With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

WHO is monitoring around 200 Omicron sublineages

“The virus is still circulating at an incredibly intense level around the world,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s Covid-19 technical lead. She further said that the WHO is monitoring around 200 sublineages of the Omicron variant, especially the BA.2.75, BF.7 and BA.4.6 subvariants. However, the decline in testing and surveillance is making it difficult to follow those that are currently circulating and also track the emerging new variants…(Source: CNBC, Sept. 22, 2022).

Bivalent Covid-19 booster vaccine may soon be available for pediatric age group

Children aged 5-11 years, who have completed their primary vaccine series may soon be able to take the bivalent Covid-19 booster dose, if they are approved by the US FDA, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pfizer vaccine is expected to be approved for children aged 5-11 years, while the Moderna vaccine may be approved for children aged 6-17 years.  Currently, while the updated Moderna booster vaccine is approved for adults, while individuals aged 12 years and older are eligible to take the Pfizer bivalent vaccine…(Source: Medscape, Sept. 22, 2022). 

No mandatory vaccination for travelers visiting Canada

Canada may no longer require inbound travelers to be vaccinated by the end of this month, as per reports. Unvaccinated travelers have to undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days at present. Covid-19 testing at airport will also stop…(Source: Medscape, Sept. 22, 2022).

Hong Kong ends it mandatory hotel quarantine rule

In a departure from its zero Covid policy, Hong Kong will drop the mandatory hotel quarantine for visitors to Hong Kong from next week. After two years of strict rules, a pre-departure negative Covid test will also not be required, although the travelers would need to self-monitor their health for 3 days… (Source: BBC, Sept. 23, 2022)