UK, Germany and Italy detect Omicron variant cases, Israel closes borders as the world waits
Summary:
Britain, Germany, Italy say Omicron cases detected
UK PM Johnson unveils new measures to prevent Christmas lockdown
Israel bans entry to all foreigners
Dutch authorities test air passengers for Omicron variant
Britain, Germany and Italy are detecting cases of the new Omicron coronavirus variant as countries around the world reimpose travel restrictions..
The discovery of the variant sparked global concern, with a fresh wave of travel bans and a global sell-off on financial markets.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced new steps to contain the virus.
Face coverings will become mandatory again in shops and on public transport in England from next week.
More stringent testing
PCR tests for everyone entering the UK will be introduced and all contacts of new variant cases will have to self-isolate.
The two linked cases of Omicron found in Britain are connected to travel to southern Africa.
But Boris Johnson is promising that Christmas will be “considerably better” than in 2020.
The measures are “temporary and precautionary”, he says.
The UK PM laid out measures which included stricter testing rules for people arriving in the country.
Mr Johnson said: “Our scientists are learning more hour by hour, and it does appear that Omicron spreads very rapidly and can be spread between people who are double vaccinated.”
Global disruption
Israel will ban the entry of all foreigners into the country and reintroduce counter-terrorism phone-tracking technology to contain the spread of the variant.
In Germany, the health ministry announced two confirmed cases of the variant. The two people entered Germany at Munich airport on Nov. 24.
In Italy, the National Health Institute says case of the new variant had been detected in Milan.
New strain, old pain
Omicron, dubbed a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization, is than previous variants of the disease.
Experts do not know yet if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains.
The variant was first discovered in South Africa and had also since been detected in Belgium, Botswana, Israel and Hong Kong.
Epidemiologists say travel curbs may be too late to stop Omicron from circulating globally.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and State Department are advising against travel to eight southern African countries.
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
In Short:
– Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested for allegedly murdering activist Charlie Kirk, 31, at a university event in Utah.
– Witnesses revealed Robinson’s negative views on Kirk and links to anti-fascist sentiments through his messages and actions.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested following the alleged murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, during a university event in Utah.
Authorities reported that Robinson shared details about the incident on Discord, discussing his actions after the shooting.
He reportedly inscribed internet culture references on the bullets used, including anti-fascist sentiments.
Witness testimonies indicate Robinson had expressed negative views about Kirk prior to the attack, which he described as “spreading hate.”
He arrived campus in a grey Dodge Challenger and opened fire, leading to Kirk’s immediate collapse. Following the incident, Robinson’s father and a minister turned him in to the police.
Political Context
Robinson’s messages, including references to anti-fascist imagery and memes, indicated a motive tied to Kirk’s political beliefs.
Governor Spencer Cox noted Robinson’s increasing political engagement and dissatisfaction with Kirk’s views in conversations with relatives. The investigation raised concerns over targeted violence linked to political ideology.
Wall Street traders are increasingly confident the Federal Reserve will cut rates next week.
Fresh inflation data has showed prices edging higher but growth slowing, and with jobs, markets, and political pressure all in focus, the Fed’s decision could be pivotal for the economy.
In Short:
– Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was killed at Utah Valley University.
– A manhunt for the actual shooter is underway; two men have been questioned and released without charges.
Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The incident occurred around 12:20 PM when Kirk was shot in the neck, leading to a chaotic scene as attendees fled. Kirk, a father of two, died shortly after being taken to a local hospital.Investigators believe the shooter fired from a building approximately 200 yards away.
During the aftermath, two men, one of whom claimed to have fired the shot, were taken into custody but later released without charges. A manhunt is ongoing for the actual shooter.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that those responsible will be held accountable, outlining the state’s commitment to justice.
President Donald Trump condemned the political climate surrounding Kirk’s death, blaming extreme rhetoric and violence.
In a statement, he remembered Kirk as a patriot who advocated for open debate. Following the incident, vigils were held nationwide, and classes at the university have been cancelled.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigations continue, American flags will fly at half-staff until Sunday in honour of Kirk.
“I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, told a news conference.
“And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said that its State Crime Lab was “working with multiple active crime scenes”.
“These were identified based on where the victim was shot, as well as the locations where the suspect and victim travelled,” a department statement said.
“The shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard.”
Eyewitness account
Attendee Tiana Lao said the shooting came as a shock in what otherwise felt like an= normal event.
“We didn’t realise it was real at first and then everyone began rushing out, shouting to get down in panic and distress,” she told ABC News.
“People were excited. There were some opponents like there usually are at these events … but they were peaceful, so this was a total shock.”