In light of the fast worldwide spread of the omicron strain, Israeli authorities have agreed to limit travel to the United States, Canada, and eight other nations.
After a Cabinet vote, Bennett’s office confirmed the decision. The unusual step comes amid an increase in coronavirus cases in Israel and it reflects a shift in pandemic procedures between the two countries.
The US will join an expanding list of European nations and other areas where Israelis cannot go and must be quarantined upon return.
Israel cuts off travel to U.S. after a plane from Miami lands with 10% of passengers testing hot for COVID-19 https://t.co/8WHzlARKNz
— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) December 20, 2021
Twelve individuals died from the omicron strain in Britain, according to Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab. Authorities and ministers warn the full impact of the newest wave of COVID-19 cases has yet to be seen in the United Kingdom.
According to Japan’s government, the number of coronavirus illnesses connected to a US military post in Japan has risen to at least 180, increasing concerns about the virus’ spread throughout the population.
According to Japanese officials, an employee at Camp Hansen on the island of Okinawa tested positive for the omicron strain last Friday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the region linked to the base now contained 180 cases. However, it was unclear how many were of the omicron-type.
US Expert Predicts Harsh Winter, Due to Omicron
The top US pandemic expert, Anthony Fauci, warned of a harsh winter coming as the COVID-19 omicron strain causes a fresh wave of infections throughout the world, triggering limitations and concerns about hospital capacity.
Omicron has been found in dozens of nations since it was originally reported in South Africa in November, leading to reimposed travel bans and other safeguards.
Fauci also warned against the underestimation of omicron’s lethality, saying while the hospital visit rate in South Africa is lower than in delta, this might be due to underlying antibodies from extensive past infections.
Fauci told CNN that it is not too late to be immunized; if you’re immunized, get boosted. He also said wearing masks and getting frequently testing—one area in which the Biden office is investing in—is also important in avoiding illness.
For omicron, it’ll be a difficult few weeks to months as we move deeper into winter.
Senators Warren, Booker Have Confirmed Cases
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker both tested positive for COVID-19. They were suffering from minor symptoms, resulting from a statewide coronavirus outbreak.
Prayers up for Senators Elizabeth Warren AND Cory Booker, who both tested positive for COVID today.
Damn.
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) December 20, 2021
Warren, a 72-year-old Democrat from Massachusetts, stated on Twitter she is vaccinated, boosted, and routinely tested for COVID-19. Although she came back negative this week, she tested positive for a breakthrough later on.
Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, stated he found out about testing positive on Sunday, after initially having symptoms on Saturday.
Senators Rick Scott of Florida, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike Lee of Utah, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and Chuck Grassley of Iowa all previously come back COVID positive and recovered.
