The World Health Organization (WHO) released a weekly epidemiological report on December 21, which mentioned that there have been confirmed cases of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) variant strain Omicron (Omicron) in 106 countries around the world.
The Governor of Osaka Prefecture, Japan, said on the 22nd that a case of community transmission of Omicron was discovered locally.
According to the WHO report, 96% of the confirmed cases worldwide that have accepted genetic sequencing are cases of variant virus strain Delta (B.1.617.2), and 1.6% are cases of Omicron.
This shows that Delta is still the mainstream virus strain in the world, but Omicron cases are increasing, posing a threat to the public.
The WHO said that the latest evidence shows that Omicron has a spread advantage over Delta and is spreading rapidly.
This happens even in countries with a high level of population immunity and a record of community transmission.
New crown pneumonia epidemic in Japan: The picture shows the pedestrians in the Nakamise shopping street in Tokyo, Japan on December 21.
(AP)
Current local Omicron cases in Japan
Osaka Prefecture, Japan, said on the 22nd that a family of three people in the local area was infected with Omicron. They have no travel history and the route of infection is unknown.
The Governor of Osaka Prefecture Yoshinori Yoshimura stated on the 22nd that this is a case of community transmission, and he believes that this may also be the first case of Omicron community transmission in Japan.
In order to prevent the spread of Omicron, Japan has banned the entry of foreigners from November 30. This measure was originally scheduled to be maintained for one month.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at a press conference on December 21 that the entry restriction measures will be implemented for a period of time because the scientific assessment of the infectious power of Omicron and the risk of severe illness has not been confirmed.
He said that close contacts of the Omicron case cannot be quarantined at home, but must be quarantined at an epidemic prevention hotel for 14 days.
The WHO said that the Omicron storm approached several European countries and strengthened epidemic prevention only after Christmas. Omicron became a new mainstream virus strain in the United States. 90% of cases in some regions completely replaced DeltaOmicron | Modena booster can effectively cope with new variants and a 37-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies. WHO : Omicron spreads faster than Delta
