Wednesday, June 7, 2023
manilastandard.net
ADVERTISEMENT
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Others
    • Pets
    • Pop.Life
      • Newsmakers
      • Hangouts
      • A-Pop
      • Post Its
      • Performances
      • Malls & Bazaars
      • Hobbies & Collections
    • Technology
      • Gadgets
      • Computers
      • Business
      • Tech Plus
    • MS ON THE ROAD
      • Sedan
      • SUV
      • Truck
      • Bike
      • Accessories
      • Motoring Plus
      • Commuter’s Corner
    • Home & Design
      • Residential
      • Commercial
      • Construction
      • Interior
    • Spotlight
    • Gallery
      • Photos
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Seminars
      • Exhibits
      • Community
    • Biyahero
      • Travel Features
      • Travel Reels
      • Travel Logs
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Others
    • Pets
    • Pop.Life
      • Newsmakers
      • Hangouts
      • A-Pop
      • Post Its
      • Performances
      • Malls & Bazaars
      • Hobbies & Collections
    • Technology
      • Gadgets
      • Computers
      • Business
      • Tech Plus
    • MS ON THE ROAD
      • Sedan
      • SUV
      • Truck
      • Bike
      • Accessories
      • Motoring Plus
      • Commuter’s Corner
    • Home & Design
      • Residential
      • Commercial
      • Construction
      • Interior
    • Spotlight
    • Gallery
      • Photos
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Seminars
      • Exhibits
      • Community
    • Biyahero
      • Travel Features
      • Travel Reels
      • Travel Logs
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result
manilastandard.net
No Result
View All Result
Home News Top Stories

WHO tags it ‘most troubling variant of concern as Delta’

AFPbyAFP
November 28, 2021, 2:00 am
in Top Stories
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Email

The World Health Organization has declared the recently-discovered B.1.1.529 strain of COVID-19, first detected in southern Africa, to be a variant of concern and renamed it Omicron.

The classification puts Omicron into the most-troubling category of COVID-19 variants, along with the globally-dominant Delta, plus its weaker rivals Alpha, Beta, and Gamma.

WHO tags it ‘most troubling variant of concern as Delta’

Nations rushed to ban flights to slow the spread of Omicron on Friday, while stock markets and oil prices plunged on fears surrounding the variant, potentially dealing a heavy blow to the global economic recovery.

Dutch health authorities said Saturday that 61 passengers aboard two KLM flights from South Africa tested positive for COVID-19 and the results were being examined for the new Omicron variant.

The positive cases – more than one tenth of the 600 people on the two planes – were now being quarantined in a hotel near Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s biggest international air travel hubs.

In Germany, a regional official said Saturday that health authorities have identified the first suspected case in the country of the Omicronvariant in a person who returned from South Africa.

“The Omicron variant has with strong likelihood already arrived in Germany,” Kai Klose, social affairs minister in the western state of Hesse, tweeted, referring to the strain first detected in southern Africa.

Klose said that tests late Friday on the traveler who had returned to Germany from South Africa revealed “several mutations typical of Omicron.”

The WHO said it could take several weeks to complete studies of Omicron to see if there are any changes in transmissibility, severity or implications for COVID vaccines, tests, and treatments.

“Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology… the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern (VOC), named Omicron,” the UN health agency said in a statement.

WHO… The change in classification came after a quickly-assembled virtual meeting of the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution.

The variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on Wednesday.

The first known confirmed Omicron infection was from a specimen collected on November 9. In recent weeks, infections in South Africa have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection.

“This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning,” the WHO said, pointing to worrying characteristics.

“Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs.”

It said the number of Omicron cases appeared to be increasing in almost all provinces of South Africa.

The United States, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Thailand, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia were the latest countries to restrict travel from southern Africa, where Omicron has been discovered.

The strain reached Europe with one confirmed case in Belgium after being found in South Africa, Botswana and then in Hong Kong.

Anxious tourists in Johannesburg rushed to the airport to catch a last flight out as nations across the globe started shutting their doors, while many worried the new variant could be more resistant to vaccines. 

Despite countries scrambling to ban flights, the WHO earlier cautioned against imposing travel restrictions due to Omicron.

The organization said countries should take a risk-based and scientific approach when considering travel curbs in light of the variant – but cautioned against restrictions.

“At this point, again, implementing travel measures is being cautioned against,” spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters.

EU officials holding an emergency meeting agreed to urge all 27 nations in the bloc to restrict travel from southern Africa, even though many members had already announced flight suspensions.

“The last thing we need now is an introduced new variant,” Germany’s acting health minister Jens Spahn said.

South Africa’s health ministry, however, attacked the global rush to impose travel bans to slow the spread of a new COVID variant as “draconian,” unscientific, and contrary to WHO advice.

“We believe that some of the reactions have been unjustified,” Health Minister Joe Phaahla told a news conference, accusing some leaders whom he did not name of seeking a “scapegoat.”

Britain was the first to slap a flight ban from countries in southern Africa, just hours after South Africa revealed it had detected the variant which has multiple mutations.

All viruses mutate over time, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19 disease.

During late 2020, the emergence of variants that posed an increased risk to global public health prompted the WHO to start characterizing them as variants of interest, and the more-worrying variants of concern, to inform the response to the pandemic.

The UN health agency decided to name the variants after the letters of the Greek alphabet, to avoid the countries that first detected them being stigmatized.

