missionaries who had left Kiribati before the border closure to spread the faith abroad for what is commonly known as the Mormon church.
Officials tested each returning passenger three times in nearby Fiji, required that they be vaccinated, and put them in quarantine with additional testing when they arrived home.
It wasn't enough.
More than half the passengers tested positive for the virus, which has now slipped out into the community and prompted the government to declare a state of disaster. An initial 36 positive cases from the flight had ballooned to 181 cases by Friday.
Kiribati and several other small Pacific nations were among the last places on the planet to have avoided any virus outbreaks, thanks to their remote locations and strict border controls. But their defences appear no match against the highly contagious omicron variant.

Officials tested each returning passenger three times in nearby Fiji, required that they be vaccinated, and put them in quarantine with additional testing when they arrived home.

When the coronavirus began spreading around the world, the remote Pacific archipelago of Kiribati closed its borders, ensuring the disease didn't reach its shores for nearly two full years.
Kiribati finally began reopening this month, allowing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to charter a plane to bring home 54 of the island nation's citizens. Many of those aboard were missionaries who had left Kiribati before the border closure to spread the faith abroad for what is commonly known as the Mormon church.
Officials tested each returning passenger three times in nearby Fiji, required that they be vaccinated, and put them in quarantine with additional testing when they arrived home.
It wasn't enough.
More than half the passengers tested positive for the virus, which has now slipped out into the community and prompted the government to declare a state of disaster. An initial 36 positive cases from the flight had ballooned to 181 cases by Friday.
Kiribati and several other small Pacific nations were among the last places on the planet to have avoided any virus outbreaks, thanks to their remote locations and strict border controls. But their defences appear no match against the highly contagious omicron variant.
&ldquo;Generally speaking, it's inevitable. It will get to every corner of the world,&rdquo; said Helen Petousis-Harris, a vaccine expert at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. &ldquo;It's a matter of buying enough time to prepare and getting as many people vaccinated as possible.&rdquo; Only 33% of Kiribati's 113,000 people are fully vaccinated, while 59% have had at least one dose, according to the online scientific publication Our World in Data. And like many other Pacific nations, Kiribati offers only basic health services.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/neocov-covid-variant-have-chinese-scientists-just-found-the-deadliest-of-all-strains-1643361860373" target="_blank">NeoCov Covid variant: Have Chinese scientists just found the deadliest of all strains?</a>
Dr. Api Talemaitoga, who chairs a network of Indigenous Pacific Island doctors in New Zealand, said Kiribati had only a couple of intensive care beds in the entire nation, and in the past relied on sending its sickest patients to Fiji or New Zealand for treatment.
He said that given the limitations of Kiribati's health system, his first reaction when he heard about the outbreak was, &ldquo;Oh, my lord.&rdquo; Kiribati has now opened multiple quarantine sites, declared a curfew and imposed lockdowns. President Taneti Maamau said on social media that the government is using all its resources to manage the situation, and urged people to get vaccinated.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, based in the U.S. state of Utah, has a strong presence in many Pacific nations, including Kiribati, where its 20,000 members make it the third-largest Christian denomination. The church has about 53,000 missionaries serving full time around the world, working to convert people.
The pandemic has presented challenges for their missionary work, which is considered a rite of passage for men as young as 18 and women as young as 19.
As the pandemic ebbed and flowed, the church responded. It recalled about 26,000 missionaries who were serving overseas in June 2020, reassigning them to proselytize online from home before sending some back out into the field five months later.
When COVID-19 vaccines became widely available in many countries in April 2021, church officials encouraged all missionaries to get inoculated and required it of those serving outside their home countries.
Church spokesperson Sam Penrod said the returning missionaries remained in quarantine, were cooperating with local health authorities and would be released from their service upon completion of their quarantine.
&ldquo;With Kiribati's borders being closed since the onset of the pandemic, many of these individuals have continued as missionaries well beyond their 18 to 24 months of anticipated service, with some serving as long as 44 months,&rdquo; he said.
Before this month's outbreak, Kiribati had reported just two virus cases: crew members on an incoming cargo ship that ultimately wasn't permitted to dock.
But the Kiribati charter flight wasn't the first time missionaries returning home to a Pacific island nation tested positive for COVID-19.
In October, a missionary returning to Tonga from service in Africa was reported as the country's first &mdash; and so far only &mdash; positive case after flying home via New Zealand. Like those returning to Kiribati, he also was vaccinated and quarantined.
Tonga is desperately trying to prevent any outbreaks as it recovers from a devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami earlier this month. The nation of 105,000 has been receiving aid from around the world but has requested that crews from incoming military ships and planes drop their supplies and leave without having any contact with those on the ground.
&ldquo;They've got enough on their hands without compounding it with the spread of COVID,&rdquo; said Petousis-Harris, the vaccine expert. &ldquo;Anything they can do to keep it out is going to be important. COVID would be just compounding that disaster.&rdquo; In the long term, however, it is going to be impossible to stop the virus from entering Tonga or any other community, Petousis-Harris said.
Nearby Samoa, with a population of 205,000, is also trying to prevent its first outbreak. It imposed a lockdown through until Friday evening after 15 passengers on an incoming flight from Australia last week tested positive.
By Thursday, that number had grown to 27, including five front-line nurses who had treated the passengers. Officials said all those infected had been isolated and there was no community outbreak so far.
While the incursion of the virus into the Pacific has prompted lockdowns and other restrictions, there were signs that not all traditional aspects of island life would be lost for long.
&ldquo;Government has decided to allow fishing,&rdquo; Kiribati declared on Thursday, while listing certain restrictions on times and places. &ldquo;Only four people will be allowed to be on a boat or part of a group fishing near shore.&rdquo; (AP)

