LIVE coronavirus Omicron variant updates: Won't support mandatory vaccines, says UK health secy
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Coronavirus Omicron variant LIVE updates: Countries around the world are still looking cautiously as Omicron variant spreads. Though initial observations have said that Omicron did not appear to be more dangerous than Delta variant, uncertainty still surrounds Omicron. We bring you LIVE updates on Omicron variant
Restrictions imposed in New Delhi
Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the Indian capital New Delhi, the government has imposed restrictions on certain things as a precautionary step.
On Tuesday (December 28), New Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the decision to implement level one of the Graded Action Plan.
In a new development forcing Indonesian government to step up vigilance in checking the spread of new variant of coronavirus, first case of local transmission of Omicron has come up in capital Jakarta on Tuesday.
UK to lift travel ban on 11 African countries
UK's health secretary Sajid Javid informed parliament that the government will be lifting its "red list" imposed on 11 African countries amid community transmission of Omicron in the UK.
"We’re concerned that people are dismissing Omicron as mild. Surely, we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril. Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems"-@DrTedros
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 14, 2021
Will 'never' support mandatory vaccines, says Sajid Javid
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on Tuesday that he will 'never' support mandatory vaccines. He was speaking in parliament.
"I would like to say very clearly to the House (of Commons) today, and say this once and for all, that although we've seen plans for universal mandatory vaccination in some countries in Europe, I will never support them in this country. I firmly believe that getting vaccinated is something that should be a positive decision and I can assure the house that the government, the government has no intention of extending the condition of deployment to any other workforces or introducing mandatory vaccination more widely," he said
Africa 83 per cent surge in Covid cases in one week
Africa has witnessed 83 per cent surge in Covid cases in just a week, WHO said on Tuesday.
The spike has been driven by Omicron and Delta variants
UK Health Security Agency's Chief Medical Adviser Susan Hopkins has said that infection from one Covid variant should prevent serious infection from another. She was speaking to parliamentary committee
Pfizer: Study has confirmed positive results for anti-Covid pill
Pfizer on Thursday said that clinical trial confirmed that its anti-Covid pill reduced hospitalisations and death among at risk people by almost 90 per cent
Pfizer vaccine less effective against Omicron variant, claims study
A major real-world study has suggested that Pfizer Covid vaccine may have reduced efficacy against the Omicron variant...Read More
Indonesia has started vaccinating children between the age of 6 an 11
China records second Omicron case; virus surge in major export hub
China had reported the first case of Omicron on Monday. The country has experienced local flare-ups of COVID-19 in the past few months with several cities put on lockdown...Read More
Not enough data on Omicron severity, says WHO
World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that though Omicron variant poses very high risk, data on its severity is limited.
In a technical brief issued on Sunday, the WHO said that uncertainties still surround Omicron variant.
UK PM Boris Johnson may have to face a rebellion from his own Conservative Party MPs in British Parliament over Omicron variant measures.
The curbs are expected to be approved by parliament. They include ordering people to work from home, to wear masks in public place and use of Covid passes to enter venues.
Johnson is relying on Labour Party's support
Watch this space for LIVE updates on Omicron variant