Health

Japan confirms first case of COVID-19 Omicron variant: Report

Japan on Tuesday confirmed its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant, a day after authorities announced new COVID-19 border restrictions.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

“Regarding the traveler arriving from Namibia, it was confirmed to be a case of Omicron after analysis at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases,” government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.

“This is the first Omicron case confirmed in Japan,” he said, adding that the infected traveler, a man in his 30s, is now in isolation at a medical facility.

The announcement came a day after Japan tightened its border rules again, barring all new foreign arrivals just weeks after relaxing tough regulations to allow some students and business travelers entry.

The new rules mean only Japanese citizens and existing foreign residents can enter the country, with few exemptions, and those coming from areas with known Omicron cases require hotel quarantines ranging from three to 10 days.

Japan has recorded just over 18,300 coronavirus cases during the pandemic, while avoiding tough lockdowns.

After a slow start, its vaccination program picked up speed and nearly 77 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

UAE residents have mixed feelings about travel amid COVID-19 variant Omicron

South Africa’s President calls for urgent reversal of travel bans over Omicron

Health

WHO to send one million polio vaccines to Gaza to protect children

The UN health agency said on Friday that it is sending more than a million polio vaccines to Gaza after the discovery of the highly infectious disease in sewage samples.

Health

‘Endless nightmare’ of death and destruction in Gaza, UN officials tell Security Council

Senior UN officials on Friday reiterated the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and escalating threat to aid workers, urging immediate action prevent further deterioration.

Health

Europe tops the charts for alcohol consumption. WHO calls for urgent action to curb the trend

It seems that Europeans don’t want to give up booze. A UN World Health Organization (WHO) report has found that nothing has changed in the continent’s drinking habits. Despite the health risks, Europeans consume an average of 9.2 litres of pure alcohol a year – making them the world’s biggest drinkers.