Omicron spreads rapidly, rise in infections expected worldwide in coming days

(Patria) - The new strain of coronavirus, omicron, spreads faster than any strain in nearly two years. Holiday celebrations, gatherings and close contacts could result in a large number of infections. Experts say the good news is that omicron does not cause severe symptoms. 

Some countries are taking new measures, and France has shortened the isolation period from 10 to seven days for fully vaccinated individuals, who can leave isolation after five days if they test negative, while those who are not vaccinated remain in isolation for ten days, but can take a test after the seventh day and if negative, isolation ends. The US had earlier shortened the isolation period as well. 

In England, 162,572 new coronavirus cases have been recorded since the last update, the highest daily tally since the start of the pandemic.

The previous record was set on Friday, when 160,276 new infections were registered.