Omicron cases reported in several countries. Countries impose travel restrictions.
Where: World
The Facts
Several countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, and the UK, have reported COVID-19 cases due to the new Omicron variant.
On November 27th, the US imposed a travel ban on eight African countries – Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
International travel restrictions have also been announced by countries including Australia, Canada, Israel, Morocco, Oman, Russia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.
On November 28th, the WHO stated that it is currently unclear if the Omicron variant is more transmissible or results in more severe illness than previous variants.
Britain’s Health Secretary Sajid Javid stated, “There is reason to think that maybe, and I stress the word may, that this variant may turn out to make our vaccines less effective, it may not.”
Moderna’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Burton said if the COVID-19 vaccine is found ineffective against the new variant, a reformulated vaccine could be available by early 2022.
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