The new potentially more contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus popped up in more European countries on Saturday, just days after being identified in South Africa, leaving governments around the world scrambling to stop the spread.
Following the discovery of two instances, the UK strengthened its requirements on wearing masks and testing overseas visitors on Saturday. New instances were reported on Saturday in Germany and Italy, with the variation also being detected in travelers in Belgium, Israel, and Hong Kong.
In addition to the UK, the US, the EU, Canada, Israel, Australia, and other countries have imposed travel restrictions on many southern African countries due to health concerns.
The Omicron, also known as B.1.1.529 variant, was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021.
The discovery of Omicron, dubbed a "variant of concern" last week by the World Health Organization, has sparked worries around the world that it could resist vaccinations and prolong the nearly two-year Covid-19 pandemic. Omicron is potentially more contagious than previous variants, although experts do not know yet if it will cause more or less severe Covid-19 compared to other strains.
Following the discovery of two instances, the UK strengthened its requirements on wearing masks and testing overseas visitors on Saturday. New instances were reported on Saturday in Germany and Italy, with the variation also being detected in travelers in Belgium, Israel, and Hong Kong.
In addition to the UK, the US, the EU, Canada, Israel, Australia, and other countries have imposed travel restrictions on many southern African countries due to health concerns.
The Omicron, also known as B.1.1.529 variant, was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021.
The discovery of Omicron, dubbed a "variant of concern" last week by the World Health Organization, has sparked worries around the world that it could resist vaccinations and prolong the nearly two-year Covid-19 pandemic. Omicron is potentially more contagious than previous variants, although experts do not know yet if it will cause more or less severe Covid-19 compared to other strains.