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said Thursday that people with no travel history have been infected for the Omicron Covid variant and this means it is gradually spreading in the community.Jain also said that 46 of 115 samples sequenced in the national capital so far had tested positive for the new strain. Delhi has reported the maximum number of Omicron cases so far — 263.Researchers at the United Kingdom's Cambridge University have warned of an "explosive" growth of Omicron cases in India within days, and said it is "hard to predict how high daily cases" could go.

Covid-19 Variant Omicron strain gradually spreading in the community, says Satyendar Jain

Delhi health Minister: Omicron strain gradually spreading in the community.

Omicron surging in the community, 46 of 115 samples positive: Delhi govt&nbsp;
263 cases of Omicron in capital city, highest in country
Explosive third wave in India within days: Cambridge tracker

Jain also said that 46 of 115 samples sequenced in the national capital so far had tested positive for the new strain. Delhi has reported the maximum number of Omicron cases so far- 263.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said Thursday that people with no travel history have been infected for the Omicron Covid variant and this means it is gradually spreading in the community. Jain also said that 46 of 115 samples sequenced in the national capital so far had tested positive for the new strain.&nbsp;
Delhi added 25 cases to its tally of the new heavily-mutated omicron variant on Thursday, staying ahead of Maharashtra for the second day in a row. The capital has recorded 263 cases of omicron variant since it was first detected in the country in early December, which is the highest in the country.
The increasing number of omicron cases could be the reason behind the sudden surge in the number of Covid-19 in the city.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Researchers at the United Kingdom's Cambridge University have warned of an "explosive" growth of Omicron cases in India within days, and said it is "hard to predict how high daily cases" could go.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi-covid-positivity-rate-over-1-amber-alert-explained-and-is-it-in-the-offing-1640828035046" target="_blank">Delhi Covid positivity rate over 1%: Amber alert explained and is it in the offing?</a>

The Delhi government on Tuesday announced new guidelines as part of the “yellow alert” that is being imposed in the national capital with rising Covid-19 cases. The city has witnessed the highest single-day spike in cases in nearly six months.The restrictions under the Covid Graded Response Action Plan include shutting all educational institutions, capping wedding and funeral gatherings to 20, reducing seat occupancy in Delhi Metro and buses to 50%, among other things.
According to GRAP, which was notified by the government in August this year, different restrictions are supposed to come into force if cases, positivity rate or hospitalisations increase beyond certain limits.The yellow alert is issued when the city sees a positivity rate of over 0.5% for two consecutive days, cases cross 1,500 in a week, or average occupancy of oxygen beds in hospitals remains 500 for a week.

Delhi govt imposes Covid-19 yellow alert: schools to shut, public transport to run at 50% capacity

Delhi govt sounds yellow alert as Covid&nbsp;cases rise City witnessed the highest single-day spike in cases Educational institutions shut, wedding &amp; funeral capped Delhi Metro, buses to run a 50% seating capacity GRAP&nbsp;was notified in August to counter Covid&nbsp;third wave Yellow alert as Delhi saw over 0.5% positivity&nbsp;rate for 2 straight days

The yellow alert is issued when the city sees a positivity rate of over 0.5% for two consecutive days, cases cross 1,500 in a week, or average occupancy of oxygen beds in hospitals remains 500 for a week.

The Delhi government&nbsp;on Tuesday announced new guidelines as part of the &ldquo;yellow alert&rdquo; that is being imposed in the national capital with rising Covid-19 cases. The city has witnessed the highest single-day spike in cases in nearly six months. The restrictions under the Covid Graded Response Action Plan include shutting all educational institutions, capping wedding and funeral gatherings to 20, reducing seat occupancy in Delhi Metro and buses to 50%, among other things.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/covid-19-surge-more-restrictions-to-be-announced-in-delhi-says-cm-kejriwal-1640678253201" target="_blank">Covid-19 surge: More restrictions to be announced in Delhi, says CM Kejriwal</a>
According to GRAP, which was notified by the government in August this year, different restrictions are supposed to come into force if cases, positivity rate or hospitalisations increase beyond certain limits. The yellow alert is issued when the city sees a positivity rate of over 0.5% for two consecutive days, cases cross 1,500 in a week, or average occupancy of oxygen beds in hospitals remains 500 for a week.

