The spread of a new virus mutant has sparked fresh global warnings as New Zealand enters its final day in the Covid-19 alert level system. Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins conceded it was probably inevitable Omicron would eventually arrive in New Zealand. The WHO urged people who were unvaccinated, unwell, or aged 60 and older to postpone travel to communities with Omicron cases. Australia, Denmark and the Netherlands have reported Omicron cases, as scientists race to learn more about the variant's transmissibility and virulence. New Zealand has responded to Omicron by designating nine southern African nations "very high risk" and restricting travel from these countries.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 02, 2021 01:58 UTC