The rapid spread of the Omicron variant on a global scale makes us fear the worst," Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said at a press conference. 1:16Canada's two most populous provinces saw more new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday than they have in months. England's chief medical officer warned the situation is likely to get worse as the Omicron variant drives a new wave of illness during the Christmas holidays. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines and Cambodia detected their first Omicron cases. ETTune in to CBC's The National tonight for a special full edition on COVID-19 and the rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant in Canada and around the world.

Source: CBC News December 15, 2021 20:52 UTC