New Delhi: The new and deadly variant of coronavirus has spread to 30 countries in just 9 days Omicron. The variant, which originated from South Africa, has now reached India as well. Not only that, the spread of this variant is many times more than that of delta variants. It was because of the delta variant that the second wave came to India. This virus is spreading quite fast. South Africa and Botswana are the first to register a case.
The virus has had a total of 53 mutations so far, of which 32 have been mutations in its spike protein. There have also been 10 mutations in the receptor-binding domain of the Omicron. On the other hand, the spike protein of the corona delta variant contained a total of 18 mutations. It is through spike proteins that the virus enters the body. On the other hand, Greece has taken a major decision in view of the panic of the Omicron. Now people over the age of 60, who are refusing vaccination in Greece, maybe fined monthly and may deduct one-third of their pension. Leaders say this stringent policy will reduce votes but help save lives. In Greece, about 17 per cent of people over the age of 60 have not been vaccinated. I don't care if this measure can cut some votes in elections, PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday.
In Israel, the Omicron-natured carriers will be traced by the nation's domestic security agency, which seems to be disobeying the order of the apex court there. Weekly sanctions against lockdowns and other restrictions in the Netherlands have turned violent. With delta-nature cases rising in Europe and fears over Omicron variants, governments around the world are adopting new measures. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is requesting citizens of the country to get the vaccine done. Germany followed Austria and imposed strict restrictions on Thursday. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the measures were necessary as the burden on hospitals was increasing. While infection cases have reached 70,000 in the last 24 hours, the Slovakian government is offering 500 euros ($568) on vaccination to people 60 years of age and older.
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