No cases of Omicron XE in Malaysia so far, says Khairy
He says his ministry is looking into the latest mutation of the Omicron variant to determine its infectivity rate and severity.
Omicron ‘stealth’ variant BA.2 now dominant globally
BA.2 now represents nearly 86% of all sequenced cases, according to the World Health Organization.
‘Deltacron’ likely result of lab error, experts say
While it is possible for coronaviruses to genetically combine, it is rare, and scientists analysing the discovery of so-called 'Deltacron' say it is unlikely.
Delta still dominates, say experts urging third jab
Lab tests are under way to determine vaccine efficacy against Omicron with results expected within weeks.
World races to contain new Covid variant
Scientists are racing to determine the threat posed by the heavily mutated strain, which is more transmissible than the dominant Delta variant, and whether it can evade existing vaccines.
Dutch find 61 Covid positive on ‘dystopia’ flights from South Africa
Passengers say they endured miserable hours at the arrivals hall to get tested, with witnesses saying many people failed to wear face masks or keep to social distancing.
New strain dubbed Omicron, declared ‘variant of concern’
The classification puts Omicron into the most-troubling category of Covid-19 variants, along with the globally dominant Delta, plus its weaker rivals Alpha, Beta and Gamma.
Too early to know if Covid variant needs new vaccine, says EU drug regulator
The European Medicines Agency says it needs more details to see if the strain, which has 'numerous mutations', could evade the current four jabs authorised for the bloc.
Pandemic picks up pace as cases double in Africa
Apart from South Africa, where the number of cases rose by 892% following an upward revision of figures, Vietnam was the country where the pandemic picked up most speed.
Malaysia, Singapore curb arrivals from southern Africa over new variant
Citizens and foreigners holding permanent resident status will be allowed to return to Singapore and Malaysia, but will have to undergo quarantine.
South Africa detects new Covid-19 variant, implications still unclear
B.1.1.529 has a 'very unusual constellation' of mutations, which are concerning because they could help it evade the body's immune response and make it more transmissible, scientists say.
Israel holds ‘war drill’ in case of new Covid strain
The simulation covered different aspects of a crisis, including mass inoculation, ordering curfews and imposing a flight ban.
