The most recent:
- Liberals introduce invoice to ban intimidation of sufferers and health-care staff.
Israel on Saturday mentioned it could ban the entry of all foreigners into the nation — making it the primary to close its borders fully in response to the doubtless extra contagious omicron coronavirus variant — and that it could additionally reintroduce counter-terrorism phone-tracking know-how to be able to include the unfold of the variant.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett mentioned in an announcement that the ban, pending authorities approval, would final 14 days.
“Our working hypotheses are that the variant is already in practically each nation,” Inside Minister Ayelet Shaked advised native media, “and that the vaccine is efficient, though we do not but know to what diploma.”
Israelis getting into the nation, together with those that are vaccinated, will likely be required to quarantine, Bennett mentioned. The ban will come into impact at midnight between Sunday and Monday. A journey ban on foreigners coming from most African states was imposed on Friday.
The World Well being Group has declared a brand new variant of concern referred to as omicron, first recognized in South Africa. Scientists say there are numerous mutations within the omicron variant, which suggests it may very well be extra infectious and trigger extra extreme sickness. 3:00
The Shin Guess home safety company’s phone-tracking know-how will likely be used to find carriers of the brand new variant to be able to curb its transmission to others, the assertion mentioned.
Used on and off since March 2020, the surveillance know-how matched virus carriers’ places in opposition to different cellphones close by to find out with whom that they had come into contact. Israel’s Supreme Court docket this 12 months restricted the scope of its use after civil rights teams mounted challenges over privateness issues.
The variant — which since first being detected in South Africa has additionally been detected in Belgium, Botswana, Hong Kong, Italy, Germany and Britain — has sparked world concern and a wave of journey curbs, though epidemiologists say journey curbs could also be too late to cease omicron from circulating globally.
Israel has up to now confirmed one case of omicron, with seven suspected circumstances. The Well being Ministry has not mentioned whether or not the confirmed case was vaccinated. Three of the seven suspected circumstances had been absolutely vaccinated, the ministry mentioned on Saturday, and three had not returned from journey overseas not too long ago.
Additionally on Saturday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson mentioned it was essential to take “focused and precautionary measures” after two individuals within the U.Ok. examined constructive for a not too long ago found coronavirus variant.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson mentioned it was essential to take ‘focused and precautionary measures’ after two individuals within the U.Ok. examined constructive for a not too long ago found coronavirus variant. 3:51
He advised a information convention that the brand new guidelines will likely be reviewed in three weeks when scientists will know extra concerning the variant, named omicron. It was first detected in South Africa this previous week.
Johnson mentioned anybody arriving in England will likely be requested to take a compulsory PCR check for COVID-19 on the second day and should self-isolate till they supply a adverse check. And if somebody assessments constructive for the omicron variant, their shut contacts should self-isolate for 10 days no matter their vaccination standing.
He additionally mentioned mask-wearing in retailers and on public transit will likely be required and that the vaccination program will likely be accelerated, with out offering particular particulars.
What’s occurring throughout Canada
1/2 #COVID19 key issues 🇨🇦: nationally, each day case counts are slowly creeping up so we have to preserve a excessive diploma of warning to keep away from a speedy acceleration. Emergence of #Omicron, a brand new #VariantOfConcern, reinforces the necessity for warning. https://t.co/UQTuNlUW4o
What’s occurring world wide
As of Saturday, greater than 260.9 million circumstances of COVID-19 had been reported worldwide, in response to Johns Hopkins College’s coronavirus database. The reported world dying toll stood at greater than 5.1 million.
Within the Americas, France has postponed implementing a vaccination mandate for well being staff within the Caribbean territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe after the measure spurred widespread protests during which law enforcement officials had been injured and journalists attacked.
In Europe, hospitals in southern and jap areas of Germany have warned they’re operating out of intensive care beds due to the massive numbers of severely sick COVID-19 sufferers.
In Africa, officers in South Africa say pressing preparations are wanted to allow public hospitals to deal with a possible omicron-driven inflow of sufferers needing intensive care.
In Asia, India restarted exports of vaccines to the worldwide vaccine-sharing community COVAX for the primary time since April, and producer Serum Institute of India forecast a considerable improve in provides starting early subsequent 12 months.
