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omicron
Green tea has a surprise up its sleeve
Chemicals in green tea, black tea, and matcha (powdered green tea) are effective in inactivating the Omicron subvariant of Covid-19.
No specific Covid-19 variant dominating worldwide, says WHO
WHO was seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases worldwide, as well as an increase in the number of hospitalisations and patients in intensive care units, which is ‘more worrying. ’
WHO designates new Covid-19 ‘variant under monitoring’
Recently, the latest variant, EG. 5 (also known as Eris), had grabbed the attention of public health experts around the world
Eris the latest Covid-19 variant of interest, say experts
South Africa’s Department of Health is urging people to get vaccinated.
What to know about Arcturus, a new Covid-19 subvariant the WHO is tracking
The latest omicron offshoot is particularly prevalent in India, where it has sparked a rise in infections, and a return to mask mandates in parts of the country.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health says consent is signed for children to be vaccinated
Dr Velile Ngidi a public health medicine specialist said as health professionals it is illegal for them to give a patient medication without explaining to them what it was.
‘Kraken’ Covid-19 variant: SA’s health experts call for calm and urge against social media panic
South Africa has been urged to increase the rate of Covid-19 testing.
Health Department to offer additional vaccine dose, as new Covid-19 subvariant detected
The National Health Department said it would not be imposing any travel restrictions or internal measures after the detection of a new Omicron subvariant, XBB. 1. 5, but the country will soon update its vaccination programme.
Identity of patient infected with the new Covid-19 variant is unknown
The new variant, XBB. 1. 5 or “Kraken variant”, is one of the 100 sub-variants of the Omicron strain.
South Africa will not impose travel restrictions, says Health Minister Joe Phaahla
The minister said they have engaged scientists, the World Health Organization and the ministerial advisory committee, who suggested that there is no need to impose travel restrictions internally or for any country.
WHO backs mask-wearing on long flights, given rapid spread of Omicron variant
Passengers should be recommended to wear masks in high-risk settings such as long-haul flights.
Four new Covid-19 cases detected in Motherwell
The variant, which was first discovered in gene sequencing carried out by researchers at Stellenbosch University, is said to be from the Omicron lineage.
Health Department monitoring Covid-19 cases after new ‘Kraken’ variant bares its teeth in SA
The variant was discovered in gene sequencing carried out by researchers at Stellenbosch University from a December 27 sample.
Dawn is in sight for China’s Covid-19 measures
At present, there is no vaccine in the world that can completely prevent infection.
Your guide to smoother holiday travel
While you can’t control the climate or the masses or the airlines, you can take some steps to avoid common pitfalls.
Canada to end Covid-19 border and quarantine restrictions
The Canadian federal government has announced the removal of all Covid-19 entry restrictions, effective from October 1.
WHO warns against antibody treatments for Covid-19 patients
The World Health Organization has strongly advised against antibody treatments for Covid-19 patients, saying antibody drugs sotrovimab and casirivimab-imdevimab are not working on new variants.
International travellers are flocking to SA, and these are the destinations they plan to visit
South Africa is on many overseas visitors’ bucket list with data showing that international travellers are booking further in advance in 2022 than they did in 2019.
New Covid sub -variant found in India
Global reductions in Covid-19 testing may have impacted on the detection of the new Omicron Covid-19 sub-variant, BA 2. 75.
There’s no new Centaurus variant, says WHO official
Social media has unofficially nicknamed the Omicron BA. 2. 75 subvariant as ‘Centaurus'.
Adapted 2-strain vaccines to boost protection against Covid-19
While the existing coronavirus vaccines continue to provide good protection against hospitalisation and death, vaccine effectiveness has taken a hit as the virus has evolved.
Covid-19 stricken cruise ship docks in Sydney amid rise in cases
There were more than 2 000 people on board, and more than 100 passengers and staff tested Covid-19 positive.
WHO monitors new sub-variant of Omicron BA. 2. 75 first detected in India
The sub-variant was first reported in India, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan.
WATCH: FDA panel approves Moderna, Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines for children under five
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel of 21 medical experts has unanimously approved the use of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines on children aged 6 months to 5 years.
FDA weighs Covid-19 vaccines for children as young as 6 months
The US government is planning for a June 21 start to its under-5 vaccination campaign should the vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech receive FDA authorisation.