The new Omicron variant of COVID-19, which is believed to be more transmissible, has been detected in the United Kingdom, Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced. One of the cases was confirmed in Chelmsford and another in Nottingham and both individuals were ordered to self-isolate. “This pandemic is far from over. If there’s one thing that everyone can be doing, is if they’re eligible, please take your vaccine,” the health minister said. There seems to be a connection between the two infections and both are liked to southern Africa, according to Javid. The announcement comes after Downing Street added multiple African countries to its red travel list.
First suspected Omicron case found in Germany, Czech Republic
The second case of the Omicron coronavirus variant has suspectedly appeared in Europe as both Germany and the Czech Republic have reported African travelers positive for the virus. “Omicron variant has, with a very high degree of likelihood, already arrived in Germany,” said Kai Klose, a German minister in the state of Hesse. Klose noted that the individual has an infection with “multiple mutations typical of Omicron.” The Czech Ministry of Health also announced that a passenger arriving from Egypt tested positive for, what is believed to be the new virus strain. Both samples are being further investigated.