Israel's health ministry recommends some wear masks indoors amid rise in Covid cases
Covid infections and hospitalisations have been on the rise in the US, Europe and Asia but are well below previous peaks.
NZ prime minister says early signs that Covid-19 cases falling
New Zealand recorded 6,910 new Covid cases, well below average levels over the past week, according to data from the health ministry.
Omicron as severe as other Covid variants, large US study shows
The findings, which estimated Omicron’s severity after accounting for the impact of vaccines, should reinforce the importance of inoculations and booster shots, experts say.
Hong Kong leader says fifth Covid wave has ‘overwhelmed’ city’s capacity
Daily infections have multiplied 13 times over the past two weeks, from about 100 cases at the start of February to over 1,300 on Feb 13, with authorities scrambling to control the deepening outbreak.
Australia’s Covid hospital admissions fall after Omicron peaks
Fuelled by the Omicron strain, Australia's total infections have now touched nearly 2.4 million, almost 10% of the country's population, with about 2.2 million in the last two months alone.
Britain reports 438 new Covid-19 deaths, highest since February
The government is considering phasing out England’s remaining pandemic restrictions, including working from home guidance and the use of vaccine passports, according to local media.
Australia’s worst-hit state says Covid-19 hospitalisations may plateau next week
The surge in cases fuelled by the Omicron variant has piled pressure on hospitals, which are grappling with record admissions, and on other sectors of the economy.
Omicron spreads in India’s big cities but hospitalisations still low
Federal health officials have warned even a large number of mild cases could put pressure on the health system.
Fauci warns against complacency as Omicron strains US hospitals
The rolling seven-day average number of new Covid-19 cases in the US hit 540,000, a new high for an eighth consecutive day.
British data indicates lower hospitalisation rate for Omicron
The preliminary studies were cautiously welcomed by experts, who nonetheless stressed that any advantage in milder outcomes could still be negated by the new strain's heightened infectiousness.
Australian PM says no Xmas lockdown as hospitals coping with rising Omicron
Australia is grappling with the more transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus as restrictions ease ahead of the Christmas holidays after higher vaccination levels were reached.
