The Latest Breaking News from Omicron

New Omicron variant is 33% more infectious, and more likely to beat vaccine

It is already the dominant strain in some countries and is spreading rapidly in the UK

Wales Online · Feb 1, 2022

Cases of new Omicron ‘stealth variant’ detected in Wales

Public Health Wales confirmed several cases of the Covid strain have been found

Wales Online · Feb 1, 2022

UK 'Stealth Omicron' cases double as new study suggests it is 33% more transmissible

The 'stealth' sub-variant of Omicron is called BA.2 and has been spreading quickly across the UK according to the latest UK gene sequencing which found over 4,000 cases

Daily Mirror · Feb 1, 2022

Joules sales up but profits dented by Covid costs and supply chain issues

The high street fashion chain said it suffered from shipping delays, increased distribution costs and fewer shoppers as the Omicron variant took hold.

The Independent UK · Feb 1, 2022

UK factory output growth jumps; US job openings rise; record low eurozone unemployment – as it happened

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news

The Guardian - UK · Feb 1, 2022

Omicron sub-variant detected in 57 countries, says WHO – as it happened

This blog is now closed

The Guardian - AU · Feb 1, 2022

‘Stealth’ subvariant could stall Omicron surge’s freefall in Illinois

Illinois logged another 6,664 COVID-19 cases on Monday – the lowest daily caseload in seven weeks. Hospitalizations and the number of deaths from the virus also dropped yet again. But that encouraging news was tempered a bit by a report of the first case of the Omicron subvariant in Illinois.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 1, 2022

Tourism sector trajectory remains uncertain: Economic Survey

New restrictions being introduced due to spread of Omicron variant, it says

The Hindu · Feb 1, 2022

Omicron will only add to looming workforce shortages already faced by key New Zealand industries

The Omicron wave about to wash across New Zealand will exacerbate an already tightening labour market. High employment and ongoing border restrictions mean regional labour forces are nearing peak capacity – and the country is running out of time to find solutions.

The Conversation · Feb 1, 2022

The COVID-19 Omicron wave has required US doctors to make difficult choices about when to admit and discharge patients

Doctor Morgan Eutermoser is confronted every day with overflowing waiting rooms, and like many American doctors, she is finding Omicron the most challenging wave of the pandemic yet.

ABC News · Jan 31, 2022