The new COVID-19 variant Omicron is causing a rise in reinfections in South Africa, a scientist studying the strain has said, though also appears to have less severe symptoms. David Doyle has more.
Omicron is causing an increase in COVID-19 reinfections in South Africa, a scientist studying the new strain has said, and is fast overtaking Delta to become the country’s dominant variant.
Professor Anne von Gottberg, a microbiologist at South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases, was speaking at a World Health Organization press conference on Thursday (December 2).
“Previous infection used to protect against Delta but now with Omicron that doesn’t seem to be the case.”
However, she said she and her colleagues believe new infections and reinfections with Omicron would feature less severe symptoms.
COVID-19 cases are rising dramatically in South Africa – one of the southern African countries that first detected the variant.
Speaking at the same event, the WHO’s regional emergency director for Africa, Dr Salam Gueye, said the organization was working closely with countries to step up the response to the new variant.
“In South Africa, where WHO has already a team working in genomic sequencing, we are deploying a surge team in Gauteng province to support surveillance and contact tracing.”
But Gueye also warned that only 7.5% of Africans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – and that 80% haven’t had a single shot.
“This is a dangerously wide gap.”
Many countries have imposed travel bans on passengers from southern Africa.
African leaders have protested – saying they are being punished for their transparency in reporting data on Omicron.
On Thursday Ghana said it had detected the new strain in 34 samples from travelers who returned to the country between November 21 and 25 – but gave no further details about those who were tested.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has reassured passengers following a series of incidents involving the carrier’s aircraft.
Amid growing safety concerns, CEO Kirby has stated that thorough investigations are underway to determine the root causes of the incidents and to implement necessary changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The questions remains, will the public’s trust in the airline be restored and how effective are United’s safety protocols and training programs? #TICKER TODAY #featured
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has moved to reassure passengers following a series of incidents involving the carrier’s aircraft, ranging from engine and structural issues to a wheel falling off during takeoff.
In a letter addressed to United customers, Kirby emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety and pledged to thoroughly investigate each incident.
“Safety is our highest priority and is at the center of everything we do,” Kirby stated in the letter.
“Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety.”
The incidents, which occurred on both Boeing and Airbus planes, were all unrelated but have raised concerns about safety standards within the airline industry.
Kirby acknowledged the seriousness of the incidents and emphasized that they have prompted United to intensify its focus on safety protocols.
Recent incidents
Among the recent incidents cited by Kirby were a Boeing 777 forced to return to Sydney midflight due to a hydraulic leak, an Airbus A320 making an emergency landing in Los Angeles due to reported hydraulics issues, and a Boeing 737 veering onto the grass after landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
Additionally, a Boeing 777-200 bound for Japan experienced a tire loss shortly after takeoff from San Francisco, and a flight from Houston to Fort Myers, Florida, had to make an emergency landing due to an engine issue, with flames seen spewing from one of the engines in a video captured by a passenger.
In February, a Boeing 757 operated by United diverted to address an issue with the wing slat, prompting concerns from passengers about the integrity of the aircraft.
United Airlines is currently conducting a comprehensive review of each incident to gain insights into what happened and to inform safety training and procedures across all employee groups.
Kirby announced plans to provide pilots with an extra day of in-person training starting in May and to implement a centralized training curriculum for new-hire maintenance technicians. Additionally, the airline is dedicating more resources to supplier network management.
Confusion and criticism erupted among shoppers in response to the latest offering from fashion brand Free People, as they unveiled their “micro shorts” collection on Instagram earlier this month.
The controversial post, featuring a series of images showcasing the ultra-short denim shorts, sparked a wave of bemusement and disapproval from Instagram users.
“We are wearing micro shorts this season. Link in bio to shop the styles,” read the caption accompanying the post.
However, instead of sparking excitement for the upcoming season, the micro shorts received a barrage of mocking comments, with many expressing bewilderment at the impracticality and extreme tightness of the garments.
Comedian Nicole Aimèe Schreiber quipped, “If you look closely enough, you can see her ovary release an egg,” while fellow comedian Ellen Skrmetti simply stated, “No ma’am…no ma’am.”
Lifestyle blogger Lee Anne Benjamin concurred, stating, “Ya it’s gunna be a no for me dawg,” echoing the sentiments of many who felt the micro shorts were simply too extreme for everyday wear.
Among the chorus of disapproval was Andrea Allen, founder of Deliciously Fit N Healthy, who said, “Who is ‘WE’? We are not. Leave the micro anything for the baby section at target. Bring back adult size clothes!!!”
Similar sentiments were echoed by social media influencer Mandi Lidgard, who humorously remarked, “Nothing like a good ol jean diaper.”
Micro bottoms
The Free People website currently features a range of “micro bottoms” products, including pants, shorts, skirts, and jumpsuits, with sizes ranging from XS to XL and prices spanning from $30 to approximately $400.
Interestingly, the trend of “micro shorts” for men gained traction in 2021, with predictions of their popularity among fitness enthusiasts during the summer months.