With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

India records 228 new infections yesterday 

In the last 24 hours, 228 new cases were recorded in the country and the active cases are 2503, according to latest data from the Health Ministry. Nearly 2 lakh tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. The recovery rate is 98.8%. So far, 220.12 crore doses of vaccine have been administered. More than 95 crore people have taken the second dose and nearly 23 crore have also taken the precaution dose…(Source: Press Information Bureau, Jan. 6, 2023).

BA.5.2 and BF.7 causing the surge in cases in China

The surge in cases in China is mainly due to the BA.5.2 and BF.7 sublineages of the Omicron variant causing 97.5% of all local infections, according to the WHO. More than 2000 genome sequencing have been performed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention…(Source: Reuters, Jan. 4, 2023).

Japan imposes strict border control measures for Chinese travelers 

Strict border control measures for inbound travelers from China will be implemented from Sunday in view of the sharp increase in the number of people who test positive on arrival at airports. All travelers from China are required to submit a negative Covid test within 72 hours of the day of departure. Airlines have been asked to restrict the number of flights from China …(Source: Medscape, Jan. 5, 2023).

Negative Covid test mandatory for travelers from China coming into the US 

Travellers from China, Hong Kong and Macau coming into the United States are required to furnish a negative Covid-19 test or documentation of recovery within 2 days of their departure from these countries. This is regardless of their vaccination status …(Source: CDC, Dec. 28, 2022).