Health

At least 17 suspected Omicron cases after Norway Christmas party

At least 17 people who came down with COVID-19 after a Christmas party gathering over 100 guests in Oslo last week are suspected of having the Omicron variant, city officials said on Friday.

“So far 60 people have tested positive (for COVID-19) with PCR tests, and four with antigen tests. Seventeen are probably Omicron, but that has yet to be confirmed. So far, one case is confirmed to be Omicron after sequencing,” the city of Oslo said in a statement.

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Between 100 and 120 people — all of whom were vaccinated, and one of whom had recently traveled to southern Africa — had gathered last Friday for a Christmas party organized by their employer.

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Health

New global action pledge to end TB by 2030

Applause rang out in one of the main conference rooms at UN headquarters on Friday as world leaders, civil society representatives and other stakeholders approved a declaration to advance efforts to end tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.

Health

World News in Brief: Peace day, high seas treaty, Palestinian displacement rises, polio in Ukraine

Peace requires strong mobilization for human rights, sustainable development and the environment, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on the International Day of Peace observed on Thursday.