India saw the highest single day rise of Omicron infections with 156 fresh cases, taking the total tally of such cases to 578, Union Health Ministry said on Monday.
The ministry said 151 out of the 578 people who contracted the infection have recovered or migrated.
The 578 cases have been detected across 19 states and UTs with Delhi recording the maximum number of 142 cases followed by Maharashtra at 141, Kerala 57, Gujarat 49, Rajasthan 43 and Telangana 41.
India on Monday reported 6,531 new Covid-19 cases and 315 deaths in last 24 hours. Covid-19 numbers are rising sharply in several states in north and west India, despite another week of falling cases nationally.
While cases in India saw a fall of 6% in the week ending Sunday, the numbers in Delhi, Haryana and Jharkhand more than doubled during the period as compared with the previous seven days.
According to the government data, active cases stand at 75,841, which accounts for less than 1% of total cases. The number of active cases in India is lowest since March 2020.

India logs highest single day rise of Omicron cases, tally climbs to 578

India's Omicron tally jumps to 578 after highest single day spike

India's Omicfon&nbsp;tally jumps to 578 after highest single day spike
151 out of 578 Omicron patients have so far recovered
Omicron cases detected in 19 states, Delhi has the most&nbsp;
6,531 new Covid-19 cases and 315 deaths in last 24 hours
75,841 active Covid&nbsp;cases, lowest since March 2020&nbsp;

Omicron in India:&nbsp;151 out of the 578 people who contracted the infection have recovered or migrated

India saw the highest single day rise of Omicron infections with 156 fresh cases, taking the total tally of such cases to 578, Union Health Ministry said on Monday.
The ministry said 151 out of the 578 people who contracted the infection have recovered or migrated.
The 578 cases have been detected across 19 states and UTs with Delhi recording the maximum number of 142 cases followed by Maharashtra at 141, Kerala 57, Gujarat 49, Rajasthan 43 and Telangana 41.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/covid-19-15-18-yr-old-children-to-be-given-only-covaxin-shots-for-now-1640575905858" target="_blank">Covid-19: 15-18 yr old children to be given only Covaxin shots, for now</a>&nbsp;
India on Monday reported 6,531 new Covid-19 cases and 315 deaths in last 24 hours. Covid-19 numbers are rising sharply in several states in north and west India, despite another week of falling cases nationally.
While cases in India saw a fall of 6% in the week ending Sunday, the numbers in Delhi, Haryana and Jharkhand more than doubled during the period as compared with the previous seven days.
According to the government data, active cases stand at 75,841, which accounts for less than 1% of total cases. The number of active cases in India is lowest since March 2020.

India will see a surge in Omicron-driven Covid cases and a high positivity rate but the infection will hopefully be mild in most people as is being seen in South Africa, says Dr Angelique Coetzee who first identified the variant.
The chairperson of the South African Medical Association also said existing vaccines will definitely control the contagion but those unvaccinated are at 100 per cent "risk".
"Existing vaccines will greatly help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant," Coetzee told PTI in a phone interview from Pretoria.
In the case of a vaccinated person or one who has had a history of being infected by COVID-19, it will spread to fewer people, she said, adding that unvaccinated people will potentially spread the virus 100 per cent.
"Existing vaccines would greatly help to reduce the spreading, as we know that you would spread only about 1/3 if vaccinated or had previous history of being infected by Covid, while unvaccinated people will potentially spread the virus 100 per cent," she said.
According to the South African expert, who first brought the Omicron variant to the world’s notice, the Covid pandemic is yet to be over and will become endemic in the days to come.
She disagreed with the opinion of some experts that Covid is heading towards an end with the advent of Omicron, which as of now is comparatively a weaker variant of the coronavirus.
"I do not think so. I believe it will be difficult (for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to end soon). I presume it will become endemic," she predicted.
"India will see a surge in Omicron-driven COVID-19 cases and simultaneously there will be a high-positivity rate. But hopefully the majority of the cases will be as mild as what we are seeing here in South Africa," she added as India on Saturday reported 415 cases of the Omicron variant.
Of these, 115 have recovered or migrated, according to the Union Health Ministry data.
In Coetzee's view, any virus which grows out of control will potentially be a threat to humans.
Discussing the character of the Omicron strain of Covid that is spreading fast across the world and has dampened year-end festivities in many parts of the country, Coetzee said it attacks “warm bodies” and is also infecting children.
"... for now Omicron is not threatening but it is fast spreading with a high infectivity rate, but less severe cases in hospitals. The virus' sole purpose is to infect a warm body and to survive. And yes, children are also being infected by it, but they are recovering in an average of five-six days," she said.
Can the Omicron variant again mutate and change its character? "Yes, it might mutate in the future to be more deadly, or it might not," she said.
The 61-year-old medical practitioner also held that human behaviour such as wearing masks as well as following safety protocols for COVID-19 will play a huge role in controlling the transmission of Omicron.
"You cannot rely on vaccines alone. Human behaviour unfortunately also plays a huge role and one also needs to be responsible and take ownership of what you do," she stated.
"Vaccines, boosters, masks, good ventilation, stay away from crowds and common sense. Also know the symptoms and when to test, when to see a doctor and get treatment," the renowned South African doctor said.
In India, Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of 108 Omicron cases, followed by Delhi with 79, Gujarat 43, Telangana 38, Kerala 37, Tamil Nadu 34 and Karnataka 31.
Several states and union territories have passed orders to ban gatherings on Christmas and New Year to restrict the spread of the virus.
The health ministry has advised states and union territories to be vigilant and monitor case positivity, doubling rate and cluster of new cases, and consider imposing curbs and restrictions at the local level on Christmas and in the days heading to the New Year.
According to South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), 74 per cent of all the virus genomes it had sequenced in November had been of the Omicron variant. The first instance was found in a sample taken on November 8 in Gauteng.
Data indicated that between November 14 and December 4, hospitalisation across South Africa was comparatively lower than the period when the country was facing the peak linked to the Delta variant in July. ICU occupancy in South Africa has been only 6.3 per cent during this fortnight.

