lavandula

Hi all, I just heard in a podcast from the Sydney Morning Herald this morning that Belgium has just detected its first case of Omicron, the new Covid strain. Europe is stopping planes from southern Africa to stop the spread. I have linked to the print story here:

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/...27-p59cnq.html

So if you are thinking about travelling to Belgium in the next month, now probably isn't the time.

Lavandula

Christina

That news has been around for a while on all the major news channels where I live, as well as newspapers for days. It was announced by WHO last Wed, I believe.
That is old news by new as it has been found in other European countries, including Spain, germany, Netherlands et al. Not surprising.

It's in Australia FYI

https://www.reuters.com/world/new-co...es-2021-11-28/
Spain and Portugal, also
https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/27/...vid-19-variant

lavandula

Yes, I know, I live in Australia and they announced the arrival of Omicron a few days ago. This post pre-dates that announcement. And FWIW Omicron is not turning out to be the scourge first thought, although I stand by my information about Belgium - Covid is out of control there, particularly in the Bruges and Ghent areas (East Flanders, West Flanders provinces). Ghent has cancelled Christmas arrangements for 2021, Antwerp has followed suit for Xmas and New Year. Brussels is still welcoming people, but not sure for how much longer. There is a lot of discussion on this over on the Belgium forum of TripAdvisor if you want closer details. Most of the cases are Delta, I think, and not Omicron, so there is a reason to be concerned.

Lavandula

AJPeabody

Saw on BBC this am that omicron is in Scotland, including a few cases with no trace of travel exposure. It is clear that in a few days it will be found everywhere.

Tulips

I cannot stand the sensationalist media coverage anymore. Our chief virologist says it's too soon to say wether this is a threat. It is contageous, but is it lethal? So far those who have it have mild symptoms. It may even be good news; a strain that is very contageous but less lethal would replace the more dangerous strains of the virus. More research is needed. Says Marc Van Ranst, our chief virologist.