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Omicron ‘overtaking’ Delta in South Africa

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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.

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Keir Starmer urges bold AI regulation in the UK

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Labour leader Keir Starmer is advocating for strong measures to regulate artificial intelligence in the UK. He argues that such steps are vital to protect jobs and ensure public safety as technology evolves at a rapid pace.

Starmer has outlined a proposed governance framework to oversee the development and use of AI. He highlights the importance of collaboration between the government and tech companies to establish responsible guidelines.

This approach reflects a major shift in the UK’s strategy, balancing the transformative potential of AI with the need to safeguard workers and society.

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LA wildfires burn as death toll rises

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Firefighters in California are waging an intense battle against historic wildfires.

Fire officials are employing a specialized fleet of aircraft to combat the flames from above.

The state’s aerial fleet, managed by Cal Fire, is the largest department-owned firefighting aviation unit in the world, operating from 14 airfields and 11 helicopter bases across the state.

However, a troubling revelation has emerged: a critical reservoir in Pacific Palisades, part of Los Angeles’ water supply system, was out of commission during the height of the fires, raising serious concerns about water availability for firefighting efforts.

As the fires continue to claim lives and devastate communities, we explore the coordination, challenges, and critical gaps in resources impacting the emergency response.

Oz Sultan, the Chief Strategist with the Sultan Interactive Group joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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Biden’s final speech: climate threats and Gaza ceasefire

Biden warns Trump team on climate denial, pushes for Gaza ceasefire with hostages’ release and humanitarian assistance.

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Biden warns Trump team on climate denial, pushes for Gaza ceasefire with hostages’ release and humanitarian assistance.

Joe Biden has delivered his last policy speech, addressing critical issues facing the future.

In his remarks, he directly challenged officials in the incoming Trump administration who doubt the reality of climate change.

Biden stated, “They are dead wrong. It’s the single greatest existential threat to humanity.”

He said that the transition to clean energy is already underway and highlighted the competition with China for dominance in clean energy manufacturing and supply chains.

Biden asserted that the United States must succeed in this contest to shape the global economy for decades.

Biden announced he is actively pursuing a ceasefire deal in Gaza during his final days in office.

He stated that the proposed deal aims to release hostages held by Hamas and halt the ongoing fighting.

Biden indicated that this agreement would also enhance security for Israel while significantly increasing humanitarian assistance to the region.

He expressed understanding for the suffering of the Palestinian people, stating they have experienced immense hardship due to the conflict initiated by Hamas.

He stressed the urgency of closing the deal to reunite families with their loved ones taken as hostages.

Biden’s focus on these pressing matters reflects his commitment to addressing significant global challenges even as his presidency comes to a close.

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