The “Micron” mutation is spreading rapidly in Europe, with Spain and Sweden reaching the 11 countries that confirm cases of the new variant. The World Health Organization describes the global risk from the new executive as very high, with many countries being led to take new measures and close their borders. Experts stress that if poor countries, such as Africa, where the vaccination rate is only 6%, are not vaccinated, the risk of mutations will remain.
The possibility of a teleconference to coordinate measures to address the Omicron variant is being debated by member states, and according to a top European source, this could take place on Friday or early next week, and the key issues to be discussed are speeding up aid. avoid unilateral action on travel within the EU and increase free vaccines to the developing world.
The Omicron variant isolates South Africa and causes chaos at airports. Dozens of flights are postponed, with thousands of foreigners desperately looking for a way to escape …
In the Netherlands, a couple staying in a quarantine hotel after traveling from South Africa were arrested after escaping and attempting to fly to Spain. The Dutch authorities located them inside a plane and now they are facing persecution for hitting “public safety”.
In Europe, cases with the Omicron strain are found in more and more countries. 13 in Portugal all within a football team, 13 in the Netherlands, 9 in the United Kingdom, six of them in Scotland, two in Denmark, three in Germany and one each in Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic and Belgium. At the same time, France and Switzerland are investigating suspicious incidents.
Israel, Japan and Morocco are banning all foreigners from entering the country at a time when the WHO estimates the new variant is likely to spread around the world with a very high global risk.
“The appearance of Omicron itself is another reminder that while many of us may think we are done with COVID-19, it is not done with us,” said WHO Director-General Tentros Antanos Gebregesous.
“These are the spike proteins that sit outside the coronavirus and allow it to enter your cells, and the Omicron variant, because of these mutations will have a different shape and of course the antibodies are directed against them (the spikes),” he said. Francis Collins, Director of the US National Institutes of Health
The United States is closing its borders with seven African countries, with some lucky and catching the last flights …
European officials are again calling for vaccinations
“The first and highest priority is: Get vaccinated, get vaccinated, get vaccinated! “Give the boost as much as possible,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
However, no Omicron-related deaths have been reported so far, with the scientific community needing at least two weeks to assess the risk of variation.
In Britain, two more cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected in positive carrier samples in London, the UK Health and Safety Administration has announced.
A total of 11 cases have been reported in the country, five in England and six in Scotland.
The two newest cases were found in Camden and Wadsworth, in north and south-west London respectively.
Meanwhile, in an emergency statement to the House of Commons, Health Minister Sajid Javid said that during an earlier meeting with his G7 counterparts, a joint determination was expressed for close co-operation “in tackling the common threat” posed by the Omicron variant.
As Javid added, his counterparts praised the quick reaction and information about the new variant from South Africa.
The British minister also confirmed that the recommendations of the vaccination committee to extend the booster dose to all adults and within three months after the second dose are accepted by the government. The recommendation for the second dose and for minors from 12 to 15 years of age is also accepted.
“If it turns out that the Omicron variant is no more dangerous than the Delta variant, we will not maintain the measures we have ever taken for a day longer than necessary,” the Minister of Health added.
At the same time, the CEO of ‘Albert Burla in an interview stated that the Pfizer pill is also effective for the “Omicron” variant.
The Omicron mutation is a cause for concern, not panic, US President Joe Biden said in a message. “Do not wait, get vaccinated,” Biden urged Americans, stressing that the new coronavirus strain will inevitably hit the United States.
“We have the best vaccine in the world, the best medicine, the best scientists and we are learning more every day,” he said on Monday. “We will fight this variation with scientific and up-to-date action and speed, not with chaos and confusion.”
“The best protection against Omicron is the vaccine. “I know you’re tired of hearing me say this, but the best protection against this new variant or any of the variants out there that we’ve already dealt with is to get fully vaccinated and take a booster dose.” american president.
As he pointed out to the Americans, “if you are 18 years old and over and have been fully vaccinated before June 1, go get the booster vaccine today.” He also said that children aged 5 and over should be vaccinated. If the vaccines need to be modified to fight Omicron, the US will act quickly.
Joe Biden was asked if lockdowns are out of the question as a strategy to slow the possible spread of the Omicron variant. Biden said lockdowns are out of the question “for now.”
“We do not yet believe that additional measures will be needed,” he added. “But to be prepared, if needed, my team is already working with Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson executives to develop emergency plans for vaccines or boosters, if needed.”
“I will also direct the FDA and the CDC to use the fastest available procedure, without neglecting safety, to approve such vaccines and to market them if necessary,” he said.
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