The new Omicron variant has started to disrupt Christmas and New Year’s celebrations across the world. The variant is growing quickly in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Japan reported 180 cases, identified at a military base. India has also observed around 200 positive cases. New Zealand has decided to suspend the entrance to the country till February. In Singapore, suspected cases were reported from a gym, after which extensive testing was initiated. Kuwait has announced that people who had received the second dose nine months ago must have a booster shot to enter the state.
The United States reported a death from the new variant. The deceased was an unvaccinated citizen of Texas. People have flocked in great numbers to get themselves tested in Washington and New York before the holidays’ celebrations commence. Israel has imposed a ban on flights from the US due to a surge in Omicron cases.
Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, and South Korea have also tightened the travelling restrictions due to the rapid growth of Omicron.
Meanwhile, the Covid-19 positivity ratio in Pakistan was recorded at 0.63 per cent. In the last 24 hours, 42,506 tests were carried out, resulting in 270 positive cases. Currently, 643 cases are in critical care while four people died in the last 24 hours.