Scientist who found Omicron variant: India will see a wave, vaccines will definitely help

Scientist who identified Omicron variant: India will see a wave, vaccines will definitely help

Dr Angelique Coetzee who first identified the variant says India will see a surge in Omicron-driven Covid cases and a high positivity rate but the infection will hopefully be mild in most people as is being seen in South Africa.&nbsp;
The chairperson of the South African Medical Association also said existing vaccines will definitely control the contagion but those unvaccinated are at 100 per cent "risk".
She said in the case of a vaccinated person or one who has had a history of being infected by Covid-19, it will spread to fewer people.
She told PTI&nbsp;that&nbsp;unvaccinated people will potentially spread the virus 100 per cent. According to the South African expert the Covid pandemic is yet to be over and will become endemic in the days to come.
She disagreed with the opinion of some experts that Covid is heading towards an end with the advent of Omicron, which as of now is comparatively a weaker variant of the coronavirus.
&nbsp;

She said in the case of a vaccinated person or one who has had a history of being infected by Covid-19, it will spread to fewer people.

India will see a surge in Omicron-driven Covid cases and a high positivity rate but the infection will hopefully be mild in most people as is being seen in South Africa, says Dr Angelique Coetzee who first identified the variant.
The chairperson of the South African Medical Association also said existing vaccines will definitely control the contagion but those unvaccinated are at 100 per cent "risk".
"Existing vaccines will greatly help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant," Coetzee told PTI in a phone interview from Pretoria.
In the case of a vaccinated person or one who has had a history of being infected by COVID-19, it will spread to fewer people, she said, adding that unvaccinated people will potentially spread the virus 100 per cent.
"Existing vaccines would greatly help to reduce the spreading, as we know that you would spread only about 1/3 if vaccinated or had previous history of being infected by Covid, while unvaccinated people will potentially spread the virus 100 per cent," she said.
According to the South African expert, who first brought the Omicron variant to the world&rsquo;s notice, the Covid pandemic is yet to be over and will become endemic in the days to come.
She disagreed with the opinion of some experts that Covid is heading towards an end with the advent of Omicron, which as of now is comparatively a weaker variant of the coronavirus.
"I do not think so. I believe it will be difficult (for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to end soon). I presume it will become endemic," she predicted.
"India will see a surge in Omicron-driven COVID-19 cases and simultaneously there will be a high-positivity rate. But hopefully the majority of the cases will be as mild as what we are seeing here in South Africa," she added as India on Saturday reported 415 cases of the Omicron variant.
Of these, 115 have recovered or migrated, according to the Union Health Ministry data.
In Coetzee's view, any virus which grows out of control will potentially be a threat to humans.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/70-omicron-cases-asymptomatic-9-of-10-affected-are-double-vaxxed-centre-1640399943590" target="_blank">70% Omicron cases in India are asymptomatic: Centre</a>
Discussing the character of the Omicron strain of Covid that is spreading fast across the world and has dampened year-end festivities in many parts of the country, Coetzee said it attacks &ldquo;warm bodies&rdquo; and is also infecting children.
"... for now Omicron is not threatening but it is fast spreading with a high infectivity rate, but less severe cases in hospitals. The virus' sole purpose is to infect a warm body and to survive. And yes, children are also being infected by it, but they are recovering in an average of five-six days," she said.
Can the Omicron variant again mutate and change its character? "Yes, it might mutate in the future to be more deadly, or it might not," she said.
The 61-year-old medical practitioner also held that human behaviour such as wearing masks as well as following safety protocols for COVID-19 will play a huge role in controlling the transmission of Omicron.
"You cannot rely on vaccines alone. Human behaviour unfortunately also plays a huge role and one also needs to be responsible and take ownership of what you do," she stated.
"Vaccines, boosters, masks, good ventilation, stay away from crowds and common sense. Also know the symptoms and when to test, when to see a doctor and get treatment," the renowned South African doctor said.
In India, Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of 108 Omicron cases, followed by Delhi with 79, Gujarat 43, Telangana 38, Kerala 37, Tamil Nadu 34 and Karnataka 31.
Several states and union territories have passed orders to ban gatherings on Christmas and New Year to restrict the spread of the virus.
The health ministry has advised states and union territories to be vigilant and monitor case positivity, doubling rate and cluster of new cases, and consider imposing curbs and restrictions at the local level on Christmas and in the days heading to the New Year.
According to South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), 74 per cent of all the virus genomes it had sequenced in November had been of the Omicron variant. The first instance was found in a sample taken on November 8 in Gauteng.
Data indicated that between November 14 and December 4, hospitalisation across South Africa was comparatively lower than the period when the country was facing the peak linked to the Delta variant in July. ICU occupancy in South Africa has been only 6.3 per cent during this fortnight.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/amid-omicron-scare-what-is-this-talk-about-delmicron-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-1640321308151" target="_blank">Amid Omicron scare, what is this talk about Delmicron? Here's all you need to know</a>

