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new mutation of Corona 19, Omicron, is rapidly spreading to Europe and Asia after Africa. Countries around the world have implemented lockdown measures, and Israel has banned all foreigners from entering the country. Emergency measures have also begun in the United States, where Omicron has not yet been discovered.



First of all, this is reporter Kim Jung-gi.



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Both of the two confirmed cases of Omicron confirmed in the UK have recently been to South Africa.



[Javid/British Health Minister: We have been informed that there are two confirmed cases, and these two are currently self-isolating with their families.]



Following a Belgian woman who traveled to Egypt via Turkey and returned on the 11th, it was also reported in Germany. Two people who arrived from South Africa on the 24th were confirmed to have been infected with the omicron mutation.



One of the two cases confirmed in Hong Kong was investigated as a domestic infection, raising concerns.



The United States has yet to report any confirmed cases of Omicron, but tensions remain.



[Adalja/US disease expert: Omicron has already landed in Korea (USA) and it is not surprising that it is spreading.]



New York State of the United States has declared a state of emergency in case of possible spread of Omicron mutation.



It will take effect from the 3rd of the next month, and hospitals will be able to refuse non-emergency patients in order to focus on treating the infected.



Israel has banned all foreigners from entering the country for 14 days.



Israel is the first country to impose a total ban on foreign entry.



The UK requires everyone entering the country to undergo a PCR test within two days and self-isolate until they test negative.



From today (28th), people entering Japan from nine countries, including South Africa and Botswana, are required to quarantine for 10 days at government-designated facilities.



At the same time, other Asian Middle Eastern countries, including India, Malaysia, Thailand and Saudi Arabia, plan to ban or restrict the entry of people from South Africa and neighboring countries.



(Video editing: Kim Ho-jin)