What we know today, December 22 – virus latest at a glance
EUROPE
Oxford University and AstraZeneca Plc have begun work to produce an Omicron-targeted version of their coronavirus vaccine, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.
The World Health Organisation’s European head warned countries to brace for a “significant surge” in COVID-19 cases as Omicron spreads, and advised the widespread use of boosters for protection.
The European Commission adopted rules that will make the EU COVID-19 certificate valid for travel nine months after the completion of the primary vaccination schedule.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would not be introducing new restrictions in England before Christmas.
Sweden will urge all employees to work from home if possible and impose tighter rules for social distancing.
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Portugal ordered nightclubs and bars to close and told people to work from home for at least two weeks starting on Saturday.
Germany will in the coming week impose caps on private gatherings, shutter clubs and close large public events to spectators to slow the spread of Omicron, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.
AMERICAS
US President Joe Biden announced the opening of more federal vaccination and testing sites to tackle a surge in cases, and said some 500 million at-home rapid tests will be available to Americans for free starting in January.
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The US population grew at a slower rate in 2021 than in any other year on record, in part due to the pandemic.
Panama has detected its first Omicron case, while Costa Rica and Colombia confirmed three more infections.
ASIA-PACIFIC
India told state governments to be proactive and on the lookout for surges of the Omicron variant after cases nearly doubled within a week across a dozen states.
Thailand will reinstate its mandatory quarantine for foreign visitors and scrap a quarantine waiver.
The Philippines’ health ministry halved the wait time for a vaccine booster to three months.
Global deaths: 5,383,262