In view of concerns over the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the Centre has decided to send special multi-disciplinary teams to 10 states, which are either reporting a high number of infections from the new strain or have a low pace of the vaccination.These states will be Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Mizoram, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Punjab.
The Union ministry of health and family welfare said in a letter that the Central teams shall be in these 10 states for 3 to 5 days and will work with state health teams to check contact tracing, testing, ensure covid protocols among other things.
The teams will also be responsible for the enforcement of Covid-appropriate behaviour, availability of hospital beds, sufficient logistics including ambulances, ventilators, medical oxygen and Covid-19 vaccination progress in the states.
The state-level central teams will assess the situation, suggest remedial actions, and submit a report every evening by 7pm on the public health activities being undertaken to both the central and state government.

Central teams to visit 10 states reporting high Omicron cases

The Union ministry of health and family welfare said in a letter that the Central teams shall be in these 10 states for 3 to 5 days

In view of concerns over the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the Centre has decided to send special multi-disciplinary teams to 10 states, which are either reporting a high number of infections from the new strain or have a low pace of the vaccination. These states will be Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Mizoram, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Punjab.
The Union ministry of health and family welfare said in a letter that the Central teams shall be in these 10 states for 3 to 5 days and will work with state health teams to check contact tracing, testing, ensure covid protocols among other things.
The teams will also be responsible for the enforcement of Covid-appropriate behaviour, availability of hospital beds, sufficient logistics including ambulances, ventilators, medical oxygen and Covid-19 vaccination progress in the states.
The state-level central teams will assess the situation, suggest remedial actions, and submit a report every evening by 7pm on the public health activities being undertaken to both the central and state government.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/415-omicron-cases-in-india-115-have-recovered-or-migrated-health-ministry-1640418831327" target="_blank">415 Omicron cases In India, 115 have recovered or migrated: Health Ministry</a>

India has 415 Omicron cases so far, while 7,189 new Covid cases have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Saturday morning. Maharashtra has the highest number of Omicron infections with 108 cases, followed by Delhi with 79.  Gujarat has 43 cases and Telangana 38. Kerala has a total of 37 Omicron cases, followed by Tamil Nadu with 34. No state in the north-east has reported any Omicron case.India's active caseload currently stands at 77,032, the lowest in 579 days. Active cases account for less than 1 per cent of total cases, currently at 0.22 per cent -- which is lowest since March 2020.  
 

415 Omicron cases In India, 115 have recovered: Health Ministry

Maharashtra has the highest number of Omicron infections with 108 cases, followed by Delhi with 79.

A total of 415 cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have been detected in India so far, out of which 115 have recovered or migrated, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Saturday.
Maharashtra has recorded a maximum of 108 Omicron cases, followed by Delhi at 79, Gujarat 43, Telangana 38, Kerala 37, Tamil Nadu 34 and Karnataka 31.
India's Covid tally rose to 3,47,79,815 with 7,189 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, while the active cases have declined to 77,032, according to the data updated at 8 am.
The death toll climbed to 4,79,520 with 387 more fatalities, the data showed.
The daily rise in new coronavirus cases has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 58 days now.
The active cases have declined to 77,032 comprising 0.22 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said.
A decrease of 484 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.
The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.65 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 82 days.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/70-omicron-cases-asymptomatic-9-of-10-affected-are-double-vaxxed-centre-1640399943590" target="_blank">70% Omicron cases in India are asymptomatic: Centre</a>
The weekly positivity rate was also recorded at 0.60 per cent. It has been below one per cent for the last 41 days, according to the Health Ministry.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,42,23,263, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.38 per cent.
The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 141.01 crore.
India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20 lakh-mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one crore-mark on December 19.
India had crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23.
The 387 new fatalities include 342 from Kerala and 12 from Maharashtra.
Of the 342 deaths, 31 were recorded over the last few days and 311 were designated as COVID-19 deaths after receiving appeals based on the new guidelines of the Centre and the directions of the Supreme Court, Kerala's health department had said on Friday.
A total of 4,79,520 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,41,404 from Maharashtra, 46,203 from Kerala, 38,305 from Karnataka, 36,714 from Tamil Nadu, 25,103 from Delhi, 22,915 from Uttar Pradesh and 19,707 from West Bengal.
The Health Ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.
"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/amid-omicron-scare-what-is-this-talk-about-delmicron-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-1640321308151" target="_blank">Amid Omicron scare, what is this talk about Delmicron? Here's all you need to know</a>

The Centre has said that an analysis of 183 of the 358 known Omicron variant Covid-19 cases in India found that 70% of the infected are asymptomatic.
The health ministry officials also noted that a little over 90% of the cases for whom vaccination status was known had taken a full course of their shots, and 61% of the cases were in men.
Sharing the results of the analysis Friday, the Centre emphasised that “vaccine alone is not sufficient to contain the pandemic” and reminded that the use of masks and surveillance is key to breaking the chain of transmission.
The analysis, released by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, showed 27 per cent of the cases did not have a history of foreign travel — indicating the presence of Omicron in the community.
The government has not identified any community transmission case of Omicron variant infection yet, although the government has begun efforts to send more random samples for genome sequencing, which determines the variant.

