Covid Omicron BF.7 Spreading Its Roots Rapidly Worldwide

Written by: Arjita Gupta

Edited by: Anjali Kalan

Last Updated: December 26, 2022

antarrashtriyaThe Covid cases are increasing rapidly in regions such as Japan (1,617) and the United States (2,658) apart from China, where the new Omicron BF.7 variant was first detected. The WHO (World Health Organization) announced nations that are seeing a resurgence of the virus at a faster pace.

antarrashtriyaCountries are already mulling over travel bans and enhancing surveillance methods to test travelers for the virus upon arrival, randomly. This regulation is in particular for international passengers. There has been a steady rise in the requirement for RT-PCR testing globally.

antarrashtriyaBut till now, such blanket bans have been accounted for by any country. However, we can expect stricter actions to come into place in a month or few. The highest numbers come from the US (445,424), Japan (1,046,650 new cases), Brazil (337,810), the Republic of Korea (459,811), and France (341,136).

antarrashtriyaAlso, the new weekly deaths are the highest in Italy (519), Japan (1,617), France (686), the US (2,658), and Brazil (1,133). The Omicron BF.7 variant has been detected in many regions and has already rooted its presence in several nations. Among other symptoms, sore throat is the most common here.

antarrashtriyaAs we say this, the numbers are already climbing worldwide, even after measures of lockdown or restrictions are being implemented. From 12 to 18 December, there was a 3% increase in the new weekly cases, and this stretched the new cases by 3.7 million globally.

antarrashtriyaCovid measures such as wearing masks, face shields, sanitizing hands, and others are again being adopted. The governments of nations are urging people to follow the protocols and avoid unnecessary public gatherings. But amidst the festive and holiday season, along with New Year, the addition of new cases is set to spike.

antarrashtriyaCompared to the previous week, the number of deaths has decreased by 6%. As per the WHO, the fatality figures were more than 10,400 new deaths. Worldwide, 40,000 new deaths and more than 13.7 million cases were reported in the last 28 days. While fatalities decreased by 2%, the new cases increased by 36%.