COVID-19 surges in many countries

India – Another surge of COVID-19 cases is being experienced here with over 100,000 cases being reported daily. The first death due to the Omicron variant was also recorded. Several states including Delhi and Maharashtra have reintroduced curbs and temporary curfews to limit gatherings and halt the spread of the virus. Singapore – Over the past week, Singapore’s daily COVID-19 case numbers have been around 200 on average, with 16 patients currently in intensive care.

These figures are significantly lower than the numbers at their peak a few months ago, indicating that the recent wave of Delta infections has subsided. However, the Health

Ministry has warned of a rise in the total number of confirmed Omicron cases and advised the public to exercise caution. Japan – As soon as the first case of Omicron was detected in the country, Japan ‘reinstated’ travel restrictions banning most foreigners from entering.

Japan also began implementing a mixand-match COVID-19 vaccine strategy in December, with some healthcare workers who received the Pfizer-BioNTech jab as their first two shots getting Moderna as a booster. The government aims to accelerate the rollout of third shots amid heightened concerns over the Omicron variant.

United Kingdom –

Although England will not go into lockdown anytime soon, restrictions such as working from home whenever possible and limiting gatherings are in place. However, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have introduced further restrictions on leisure activities and going out to pubs and cafes. This includes an extension of the social distancing rules and further limits on the size of gatherings.

United States of America –

Nearly 1 million new infections, the highest daily tally of any country in the world, were reported on Monday. Surprisingly though, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has recommended isolation only for five days, a shorter quarantine period, for those infected or exposed to the virus.

This is being revised.