70% Omicron cases asymptomatic, 9 of 10 affected are double-vaxxed: Centre

70% Omicron cases in&nbsp;India are asymptomatic: Govt Analysis of 183 of the 358 known Omicron cases in India Centre: vaccine alone isn't&nbsp;sufficient to contain pandemic 27% of the cases did not have a history of foreign travel

The health ministry officials also noted that a little over 90% of the cases for whom vaccination status was known had taken a full course of their shots, and 61% of the cases were in men

The Centre has said that an analysis of 183 of the 358 known Omicron variant Covid-19 cases in India found that 70% of the infected are asymptomatic.
Sharing the results of the analysis Friday, the Centre emphasised that &ldquo;vaccine alone is not sufficient to contain the pandemic&rdquo; and reminded that the use of masks and surveillance is key to breaking the chain of transmission.
The analysis, released by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, showed 27 per cent of the cases did not have a history of foreign travel &mdash; indicating the presence of Omicron in the community.
The government has not identified any community transmission case of Omicron variant infection yet, although the government has begun efforts to send more random samples for genome sequencing, which determines the variant.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/amid-omicron-scare-what-is-this-talk-about-delmicron-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-1640321308151" target="_blank">Amid Omicron scare, what is this talk about Delmicron? Here's all you need to know</a>

Omicron infection has exploded in Tamil Nadu with 33 cases in a day. The state government on Thursday reported 33 new cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Out of the new cases, 26 were reported in Chennai. This takes the total state tally to 34.
The state government has said that the contacts of the infected people were being traced and the gene sequencing results of some more people were awaited.
Government officials said that as many as 104 people who arrived in Tamil Nadu from various countries have tested Covid-19 positive till date.
Over 250 Omicron infections have been reported in the country so far. Delhi and Maharashtra have the most cases and now Tamil Nadu has jumped to third spot with the latest single-day Omicron explosion.

Omicron explosion in Tamil Nadu: 33 cases detected in a day

Omicron explosion in Tamil Nadu: 33 new cases detected in a day

33 new Omicron cases detected in Tamil Nadu in a day
26 of the 33 new Omicron&nbsp;cases found in Chennai
Govt officials says samples of some people being tested
State govt says contacts of infected people being traced
Over 250 Omicron cases found in India so far in 17 states

Omicron Scare:&nbsp;Out of the 33 new cases, 26 were reported in Chennai. This takes the total state tally to 34

Omicron infection has exploded in Tamil Nadu with 33 cases in a day. The state government on Thursday reported 33 new cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Out of the new cases, 26 were reported in Chennai. This takes the total state tally to 34.
The state government has said that the contacts of the infected people were being traced and the gene sequencing results of some more people were awaited.
Government officials said that as many as 104 people who arrived in Tamil Nadu from various countries have tested Covid-19 positive till date.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/india-s-omicron-count-tops-250-states-rush-to-clamp-curbs-ahead-of-festive-season-1640227539248" target="_blank">India's Omicron count tops 250, states rush to clamp curbs ahead of festive season&nbsp;</a>
Over 250 Omicron infections have been reported in the country so far. Delhi and Maharashtra have the most cases and now Tamil Nadu has jumped to third spot with the latest single-day Omicron explosion.

The fast-spreading Omicron variant is now the dominant strain of Covid-19 in the United States.
Health authorities said that Omicron now accounts for 73.2 percent of new US cases over the past week ending Saturday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that in some regions of the country it already comprises more than 90 percent of new infections.
Early data suggests Omicron could be more infectious and possibly have higher resistance to vaccines. The early research though has suggested that it is not more severe than the Delta variant.
Many countries have returned to harsh restrictions due to the Omicron explosion. But in the United States, President Joe Biden does not plan on "locking the country down," press secretary Jen Psaki said earlier in the day.
Since it was first reported in South Africa in November, Omicron has been identified in dozens of countries.
The WHO has called for nations to redouble efforts to help end the pandemic, calling for new year events to be canceled because it was better to "celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later.

Omicron dominant strain in US, 73% new Covid cases are new variant

Omicron is already the dominant Covid strain in the US with 73% of the new coronavirus cases

Omicron is already the dominant Covid strain in the US

Omicron is already the dominant Covid strain in the US
73% of the new Covid&nbsp;cases in the US are Omicron
In some US regions, Omicron is 90% of the new cases
Early data suggests Omicron could be more infectious
Joe Biden&nbsp;has no plans to lock down US amid Omicron spread&nbsp;
WHO asks for cancellation of New Year&nbsp;events
&nbsp;

Omicron in US:&nbsp; In some regions of the country the variant already comprises more than 90 percent of new infections

The fast-spreading Omicron variant is now the dominant strain of Covid-19 in the United States.
Health authorities said that Omicron now accounts for 73.2 per cent of new US cases over the past week ending Saturday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that in some regions of the country it already comprises more than 90 per cent of new infections.
Early data suggests Omicron could be more infectious and possibly have higher resistance to vaccines. The early research though has suggested that it is not more severe than the Delta variant.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="Omicron%20cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, WHO says" target="_blank">Omicron cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, WHO says</a>
Many countries have returned to harsh restrictions due to the Omicron explosion. But in the United States, President Joe Biden does not plan on "locking the country down," press secretary Jen Psaki said earlier in the day.
Since it was first reported in South Africa in November, Omicron has been identified in dozens of countries.
The WHO has called for nations to redouble efforts to help end the pandemic, calling for new year events to be cancelled because it was better to "celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later.

