Brunei detects first case of Omicron variant, US approves additional Covid-19 treatment drugs

UK infections hit record high

On December 23, the UK recorded 119,789 new infections, the highest since the pandemic hit the foggy country. The UK Health Security Agency said that 16,870 Omicron infections were recorded across the country, bringing the total number of new variant cases to 90,906.

The UK also recorded 147 more deaths from Covid-19 within 28 days of testing positive for the coronavirus.

However, the UK will not introduce any new restrictions between now and Christmas. Research by Imperial College London and Scottish experts shows that infected patientsOmicronrequiring 20-68% less hospital treatment than people with the Delta variant.

US approves more drugs to treat Covid-19 at home

According to Reuters news agency, on December 23, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Merck & Co.'s antiviral drug Molnupiravir for the treatment of Covid-19. This is the second antiviral drug approved for patients to take at home.

A day earlier, the US approved a similar drug from Pfizer, called Paxlovid. Paxlovid is for high-risk people aged 12 and older and has been shown to be 90% effective in preventing death and hospitalization in those at risk of severe illness.

Molnupiravir is used to treat mild to moderate Covid-19 in adults who are at risk of severe disease or who cannot access treatment. Molnupiravir reduces hospitalization and death by about 30%.

Australia's most populous state reimposes mandatory mask wearing

Dominic Perrottet, Premier of New South Wales - Australia's most populous state, confirmed to the media on December 23 that wearing masks indoors will be mandatory and that limits on the number of people will also be applied. This decision will be effective until January 27, 2022.

In addition, the government also encourages people, especially during the holiday season, to work from home if possible.

Mask requirements in indoor areas will be enforced in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the ACT, Tasmania, parts of the Northern Territory and some high-risk areas of southern Australia.

Brunei detects first case of Omicron variant infection

According to Xinhua News Agency, on December 23, Brunei confirmed that it had detected the first case of infection with the Omicron variant.

According to the Brunei Ministry of Health, the patient arrived in Brunei from the UK on December 17 and was quarantined immediately upon arrival. All close contacts have been instructed to self-isolate and be tested. The patient is currently in good health and no longer has any signs of illness.

Authorities call on people not to worry and to comply with regulations on Covid-19 prevention.

As of December 22, 94.4% of Brunei's population had received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, while 92.7% had received two doses and 12.5% ​​had received three doses. Brunei recorded three new cases on December 23, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country to 15,429.

Italy bans New Year's Eve activities

The Italian government has banned all New Year's Eve celebrations as daily Covid-19 infections hit a record high, according to the Guardian.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza said that wearing masks would again be mandatory outdoors and he asked people to use Ffp2 masks on public transport and in public places such as cinemas, theatres and at sporting events.

In addition, outdoor events are also banned until January 31, 2022, and discos and dance clubs must also close until that date.