Omicron spreads global gloom over New Year's celebrations

Several governments are considering more restrictions to add to a patchwork of measures and lockdowns already in place around Europe

Dec 28, 20210

Thanassis Stavrakis, Associated Press count

New Year's concerts and other events have been canceled in Greece as the government is expected to announce new measures to contain the spread of the omicron variant.

BRUSSELS - As omicron spreads ever more gloom around the globe ahead of New Year's Eve, governments are moving at different speeds to contain the scourge, with some reimposing restrictions immediately and others hesitating to spoil the party again.

In Britain, where the highly contagious variant of the coronavirus has sent caseloads soaring to record highs, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Monday no further restrictions will be introduced in England before the new year. New daily infections in England are hovering around 100,000, and hospital admissions were up more than 70% on Christmas from a week earlier.

"When we get into the new year, of course, we will see then if we do need to take any further measures, but nothing more until then, at least," Javid said.

https://www.startribune.com/omicron-spreads-global-gloom-over-new-years-celebrations/600130543/