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Omicron wave to hit unvaccinated in Europe: WHO Regional Director
World Health Organisation (WHO) European Regional Director, Hans Kluge has warned that the Omicron variant could become more prevalent in Europe as the "tidal wave" of infections spreads eastward. "I am also deeply concerned that as the variant moves east, we have yet to see its full impact in countries where levels of vaccination uptake are lower. We will see more severe disease in the unvaccinated," said Kluge on Tuesday.
N. Korea says it has succeeded in final test-firing of hypersonic missile
"The superior maneuverability of the hypersonic glide vehicle was more strikingly verified through the final test-fire," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. "The test-fire was aimed at the final verification of overall technical specifications of the developed hypersonic weapon system," reported Yonhap News Agency.
Vaccines effective against severe disease, hospitalisation caused by Omicron: EMA
"Although Omicron appears to be more infectious than other variants, studies conducted in South Africa, the UK and some European Union (EU) member states show a lower risk of being hospitalised after infection with Omicron. Based on these studies, the risk is currently estimated to be between a third and half of the risk with the Delta variant," the EMA said on Tuesday in a release.
Booster doses of current vaccines may not be enough: WHO
WHO's Technical Advisory Group on Covid-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC), a group of 18 experts, on Tuesday said that although current vaccines provide a high level of protection against severe disease and death caused by Variants Of Concern (VOC), future vaccines that can prevent infection and transmission need to be developed.
World Bank downgrades 2022 global growth forecast to 4.1%
"The global recovery is set to decelerate markedly amid continued Covid-19 flare-ups, diminished policy support, and lingering supply bottlenecks," the semiannual report added on Tuesday.
No Covid testing for fully-vaccinated at Heathrow Airport
The UK's largest airport said that "swiftly imposed" action during the month of December to tackle the Omicron variant in the run-up to the festive season prompted uncertainty among the travellers who faced additional bills for costly PCR tests. It added that there was now significant doubt on when demand would return despite the subsequent lifting of UK rules last week governing pre-departure Coronavirus testing for people arriving in the country, the report said.
7 mn Omicron cases detected in Europe last week: WHO
According to Hans Kluge, WHO Europe Director, 26 countries in the region reported that more than 1 per cent of their populations are being infected with Covid each week, The Telegraph reported. Kluge warned that there is now a "closing window of opportunity" for countries to prevent their health systems from being overwhelmed. He cited estimates from the Institute of Health Metrics at the University of Washington which projected that half of the population in Western Europe will be infected with Covid in the next six to eight weeks.
Bushfire rages in Western Australia
The blaze is tearing through the Margaret River Region, a popular tourist destination renowned for its scenic beauty and wineries, reports Xinhua news agency. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advised people to ensure their windows and doors were closed and to protect themselves by wearing long sleeves and trousers made from cotton or wool, as well as strong leather boots.
Afghanistan's future hinges on its relation with Pakistan: USIP
The USIP report stated that Pakistan's relationship with the Taliban regime will pave the way towards shaping the future of Afghanistan. The report's assessment banks on various studies it conducted during 2021 on Afghanistan. The report's assessment banks on various studies it conducted during 2021 on Afghanistan. "Humanitarian aid alone cannot prevent an economic collapse in Afghanistan. Positive relationship with Islamabad could help foster stability, development," the report read.
79% Afghan journalists gave up profession to survive
The Foundation has assessed the lives of Afghan journalists in the past one and a half months and found that they are living the worst life due to the fragile economic situation. Prior to that, statistics have shown that up to 75 per cent of media in Afghanistan have been shut due to financial woes, the report said. Findings of the Foundation indicate that 91 per cent of Afghan journalists are satisfied from having chosen the profession while only 8 percent are not happy.
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