Covid News Live: Research shows that Omicron has a lower risk of hospitalization; China locks 13 million cities | World News

If you missed our previous detailed report on the results of the two recent studies in the UK and South Africa, here is a brief introduction to what all this means.

One Imperial College Study The hospitalization and vaccine records of Omicron and Delta Covid cases in England from December 1 to 14 were analyzed.

Researchers have found that the Omicron variant seems to be milder, with 20%-25% reduction in chances of seeing a doctor And the risk of overnight admission is reduced by at least 40%.

A separate preliminary analysis of the case of Omicron in Scotland showed that the risk of hospitalization was even greater compared to Delta.Scientist at Eaves II StudyUsing hospital data from November 23 to December 19, it is concluded that Omicron’s hospitalization risk may be 70% lower than Delta.

South Africa has also reported data on Covid cases driven by Omicron variants, which seems to provide more impetus to the claim that Omicron’s disease is less severe.

“In the south AfricaOne of the authors of the study, Professor Cheryl Cohen of the country’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NICD), said this is epidemiology: Omicron’s behavior is not that serious.

“Convincingly, our data does show a positive story of Omicron’s reduced severity compared to other variants,” she said at a press conference of a group of NICD scientists on Wednesday.

Hi everyone, my name is Samantha Lock. This week is about to end, and the countdown to the holidays has really begun.

I will bring you all the latest Covid developments from all over the world.

Let’s start with some promising news Omi Kron The variants that have been detected in 106 countries so far may not be as severe as other coronavirus strains such as Delta.

The latest data shows that Omicron will not cause more serious diseases than the previous variants, but the soaring number of infections may still cause more deaths.

“We do have some data showing that the hospitalization rate is low,” said Who is Maria van Kerkhove, the head of technology for Covid-19, also warned against drawing conclusions from early data.

Kerkhove’s statement appears to be supported by two studies South Africa and UK. Researchers at Imperial College London Found that the Omicron variant seems to be more gentle, The chance of seeing a doctor is reduced by 20%-25%, and the risk of overnight admission is reduced by at least 40%.

This finding follows a study by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NICD) in South Africa, which found Omicron’s “Severity Reduction” Compared with other variants.

“In the south Africa, This is epidemiology: Omicron’s behavior is not so serious,” NICD professor Cheryl Cohen said.

As the number of Covid people continues to increase in almost all regions of the world, China Continue to pursue a strict Covid-zero policy.

Northern City Authority Xi’an After recording 52 newly reported infections, strict lockdowns have been implemented.

Except for the purchase of necessities every two days or an emergency starting at midnight on Thursday, more than 13 million people will be ordered to stay at home.

Here is a summary of all the Covid news you might have missed:

Europe

• Covid booster drive is May prolong the epidemic, Head World Health Organization Say.
• This Who is European leaders warn nations Prepare for the “substantial surge” of cases With Omicron all over the continent.
• The WHO also warned that there is not enough data on the severity of Omicron.
• European countries include Germany, Sweden, Finland and Portugal Announced that they will re-implement Covid restrictions around Christmas.
• ItalyPrime Minister Mario Draghi said that the government is preparing new Covid restrictions, including resuming mandatory outdoor use of masks and the use of more protective FFP2 masks indoors.
• Wales will Implement six-a-side rules in bars, cinemas and restaurants From December 26.
• France The Minister of Health may soon have about 100,000 new Covid cases every day Olivier Vilan It was stated on Wednesday that as the country fights the fifth wave of epidemics, there are currently approximately 70,000 people.
• France On Wednesday, vaccinations were also opened to children between 5 and 11 years of age.
• This UK 106,122 new Covid cases were recorded on Wednesday, the highest single-day number since the pandemic began and the number of cases exceeded 100,000 for the first time.
• UK A contract has been signed to purchase another 4.25 million antiviral drugs for its health services to help fight the Omicron variant.
• UK Shorten Covid self-quarantine to 7 days With negative test.
• Denmark Starting from January 5th, the school will tighten restrictions, students and staff will be tested twice a week, and staff and parents will be urged to wear masks.
• Belgium In order to tighten Covid measures, cinemas and theaters will be closed starting this weekend.
• Will again be mandatory to be outdoors at all times Spain.
• GermanyThe new Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach recommends a fourth dose of Covid-19 vaccine to prevent infection Omicron variants.

America

• we Regulators approved the first Covid antiviral pill.
• This we In the first year of the new coronavirus pandemic, the population growth rate hit a record low. U.S. Census Bureau.

Asia

• Japan Has confirmed its first known new local transmission Omi Kron Variations of Coronavirus Osaka.
• in the north China, city of Xi’an Has entered a state of lockdown and ordered all 13 million residents to stay at home from midnight on Thursday. Families can only “send one family member outside to buy necessities every two days,” while others must stay indoors unless it is an emergency.
• Singapore Starting from Thursday, the sale of tickets for arriving flights and buses will be frozen for four weeks in accordance with the quarantine-free travel plan.

Africa

• A study from South Africa Shows that Omicron has a lower risk of hospitalization and serious illness. Scientists at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NICD) found that compared with Delta, people infected with Omicron have an approximately 80% lower risk of hospitalization, although high population immunity may also be a factor.
• People who have not been vaccinated Kenya The Ministry of Health said it would be prohibited from entering public places.

middle East

• Israel A fourth dose of Covid vaccine will be provided to people over 60 years of age or with compromised immune systems and health workers.
• exist Nigeria, Approximately 1 million doses of AstraZeneca’s Covid drugs donated by developed countries were destroyed on Wednesday after expiration.

• AstraZeneca Say it is working with Oxford university For vaccine production Omicron variants.