Hong Kong's Omicron crisis: ‘It took just 10 days for everyone to be infected’

 

More than 9,000 people have died of Covid-19 in Hong Kong since the start of the year, giving it one of the highest fatality rates in the world.

Over half of those to die in the latest wave were care home residents.

BBC Chinese was given rare access to one such home.

Omicron wave: Is Europe prepared? Record numbers of COVID-19 cases in Germany

 

The World Health Organization has warned that more than half of Europeans could become infected with the Omicron variant within the next few weeks. That’s as coronavirus infections across Europe are reaching record numbers.

Omicron puts public services around the world to the limit

 

Governments rush to contain the Omicron fallout that pushes crital infrastructure to the brink in countries around the wolrd.

Even more mutations than omicron: Is the new COVID variant a cause for concern?

 

1 million daily cases: Why does the US fail to curb omicron?

 

The United States reported more than 1 million new COVID-19 cases on Monday setting a global record, according to data from John Hopkins University. The country saw a daily rise of 1,080,211 in infections after the long New Year's weekend.

Omicron-Update: Soaring COVID-19 infections around the world

The Omicron variant is causing skyrocketing rates of COVID-19 infections in countries around the world. The Director-General of the World Health Organization says he is extremely worried about the massive spike in cases driven by the simultaneous spread of Delta and Omicron.

Omicron makes the job of healthcare workers even more demanding

Nurses are on the front line in the battle against the pandemic. The new omicron variant is a much more infectious form of coronavirus and it's making the job of health care workers even more demanding. And they are at risk of infection every day.

How can Omicron be stopped from spreading?

 

The new variant of the coronavirus is infecting millions worldwide, prompting a reintroduction of restrictions.

The global surge in new COVID-19 cases linked to the Omicron variant is forcing some nations to reimpose strict lockdown measures just before the holiday season.

The Netherlands was the first European country to impose a nationwide lockdown on Sunday. Others are following suit to try to slow the spread of Omicron.

Omicron Variant LIVE COVERAGE

 

Governments across Europe are struggling to control the huge increase in coronavirus cases due to the new Omicron variant. The Netherlands is the first country in Europe to reinstate a lockdown – which will last until at least mid-January. All non-essential shops, as well as restaurants, bars, cinemas and theatres are closed starting Sunday.

Omicron spreading at unprecedented rate, WHO says - BBC News

 

The new coronavirus variant Omicron is spreading across the globe at an unprecedented rate, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

Do compulsory Covid vaccinations work?

As cases of the Omicron Covid variant rise around the globe, the BBC's Ros Atkins examines arguments surrounding vaccine mandates as the world looks to tackle the latest wave of infections.

Will we have to alter vaccines whenever a COVID-19 variant occurs?

 

Drugmakers BioNTech and Pfizer say a three-shot course of their coronavirus vaccine is effective against the newly discovered Omicron variant. BioNTech has also annouced they could have a new Omicron-specific vaccine by March 2022.

Omicron coverage in overdrive

The new coronavirus variant has driven frenzied coverage – but with little known for sure, how much is accurate? And, we uncover the story behind the rise of K-drama.

A new coronavirus variant has brought uncertainty back into the pandemic story. With scientists and journalists racing to understand Omicron, news audiences have been left with more questions than answers.

UK introduces new travel rules to combat Omicron Covid variant

 

Travellers heading to the UK will now have to take a Covid test before their departure in an effort to limit spread of the virus, the government has said.

Omicron COVID variant spreading twice as fast as Delta | DW News

 

The International Monetary Fund is warning that the new Omicron coronavirus variant is likely to delay the global economic recovery from the pandemic. The fund is expecting to downgrade its forecasts for world growth this year and next.

Is South Africa getting 'punished' for identifying the coronavirus omicron variant?

 

The new COVID-19 variant Omicron was first identified by researchers in South Africa. But they point out that doesn't necessarily mean it originated there. It is more an indication of the country's prowess when it comes to gene sequencing.

Nations step up measures to fight Omicron Covid variant

Countries around the world have been increasing anti-coronavirus measures as they try to assess the new threat. Germany has brought forward the rollout of vaccines for children aged five to 11. Japan and Hong Kong have said they will expand travel curbs. The US is drawing up new travel guidelines that are likely to include a negative Covid test before arrival.

Global markets fall after Moderna Omicron warning

European stock markets have fallen after the boss of Moderna cast doubts on the effectiveness of vaccines against the new Omicron Covid variant.

Two cases of new variant of Covid detected in UK

 

Two people in the UK have been found to be infected with the new Covid variant, Omicron, the health secretary has said.