Page 3 - Latest Updates on Omicron
China seeks to minimise coronavirus risk during Lunar New Year travel rush
On Sunday, China is also ending mandatory quarantines for people arriving from abroad
 "China seeks to minimise coronavirus risk during Lunar New Year travel rush")
Covid-19 pandemic reduces Australian life expectancy, says report
In the first week of August alone there were 4,200 deaths -- 20 per cent higher than the historical weekly average
 "Covid-19 pandemic reduces Australian life expectancy, says report")
Japan reports all-time high 456 coronavirus deaths in a single day
There were concerns that the Covid infection and death numbers would only go up with the New Year festivities
 "Japan reports all-time high 456 coronavirus deaths in a single day")
Covid's XBB.1.5 variant cases rise to seven in India: INSACOG figures
The INSACOG data also showed that seven cases of BF.7 strain which is apparently driving China's COVID-19 wave have been found
 "Covid's XBB.1.5 variant cases rise to seven in India: INSACOG figures")
XBB prevalent Covid variant in international travellers, show India's tests
Omicron variant blamed for 40% of all cases being reported in the US
 "XBB prevalent Covid variant in international travellers, show India's tests")
11 Omicron sub-variants found during tests of int'l travellers: Report
Of the 19,227 international travelers tested during the period, 124 were found Covid positive, they said, adding that all of them were put in isolation
 "11 Omicron sub-variants found during tests of int'l travellers: Report")
India records 188 new Covid-19 cases, 3 deaths; active tally drops to 2,554
The daily positivity has been recorded at 0.10 per cent while the weekly positivity has been pegged at 0.12 per cent, the ministry said
 "India records 188 new Covid-19 cases, 3 deaths; active tally drops to 2,554")
Omicron subvariants BA.5.2, BF.7 responsible for China Covid outbreak: WHO
The organization further said that a few other Omicron sublineages were also detected, albeit in low percentages in China; presently, no new variants of the coronavirus have been found
 "Omicron subvariants BA.5.2, BF.7 responsible for China Covid outbreak: WHO")
Maharashtra reports 16 new Covid cases, zero death; active tally at 140
The coronavirus death toll remained unchanged at 1,48,417. On Tuesday, Maharashtra had reported 22 COVID-19 cases and zero fatality
WHO worried about surge of Covid cases in China amid lack of information
WHO emergencies chief Dr. Michael Ryan said the testing protocols implemented by some countries were not a restriction against travel
 "WHO worried about surge of Covid cases in China amid lack of information")
Genome sequencing detects four cases of Omicron sub-variant BF.7 in Bengal
The condition of the four patients is stable
Boosters limit Omicron transmission in Californian prisons, finds study
The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, demonstrated the benefits of vaccination and boosting, even in settings where many people are still getting infected, in reducing transmission
 "Boosters limit Omicron transmission in Californian prisons, finds study")
Hong Kong's actual Covid count could be up to 200,000 daily: Researchers
Airfinity predicts cases in Beijing are likely to have peaked by now, with hospitalisations and deaths likely to peak in the next 1-2 weeks
Health Minister reviews screening, Covid testing facility at Delhi airport
"This arrangement is in practice with effect from 10 am on Sunday, January 1, 2023," the letter said
 "Health Minister reviews screening, Covid testing facility at Delhi airport")
No BF.7 Omicron variant in Tamil Nadu, shows genome sequencing report
The Health Minister also said that all the patients are recovering well after being in home isolation
China to confront multiple Covid infections with new Omicron strains
According to the South China Morning Post, the dominant strains in China so far are the Omicron subvariants, BA.5.2 and BF.7
 "China to confront multiple Covid infections with new Omicron strains")
India sees 265 new Covid-19 cases, 3 deaths; active tally at 2,706
The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.17 per cent, while the weekly positivity was at 0.15 per cent, the health ministry said
2022: When India learnt to live with Covid as the virus eased its grip
The health sector returned to the old normal; the advice for 2023 is 'watchfulness and appropriate response'
India reports 243 new Covid-19 cases, active infections rise to 3,609
The total tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4,46,78, 158 and the death toll stands at 5,30,699 with one fatality reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am stated
China could face deluge of Covid deaths in new year without pandemic curbs
By the end of April 2023, China may see 1.7 million deaths from this wave of infections, Airfinity said
 "China could face deluge of Covid deaths in new year without pandemic curbs")
