Global COVID-19 infections strike a record over the past seven-day period, data from Reuters indicated on Wednesday, as the Omicron variant spread out of control and governments began to restrict its extent without incapacitating weak economies. Practically 900,000 cases were identified on average each day globally between December 22 and 28. Numerous nations published all-time highs during the prior 24 hours, encompassing Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, the United States, and several countries in Europe. Studies have implied Omicron is slightly more fatal than some prior variants. However, the mere number of people testing positive could overwhelm hospitals in some nations and vacate e-businesses attempting to work without employees who government officials have requested to quarantine. Researchers in South Africa found that a crucial role of the immune system’s second-line defense – its T cells – is highly beneficial at understanding and ambushing the Omicron variant, deterring most infections from advancing to significant illness. Political administrators in some countries, fearing the economic impact of keeping so many employees at home, were contemplating reducing the period compelled for isolation after a positive COVID test or exposure. Spain announced on Wednesday it was curtailing the quarantine period to seven days from 10, while Italy stated it was scheduled to relax isolation rules for people who came into close contact with victims of the virus. U.S. health authorities, before this week, published fresh guidance reducing the isolation period for people with a confirmed infection to 5 days from 10, as they are asymptomatic.
