With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

XBB.1.5 causing surge in cases, says WHO

The XBB.1.5 Omicron sublineage may be causing the rise in number of cases, according to the WHO following a technical meeting Thursday last week. However, it also notes that since more than 80% of the sequences were from the US, this might not be an accurate assessment…(Source: Reuters, Jan. 12, 2023). 

EU makes negative Covid test mandatory for travelers from China

The European Union now requires a negative pre-departure Covid test and wearing a face mask during the flight for all travelers from China. Other clauses include random testing of passengers and wastewater testing and sequencing for flights arriving from China…(Source: Medscape, Jan. 12, 2023).

Japan to quarantine all Covid-positive travelers from China

All passengers from China coming into Japan will be tested on arrival if they had been in China in the week before their flight. A 7-day quarantine is mandatory for those who test positive for Covid. A negative Covid test within 72 hours of boarding the flight has also been made mandatory…(Source: Medscape, Jan. 12, 2023).

174 new cases reported in India

India recorded 174 new cases and administered 49,597 doses in the last 24 hours, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. The current active cases are 2257 and the recovery rate is 98.8%. A total of 220.16 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far, which includes 95.14 crore second dose and 22.45 crore precaution dose…(Source: Press Information Bureau, Jan. 13, 2023).

WHO to meet at the end of this month to decide if Covid is still a public health emergency  

The WHO’s Emergency Committee will meet on January 27 to decide if Covid-19 still merited the status of a public health emergency of International Concern. However, following the situation in China, concerns have been raised that it may not be the right time to call off the emergency phase…(Source: Reuters, Jan. 11, 23).