The rapid increase in the number of cases of the new "Omicron" variant worldwide has led to precautionary measures and heightened alertness, especially just days before Christmas and New Year's celebrations. New Zealand announced today that it would delay the planned reopening of its international borders due to the swift spread of the "Omicron" variant around the globe, while several other countries have reinstated lockdown measures and social distancing protocols.
Chris Hipkins, the minister responsible for addressing COVID-19 in New Zealand, which has implemented some of the strictest anti-COVID measures in the world, stated that the country has postponed the scheduled start of its border reopening process until the end of February.
In India, Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged citizens to wear masks and called on the federal government to permit booster vaccine doses, as the country has recorded 200 cases of the Omicron variant across 12 states.
In Singapore, the Ministry of Health is conducting tests to determine whether Omicron is the cause of suspected infections among individuals at a gym, warning that many people could potentially be infected.
In the United States, officials reported that the variant was responsible for the death of an unvaccinated man in Texas on Monday, after Omicron became the dominant strain in the country. Citizens in New York, Washington, and other American cities have lined up for COVID-19 tests in an effort to find out if they are infected before celebrating the holiday with their families.
South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, and Ireland are among the countries that have reinstated partial or total lockdowns or social distancing measures in recent days. Israel has added the United States to its list of countries to which travel is banned due to concerns about the "Omicron" variant, while Kuwait announced that it would require incoming travelers to receive a booster dose if more than nine months have passed since their second dose.
Thailand has also announced that it will reimpose mandatory quarantine for foreign visitors due to fears of the spread of the "Omicron" variant.
