Omicron variant Updates: It may be less severe, but not ‘mild’, says WHO

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 appears to be a less severe disease than the Delta strain, but it does not mean it should be categorized as “mild”, World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. During a press briefing, the head of global health body said that at present, 109 countries would miss out on fully vaccinating 70 per cent of their populations by the start of July 2022. “Last week, the highest number of COVID-19 cases were reported so far in the pandemic, while Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorized as “mild”, Tedros Adhanom said. He added that the Omicron variant is hospitalizing people and it is killing people, just like previous ones. Meanwhile, Maharashtra continues to record the maximum Omicron cases followed by Delhi, Rajasthan, Kerala and Karnataka. Also, several states have imposed restrictions and night curfew, to curb the spread of the infection.

Global COVID caseload tops 299.9 million

Amid an ongoing resurgence across the world, the global coronavirus caseload has topped 299.9 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.47 million and vaccinations to over 9.33 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Friday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 299,981,503 and 5,471,816, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 9,336,594,753. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 58,446,019 and 833,952, according to the CSSE. The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India (35,109,286 infections and 482,876 deaths), followed by Brazil (22,328,252 infections and 619,654 deaths).

Karnataka: Offices of advocates/lawyers/law firms permitted to function with 50% of their strength during weekends

“Offices of advocates/lawyers/law firms are permitted to function with 50% of their strength during weekends, strictly adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour. Movement of advocates, lawyers & staff permitted on producing valid ID cards,” says Karnataka Government in an official letter.

“Offices of advocates/lawyers/law firms are permitted to function with 50% of their strength during weekends, strictly adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour. Movement of advocates, lawyers & staff permitted on producing valid ID cards,” says Karnataka Govt in an official letter pic.twitter.com/8wbDiOk8do

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2022

News Credit: India TV News