The Omicron variant spreads at an unprecedented rate

No variant of the Covid-19 virus has so far spread as quickly as Omicron, said on Tuesday the World Health Organization (WHO), which estimates that most countries are now affected.

"77 countries have now reported cases of Omicron but the reality is that Omicron is likely to be found in most countries even though it has not yet been detected. Omicron is spreading at a rate we never have seen with no other variant, ”said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

More than 800,000 dead in the United States

The United States, officially the country most bereaved by the pandemic, exceeded 800,000 deaths from Covid-19 on Tuesday, according to the results of Johns Hopkins University.

Approximately 450,000 deaths occurred in 2021, despite highly effective vaccines having started to be authorized from December 2020, and widely available in the spring of 2021. About 72% of the American population has received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Denmark exceeds 1,000 daily cases

Denmark for the first time surpassed 1,000 daily cases of the Omicron variant, which health officials expect to become dominant in Copenhagen this week.

Global assessment of the novel coronavirus pandemic, as of December 14 at 11:00 GMT AFP

The Scandinavian country, one of the most advanced in the world in terms of both testing and sequencing to identify variants, has recorded a total of 4,535 cases, including 1,098 in the past 24 hours.

Anti-Covid pill: very positive results

Pfizer has confirmed that its anti-Covid pill reduces hospitalizations and deaths among at-risk people by nearly 90% if taken in the first few days after symptoms appear.

Pfizer vaccine would protect 70% of severe cases of Omicron

The two-dose vaccine from the American laboratory Pfizer is generally less effective against Omicron but protects up to 70% against severe cases, according to a study carried out in South Africa.

- WHO calls for an acceleration of vaccination -

Africa may not reach the target of 70% vaccinated until August 2024, according to projections by the WHO, which again called for an acceleration of vaccination campaigns to "save many lives".

As of December 13, only twenty African countries had vaccinated at least 10% of their population, six had reached 40% and two (Mauritius and Seychelles) were at 70%.

Netherlands: early school closures for Christmas

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday announced the early closure of primary schools before the Christmas holidays and the extension of current health restrictions until January 14 because of the Omicron variant.

Schools will close from December 20, a week earlier than expected.

Ecuador: no public celebrations during the Holidays

Ecuador on Tuesday banned the organization of processions and parties in public spaces for Christmas and New Year celebrations due to an increase in Covid-19 cases.

The country also recorded its first case of the Omicron variant on Tuesday.

England: end of restrictions on arrivals from African countries

England will end very strict restrictions on arrivals from eleven African countries, including South Africa and Nigeria, which had been decided to combat the spread of the Omicron variant.

Australia continues to reopen

Australia will continue to ease restrictions before Christmas despite a further rise in the number of cases in the country's most populous state.

President of Ghana chastises EU 'nationalism'

The president of Ghana warned of the consequences that the European Union's decision to mobilize its vaccines for recall campaigns could have for Africa and condemned travel bans linked to the Omicron variant.

Vaccination obligation suspended in Kenya

A Kenyan court has suspended a government decision banning people who have not been fully vaccinated from certain public buildings as well as popular places such as national parks, bars and restaurants.

More than 5.3 million dead

The pandemic has made at least 5 .311.

914 million deaths in the world since the end of 2019, according to a report established by AFP from official sources, Tuesday in the middle of the day.

The United States is the most bereaved country with 800,266 dead, ahead of Brazil (616,970), India (475,888), Mexico (296,721) and Russia (291,749).

A Swiss soldier administers a dose of vaccine against Covid-19 to a patient in Delemont (northern Switzerland), December 14, 2021 Fabrice COFFRINI AFP

The WHO estimates, taking into account the excess mortality directly and indirectly linked to Covid-19, that the toll of the pandemic in the world could be two to three times higher.

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