WHO official says more evidence is emerging that Omicron causes milder symptoms than previous variants
"We are seeing more and more studies pointing out that Omicron is infecting the upper part of the body. Unlike the other ones, that could cause severe pneumonia," WHO Incident Manager Abdi Mahamud told Geneva-based journalists, saying it could be "good news".
People admitted in New South Wales hospitals rose to 1,344, a new pandemic peak, topping the 1,266 reached last September during the Delta wave.A record 47,799 infections have been reported in Australia so far today, eclipsing its previous high of 37,212 a day earlier. Four new deaths were registered.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison ruled out the government covering the cost for people to test themselves for Covid-19. Just over 2.5 million Australians have so far received their booster shot, which health officials are betting may prevent more hospitalisations and deaths. It also marked the second consecutive day for which Xi'an reported less than 100 local cases since 24 Deember.
Xi'an's case count is tiny compared to many outbreaks elsewhere in the world. But Beijing is keen to keep a lid on outbreaks ahead of the Winter Olympics in February, and the Communist Party's once-every-five-years congress expected later in the year.