Omicron variant: 9 more Omicron cases detected, 4 each in Maharashtra, Kerala; 1st case reported in Tamil Nadu

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that omicron is expected to be the dominant coronavirus variant in the 27-nation bloc by mid-January.The head of the EU's executive branch said the bloc is well prepared to fight omicron with 66.6% of the European population now fully vaccinated against the virus.

With the administration of 68,89,025 Covid-19 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, the cumulative vaccination coverage of India has exceeded 134.61 crore, the Union Health Ministry informed on Wednesday. The ministry's press release said, "India's Covid-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 134.61 Cr (1,34,61,14,483) as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 1,41,10,887 sessions."

Filmmaker Karan Johar and his family members have tested negative for coronavirus.On Wednesday, Karan took to Instagram and issued a statement in which he gave health updates about his family members. He also clarified details about his recent get together at his home with a few members of the film industry.

France on Wednesday begins implementing a new tightening of rules in the fight against Covid-19, meaning people aged 65 and over will lose the validity of their health pass unless they have had a third booster shot. The health pass was introduced in the summer and makes full vaccination against Covid-19, a recent recovery or negative test obligatory for visiting any restaurant or cafe, inter-city train travel and going to cultural venues like cinemas or museums.

Scientists have developed a new molecule that attaches to the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and prevents it from entering human cells and spreading the Covid-19 infection. The researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark noted that the molecule is cheaper and easier to manufacture than the antibodies currently used to treat Covid-19, and to detect viral infection using rapid antigen tests.

The Maharashtra government has once again slashed the price of the RT-PCR test at Mumbai airport.In the beginning, the price was Rs 4,500. Then it was cut down to Rs 3,900. And now it is slashed to Rs 1,975, said a press release.