India's Omicron Covid count rose to 153 after Maharashtra reported six and Gujarat logged four more cases of the new variant of coronavirus on Sunday.
According to central and state officials, omicron cases have been detected in 11 states and union territories. Maharashtra has the highest number of Omicron cases in India at 54.
Delhi has so far confirmed 22 cases, Rajasthan 17, Karnataka 14, Telangana 20, Gujarat 11, Kerala 11. Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have one case each.
Of the aix new patients in Maharashtra, two had a history of travel to Tanzania, two others had returned from England and one from the Middle East. All five of them are fully vaccinated.
Another patient is a five-year-old boy from Junnar in Pune who is a close contact of Dubai travellers from Junnar, state officials said.
Out of 54 cases in the state, 22 have been found in Mumbai.
In Gujarat, a 45-year-old NRI and a teenage boy who came from the UK, a Surat-based woman who had recently visited Dubai and a Tanzanian national are the new patients of the Omicron variant.
The non-resident Indian tested positive for the coronavirus infection in the RT-PCR test carried out at the Ahmedabad international airport soon after he arrived from the UK on December 15, a health department official said on Sunday.
"The man's sample was later found infected with the Omicron variant," Anand district health officer Dr M T Chhari said.
He was scheduled to reach the state's Anand city from Ahmedabad.
"But, after he tested positive for the coronavirus, he was taken to the Ahmedabad civil hospital from the airport. The patient is currently recovering at the Ahmedabad civil hospital," Dr Chhari said.
His co-passengers and other contacts have tested negative for the viral infection, the official said.
A 15-year-old boy from Gandhinagar was also detected with the Omicron variant after returning from the UK, Gandhinagar Municipal Commissioner Dhaval Patel said.
While Omicron was first reported in South Africa on November 24, India's first two cases of the this heavily mutated version of the coronavirus were detected in Karnataka on December 2.

Omicron cases in India cross 150 with new patients in Maharashtra, Gujarat

India's Omicron count rises to 153 as Maharashtra & Gujarat report new cases

India's Omicron count rises to 153 as Maha & Guj report new cases

India's Omicron Covid count rose to 153 after Maharashtra reported six and Gujarat logged four more cases of the new variant of coronavirus on Sunday.
According to central and state officials, omicron cases have been detected in 11 states and union territories. Maharashtra has the highest number of Omicron cases in India at 54. Delhi has so far confirmed 22 cases, Rajasthan 17, Karnataka 14, Telangana 20, Gujarat 11, Kerala 11. Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have one case each.
Of the aix new patients in Maharashtra, two had a history of travel to Tanzania, two others had returned from England and one from the Middle East. All five of them are fully vaccinated.
Another patient is a five-year-old boy from Junnar in Pune who is a close contact with Dubai travellers from Junnar, state officials said.
Out of 54 cases in the state, 22 have been found in Mumbai.
In Gujarat, a 45-year-old NRI and a teenage boy who came from the UK, a Surat-based woman who had recently visited Dubai and a Tanzanian national are the new patients of the Omicron variant.
While Omicron was first reported in South Africa on November 24, India's first two cases of the this heavily mutated version of the coronavirus were detected in Karnataka on December 2.

Omicron In India:&nbsp;Maharashtra reported six and Gujarat logged four more cases of the new variant of coronavirus on Sunday

India's Omicron Covid count rose to 153 after Maharashtra reported six and Gujarat logged four more cases of the new variant of coronavirus on Sunday.
According to central and state officials, omicron cases have been detected in 11 states and union territories. Maharashtra has the highest number of Omicron cases in India at 54.
Delhi has so far confirmed 22 cases, Rajasthan 17, Karnataka 14, Telangana 20, Gujarat 11, Kerala 11. Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have one case each.
Of the six new patients in Maharashtra, two had a history of travel to Tanzania, two others had returned from England and one from the Middle East. All five of them are fully vaccinated.
Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/omicron-cases-doubling-in-1-5-to-3-days-who-says-1639895619135" target="_blank">Omicron cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, WHO says</a>
Another patient is a five-year-old boy from Junnar in Pune who is close contact with Dubai travellers from Junnar, state officials said.
Out of 54 cases in the state, 22 have been found in Mumbai.
In Gujarat, a 45-year-old NRI and a teenage boy who came from the UK, a Surat-based woman who had recently visited Dubai and a Tanzanian national are the new patients of the Omicron variant.
The non-resident Indian tested positive for the coronavirus infection in the RT-PCR test carried out at the Ahmedabad international airport soon after he arrived from the UK on December 15, a health department official said on Sunday.
"The man's sample was later found infected with the Omicron variant," Anand district health officer Dr M T Chhari said.
He was scheduled to reach the state's Anand city from Ahmedabad.
"But, after he tested positive for the coronavirus, he was taken to the Ahmedabad civil hospital from the airport. The patient is currently recovering at the Ahmedabad civil hospital," Dr Chhari said.
His co-passengers and other contacts have tested negative for the viral infection, the official said.
A 15-year-old boy from Gandhinagar was also detected with the Omicron variant after returning from the UK, Gandhinagar Municipal Commissioner Dhaval Patel said.
While Omicron was first reported in South Africa on November 24, India's first two cases of this heavily mutated version of the coronavirus were detected in Karnataka on December 2.

