COVID-19 Omicron Variant Has Been Found In These Countries

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Check Out The List Of Countries That Have Reported Cases Of The Omicron Variant

Soon after South Africa confirmed the presence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, several countries across the globe have detected this virus, while many nations across the globe have started to put fresh travel restrictions in place to try and curb the spread of the virus. By Anushka Goel

A South African doctor was the first person in the world to detect a new COVID-19 variant, which was later named the Omicron variant. According to The Indian Express, though the variant is highly transmissible, its symptoms are mild and can be treated at home. However, the virus is rapidly spreading to other parts of the world as globally, travel restrictions were recently eased to start international tourism again.

The Omicron variant has already been spotted in at least a dozen more countries apart from South Africa, indicating its quick spread.

Countries that have cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19

South Africa
Botswana
Italy
Belgium
Hong Kong
Israel
Canada
The UK
The Netherlands
Germany
France
Czech Republic
Austria
Denmark
Australia

While India hasn’t confirmed the presence of this new virus, some new cases that have been detected have a strain different than the Delta variant, reports Hindustan Times. The report adds that the Omicron variant is being feared because of its possible resistance to vaccines, along with higher transmissibility.

Measures countries are taking against the new COVID-19 variant

While India is set to amp up its safety measures starting December 1, several countries have started to put restrictions on international travellers, reports NDTV. Japan has announced that the country is closing its borders for international travellers, while Israel and Morocco announced a 14-day ban on entry of all foreign travellers. Australia, on the other hand, has deferred the reopening of its borders, something which the entire world was looking forward to as the country had one of the toughest COVID-19 restrictions in place. Also, several countries have banned flights from some South African nations in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.