The WHO called on countries to increase their surveillance and virus sequencing efforts to better understand circulating variants. 

Tags: B.1.1.529 strainCOVID-19OmicronWorld Health Organization
ADVERTISEMENT
AFP

AFP

Related Posts

Inflation eases to 6.1 percent

byJulito G. Radaand3 others
June 7, 2023, 1:10 am
0
8
Inflation eases to 6.1 percent

Drops for 4th month in row, dovetails with better job figures HEARING GOOD NEWS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presides over...

Read more

Senators slam door on GSIS, SSS funds in Maharlika, rip Diokno

byMacon Ramos-Araneta
June 7, 2023, 1:05 am
0
8
Senate sets budget approval by December 1

Senators stood firm on their position that state-run pension and insurance institutions are absolutely prohibited from investing in the proposed...

Read more

PH: No more Kuwait shelters only if OFWs stop fleeing from bosses

byRey E. Requejoand1 others
June 7, 2023, 1:00 am
0
8
Southwoods nails Seniors’ Fil golf crown

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said the Philippines will stop setting up more shelters for distressed overseas Filipino...

Read more

Speaker lauds Gibo, Herbosa appointments

byMaricel Cruzand3 others
June 7, 2023, 12:55 am
0
8
Speaker lauds Gibo, Herbosa appointments

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday lauded the appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of Gilberto Teodoro Jr. as...

Read more

‘LTFRB has no power over colorum vehicles’

byRey E. Requejo
June 7, 2023, 12:50 am
0
8
PUV modernization program extended

The Department of Justice has issued a legal opinion that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has no...

Read more

Phivolcs: Beware of ‘vog’ from Taal Volcano

byCharles Dantesand1 others
June 7, 2023, 12:45 am
0
8
Taal Volcano quiet; Phivolcs on alert

Residents near the Taal Volcano were urged to remain indoors after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology observed increased...

Read more

Print Edition

View More

Recent Posts

  • Ukraine evacuates thousands after key dam destroyed
  • Ukraine nuke plant safety at stake after dam damage
  • VITARICH CORPORATION: Annual General Meeting of the Stockholders
  • Empowering Women in Tech
  • $3,500 VR Headset
  • Inflation eases to 6.1 percent
  • Senators slam door on GSIS, SSS funds in Maharlika, rip Diokno
  • PH: No more Kuwait shelters only if OFWs stop fleeing from bosses

Advertisement

Latest News

Inflation eases to 6.1 percent

byJulito G. Radaand3 others
June 7, 2023, 1:10 am
0
8
Inflation eases to 6.1 percent

Drops for 4th month in row, dovetails with better job figures HEARING GOOD NEWS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presides over...

Read more

Senators slam door on GSIS, SSS funds in Maharlika, rip Diokno

byMacon Ramos-Araneta
June 7, 2023, 1:05 am
0
8
Senate sets budget approval by December 1

Senators stood firm on their position that state-run pension and insurance institutions are absolutely prohibited from investing in the proposed...

Read more

PH: No more Kuwait shelters only if OFWs stop fleeing from bosses

byRey E. Requejoand1 others
June 7, 2023, 1:00 am
0
8
Southwoods nails Seniors’ Fil golf crown

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said the Philippines will stop setting up more shelters for distressed overseas Filipino...

Read more

Speaker lauds Gibo, Herbosa appointments

byMaricel Cruzand3 others
June 7, 2023, 12:55 am
0
8
Speaker lauds Gibo, Herbosa appointments

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday lauded the appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of Gilberto Teodoro Jr. as...

Read more

‘LTFRB has no power over colorum vehicles’

byRey E. Requejo
June 7, 2023, 12:50 am
0
8
PUV modernization program extended

The Department of Justice has issued a legal opinion that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has no...

Read more

Advertisement

ADVERTISEMENT
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

ABOUT US

Manila Standard

Manila Standard website (manilastandard.net), launched in August 2002, extends the newspaper’s reach beyond its traditional readers and makes its brand of Philippine news and opinion available to a much wider and geographically diverse readership here and overseas.

Digital Edition

In tone and content, the online edition mirrors the editorial thrust of the newspaper. While hewing to the traditional precepts of fairness and objectivity, MS believes the news of the day need not be staid, overly long or dry. Stories are succinct, readable and written in a lively style that has become a hallmark of the newspaper.

Download – Today’s Paper

Search

No Result
View All Result

6th Floor Universal Re Bldg., 106 Paseo De Roxas cor. Perea Street, Legaspi Village, 1226 Makati City Philippines

Trunklines: 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558

© 2021 Manila Standard - Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios.

No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Pop.Life
    • Newsmakers
    • Hangouts
    • A-Pop
    • Post Its
    • Performances
    • Malls & Bazaars
    • Hobbies & Collections
  • Technology
    • Gadgets
    • Computers
    • Business
    • Tech Plus
  • MS ON THE ROAD
    • Sedan
    • SUV
    • Truck
    • Bike
    • Accessories
    • Motoring Plus
    • Commuter’s Corner
  • Home & Design
    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Construction
    • Interior
  • Spotlight
  • Gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • Events
    • Seminars
    • Exhibits
    • Community
  • Biyahero
    • Travel Features
    • Travel Reels
    • Travel Logs
  • Pets
  • Advertise with Us

© 2021 Manila Standard - Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Install Manila Standard Web App

Install App