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading significantly faster than the Delta strain in areas with community transmission, with the number of cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
The Omicron coronavirus variant has been reported in 89 countries.
The highly mutated variant is spreading rapidly in countries with high levels of population immunity, the WHO said, but it is unclear if this is due to the virus's ability to evade immunity, its inherent increased transmissibility, or a combination of both.
Also watch: Omicron is probably in most countries, warns WHO chief
WHO termed Omicron as a variant of concern on November 26, soon after it was first detected by scientists in South Africa, and much is still not known about it, including the severity of the illness it causes.
Earlier on Tuesday, the World Health Organisation chief said that even if the variant did cause less severe disease, a large number of cases could overwhelm unprepared health systems.

Omicron cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, WHO says

The Omicron coronavirus variant has been reported in 89 countries and the number of cases is doubling in 1.5 to 3 days in areas with community transmission, says WHO.

The World Health Organization has said the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading significantly faster than the Delta strain in areas with community transmission, with the number of cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days.&nbsp;
The Omicron coronavirus variant has been reported in 89 countries.
The highly mutated variant is spreading rapidly in countries with high levels of population immunity, the WHO said, but it is unclear if this is due to the virus's ability to evade immunity, its inherent increased transmissibility, or a combination of both.
WHO termed Omicron as a variant of concern on November 26, soon after it was first detected by scientists in South Africa, and much is still not known about it, including the severity of the illness it causes.
Earlier on Tuesday, the World Health Organisation chief said that even if the variant did cause less severe disease, a large number of cases could overwhelm unprepared health systems.

WHO says there are &lsquo;still limited data&rsquo; on the clinical severity of new variant, which has so far been reported in 89 countries.

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading significantly faster than the Delta strain in areas with community transmission, with the number of cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
The Omicron coronavirus variant has been reported in 89 countries.
The highly mutated variant is spreading rapidly in countries with high levels of population immunity, the WHO said, but it is unclear if this is due to the virus's ability to evade immunity, its inherent increased transmissibility, or a combination of both.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/omicron-is-probably-in-most-countries-warns-who-chief-1639538980557" target="_blank">Omicron is probably in most countries, warns WHO chief</a>
WHO termed Omicron as a variant of concern on November 26, soon after it was first detected by scientists in South Africa, and much is still not known about it, including the severity of the illness it causes.
Earlier on Tuesday, the World Health Organisation chief said that even if the variant did cause less severe disease, a large number of cases could overwhelm unprepared health systems.

The World Health Organisation chief on Tuesday urged people to not dismiss the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus as mild. The WHO boss also restated his plea for a fairer global vaccine distribution.
"Surely, we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril," said Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, speaking during a televised address from Geneva.
"Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn't been detected yet," he added.
Tedros said that even if the variant did cause less severe disease, a large number of cases could overwhelm unprepared health systems.
The chief of the UN agency also called into question booster programmes which are being rolled out to entire adult populations in some countries.
"WHO is concerned that such programmes will repeat the vaccine hoarding we saw this year and exacerbate inequity," he said.
He suggested that giving boosters to groups at low risk of severe disease or death was endangering the lives of those at high risk who were waiting for their first or second doses.

Omicron is probably in most countries, warns WHO chief

Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn't been detected yet: WHO chief


The World Health Organisation chief on Tuesday urged people to not dismiss the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus as mild. The WHO boss also restated his plea for a fairer global vaccine distribution.
Byte: "Surely, we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril. Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn't been detected yet," he added.
Tedros said that even if the variant did cause less severe disease, a large number of cases could overwhelm unprepared health systems.
The chief of the UN agency also called into question booster programmes which are being rolled out to entire adult populations in some countries.

Omicron Variant: "We underestimate this virus at our peril," Dr&nbsp;Tedros Ghebreyesus&nbsp;said&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation chief on Tuesday urged people to not dismiss the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus as mild. The WHO boss also restated his plea for a fairer global vaccine distribution.
"Surely, we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril," said Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, speaking during a televised address from Geneva.
"Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn't been detected yet," he added.
Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/omicron-potential-scenario-that-our-vaccines-may-become-ineffective-says-covid-panel-chief-1639533686683" target="_blank">Omicron: Potential scenario that our vaccines may become ineffective, says Covid panel chief</a>
Tedros said that even if the variant did cause less severe disease, a large number of cases could overwhelm unprepared health systems.
The chief of the UN agency also called into question booster programmes which are being rolled out to entire adult populations in some countries.
"WHO is concerned that such programmes will repeat the vaccine hoarding we saw this year and exacerbate inequity," he said.
He suggested that giving boosters to groups at low risk of severe disease or death was endangering the lives of those at high risk who were waiting for their first or second doses.

omicron cases

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