Fears over the impact of the Omicron coronavirus variant have risen after the first case was reported in the United States and the Japanese central bank is warning of economic pain as countries tighten containment measures.
The case was a fully vaccinated person in California who returned from South Africa on November 22 and tested positive seven days later.
President Joe Biden is working on the US strategy for fighting COVID-19 this winter and sources briefed on the matter said one step will be extending requirements for travellers to wear masks until the middle of March.
The White House also plans to announce stricter testing rules for international visitors.
World Health Organization (WHO) epidemiologist Maria van Kerkhove said on Wednesday that data should be available “within days” that will give an indication of how contagious Omicron is.
BioNTech’s CEO earlier said the vaccine it makes in partnership with Pfizer should offer strong protection against severe disease from Omicron.
Source: Al Jazeera
