While the first South Africa alerted global health authorities to the omicron . variant Last week, Dutch health officials said on Tuesday that they had found two omicron cases from before the alarm was raised, suggesting the new variant has spread in parts of Europe.
The country’s health officials said samples taken between November 19 and November 23 in the Netherlands were omicron variants. South Africa reported this variant to the World Health Organization on 24 November.
France and Japan also reported their first cases of the variant on Tuesday. The US has yet to report a single case, but presidential adviser Dr Anthony Fauci has said, ”it will definitely be here. ”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday recommended that all adults receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine following the appearance of the omicron variant.
Previously, the CDC recommended that people Over age 50 or living in a long-term care facility “should” get a booster, while all other adults “can” get a booster at least six months after their previous shot. The CDC says all adults should now get a booster shot.
President Joe Biden said he will release a plan on Thursday about how his administration plans to fight COVID-19 this winter with vaccines, boosters, masks and testing instead of lockdowns.
It It is not yet clear exactly how contagious or severe the omicron infection is but the WHO says preliminary evidence raises the possibility that the variant has mutations that could help it evade an immune system response and make it more contagious. However, many of the reported infections are in college-aged people, who tend to have milder cases, Who said.
Also in the news:
► The Food and Drug Administration will meet on Tuesday to discuss whether they recommend use Merck . antiviral COVID-19 oral tablet. An FDA analysis published last week found that the pill effective against viruses but identifies some potential dangers, including possible toxicity and birth defects.
► Chinese President Xi Jinping said China plans to donate 600 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to Africa. Another 400 million doses will also be provided through other means, including from Chinese companies operating in Africa.
► The omicron variant will “bring some challenges in terms of prevention and control” for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday. But he said he was confident the matches would be held.
► Greece announced on Tuesday that it will make vaccinations mandatory for all people 60 years of age and older. Those who are not vaccinated will face a monthly fine of 100 euros.
► A judge blocked by the federal government on Monday since the authorization of COVID-19 vaccinations for some healthcare workers in ten states.
► Pfizer and BioNTech are expected to ask the Food and Drug Administration to authorize a booster shot for 16- and 17-year-olds over the next few days, Washington Post reported.
📈Today’s Number: The United States has recorded more than 48.4 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 778,000 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Global total: Over 262.4 million cases and 5.2 million deaths. Nearly 196 million Americans – about 59.3% of the population – are fully immunized, According to CDC.
📘What we are reading: How serious is Omicron? Is it more transmittable than delta? It will take weeks to understand the COVID-19 variant.
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Survey: Most employers will require workers to inject COVID-19
NS Most U.S. employers have or will require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, a national survey conducted in mid-November shows.
The survey from Willis Towers Watson, a global consulting, brokerage and solutions firm, also found that just 3% of employers said their immunization duties led to a spike in resignations. Nearly half of the employers surveyed believe tasks can help recruit and retain employees.
President Joe Biden in November issue vaccination or inspection requirements for companies with at least 100 employees, but businesses and several Republican governors and attorneys general have sued the administration over the regulations.
– Craig Harris, USA TODAY
Unvaccinated federal worker won’t be fired during holiday despite missed deadline
Most federal workers fail to meet November 22 deadline to get vaccinated against coronavirus there will be no risk of suspension or loss of employment until next year, the Biden administration said in its enforcement guidance Monday.
Instead, regulators will continue “with strong counseling and education efforts through this holiday season as the first step in enforcement,” according to the guidance.
Ninety-two percent of federal workers received at least one dose of the vaccine ahead of time, the administration announced last week. Those who remained either failed to comply with the president’s duties or requested exemptions for religious or medical reasons.
While some agencies may need to expedite enforcement if there are workplace safety or performance issues, agencies are encouraged not to take actions that go beyond education. , advice or at most a letter of reprimand until January.
The next step after a letter is suspended for a period of 14 days or less. Workers who remain unvaccinated and have not been exempted may eventually be fired.
– Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY
Defense Secretary Says Oklahoma National Guard Must Vaccinate
Members of the Oklahoma National Guard must be vaccinated against COVID-19 Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Governor Kevin Stitt on Monday.
The Governor of Oklahoma sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense earlier this month requesting that members of the Oklahoma National Guard be excused from the Department of Defense’s immunization duty, including active-duty personnel, ” Guards, Reserves and civilian personnel.
Austin declined the governor’s offer and told him in a letter that unvaccinated members of the guard could be barred from participating in drills and training, and that their status on the Guard could be restricted. may be threatened.
“To maintain a ready and healthy military capable of protecting the American people, immediate vaccination against COVID-19 is an essential military readiness requirement for all members of the public. and units of the military, including the Oklahoma National Guard,” Austin said in a letter to Stitt on Monday.
– Chris Casteel, Oklahomans
Contribution: Associated Press
