The world has recorded nearly 271 million cases of COVID-19 and more than 5.32 million deaths as of Tuesday. The US continues to record the highest number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 with nearly 819,000 deaths out of a total of nearly 51 million cases; followed by India and Brazil. In the past 24 hours, there were more than 425,000 new cases and nearly 4,600 deaths.
British Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Monday said that the new highly-transmissible Covid-19 variant Omicron was spreading at a “phenomenal rate”, with cases doubling every two to three days. Mr. Javid said the country plans to expand its COVID-19 “passport” rule, including requiring a booster shot as soon as all adults have a chance to get it.
The Cuban Ministry of Public Health announced that it will continue to promote a booster vaccination campaign, which uses domestic vaccines including Abdala and Soberana Plus.
Meanwhile, from Tuesday, the first-in-nation vaccination mandate for workers and customers at indoor dining, fitness, entertainment and performance venues took effect in New York city. Starting from today, the program requires children aged 5-11 to show proof of one vaccination dose for those venues. Starting December 27th, New Yorkers aged 12 and older will be required to show proof of two vaccine doses to enter restaurants and participate in outdoor activities.
In Southeast Asia, the Thai Government’s Center for Handling the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Monday approved the establishment of checkpoints at 4 border gates in Southernmost provinces including Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat and Satun as of next January.
In Indonesia, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs is Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan urged people not to go abroad during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays to prevent the entry of the Omicron variant.
On the same day, the Indonesian Government decided to extend the restriction on community activities in Java and Bali from December 24, 2021 to January 3, 2022, and apply special regulations during the holiday such as closing the squares, banning the organization of New Year’s activities.
Source: VOV5