Moderna CEO warns COVID-19 shots less effective against Omicron, markets tumble

Drugmaker Moderna (MRNA.O) set off fresh alarm bells in financial markets on Tuesday as the firm's chief warned that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to be as effective against the Omicron variant as they have been against the Delta version.

Barbados becomes the world's newest republic

Barbados has officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and became a republic in an overnight ceremony in the capital of Bridgetown.

Biden says Omicron lockdowns not needed 'for now'

US President Joe Biden has called the Omicron Covid variant a "cause for concern, not a cause for panic" one day after it was detected in North America.

WHO warns that new virus variant poses ‘very high’ risk

The World Health Organization warned Monday that the global risk from the omicron variant is “very high” based on the early evidence, saying the mutated coronavirus could lead to surges with “severe consequences.”

Australia pauses further easing of border restrictions in response to new variant​

Australia will temporarily pause the next phase of its border reopening plan to gather more information on the Omicron Covid-19 variant, its government announced Monday.

Overall global risk related to Omicron variant is assessed as "very high," WHO says

The overall global risk related to the new Omicron variant "is assessed as very high," according to a World Health Organization (WHO) technical brief released Monday.

India man builds Taj Mahal replica home for wife

A 52-year-old Indian businessman has built a scaled-down replica of the iconic Taj Mahal as a home for his wife of 27 years. Anand Prakash Chouksey built his "monument of love" in Burhanpur city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Exploring Vardzia, Georgia's mysterious rock-hewed cave city

From 3,000-year-old Uplistikhe to the 6th century David Gareja Monastery and the long-forgotten dwellings of Samshvilde, all of Georgia's cave sites are awe-inspiring. But none prevail quite like Vardzia.

Global markets brace for a nervous week ahead over Omicron concerns

Asia Pacific markets were down on Monday as investors continued to digest news about a new Covid-19 variant. As of 1:30 am ET on Monday, Japan's Nikkei 225 (N225) was down about 1.6%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index (HSI) had dipped 1.2%.

Japan bans entry of foreign visitors as omicron spreads

Japan announced Monday it will suspend entry of all foreign visitors from around the world as a new coronavirus variant spreads, prompting an increasing number of countries to tighten their borders.

Australia finds omicron, Israel bans foreign travelers

Confirmed or suspected cases of the new variant have already emerged in several European countries, in Israel and in Hong Kong, just days after it was identified by researchers in South Africa. The “act first, ask questions later” approach reflected growing alarm about the emergence of a potentially more contagious variant nearly two years into a pandemic that has killed more than 5 million people, upended lives and disrupted economies across the globe.

COVID variant spreads to more countries as world on alert

The new potentially more contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus popped up in more European countries on Saturday, just days after being identified in South Africa, leaving governments around the world scrambling to stop the spread.

New Covid variant not a disaster - Sage scientist

The Omicron Covid variant is "not a disaster" and some people may be "hugely overstating the situation", a scientist advising the government says.

Foreign business representatives refute lies about Xinjiang

Adnan Akfirat, president of the Turkish-Chinese Business Development and Friendship Association, visited Xinjiang dozens of times. "In September this year, I went to Hotan City for the second time in 10 years," he said. "I was stunned by the change."

New variant classed 'of concern' and named Omicron

It had a large number of mutations, and early evidence suggested an increased reinfection risk, the WHO said. It was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on 24 November and has also been identified in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel.

British man given 3D printed eye in world first, hospital says

A British man has become the first patient in the world to be fitted with a 3D printed eye, according to Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

Countries in Europe and Asia, alarmed by new COVID variant, tighten borders

European and Asian countries tightened travel restrictions on Friday after a new and possibly vaccine-resistant coronavirus variant was detected in South Africa, with the EU, Britain and India among those announcing stricter border controls.

Coronavirus variant fear sparks Africa travel curbs

Travellers arriving in England from several southern African countries will have to quarantine amid warnings over a new coronavirus variant. All flights from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini are being suspended.

South African scientists detect new COVID-19 variant amid spike

A new coronavirus variant has been detected in South Africa that scientists say is a concern because of its high number of mutations and rapid spread among young people in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province, Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced Thursday.

UK sees 88% fall in migration after Covid

Net migration - the difference between people entering and leaving the UK - fell by 88 per cent last year due to Covid restrictions, official figures suggest.