Omicron variant ravages Europe

The new variant Covid-19 is found in UK, Germany, Czech Republic

By Edward Era Barbacena

The new Omicron variant of the coronavirus has now been detected in the United Kingdom, while suspected cases have also surfaced in Germany and the Czech Republic.

UK Health Minister Sajid Javid said in a broadcast clip Saturday that two cases of the new variant were found in England, connected to travel to southern Africa, where the new variant was first detected.

One case is in Chelmsford and the other in Nottingham. The two individuals and members of their households are being re-tested and told to self-isolate while further testing and contact tracing is done.

Meanwhile, the minister in the German state of Hesse said Saturday that the Omicron variant had also probably arrived in Germany.

“Last night several Omicron-typical mutations were found in a traveler returning from South Africa,” tweeted Kai Klose.

He added that a full sequencing of the variant was being carried out.

The Czech Republic is also examining a suspected case of the Omicron variant detected in a person who spent time in Namibia, the National Institute of Public Health said Saturday.

“A lab is checking a possible find of a positive specimen of the Omicron variant. We are awaiting confirmation or refutation of the case,” spokesperson Stepanka Cechova told Reuters in an emailed statement.

The US will restrict travel from South Africa and seven other nearby countries beginning next week as fears grow over the new variant.