Weekly Omicron Growth Highest in Haiti (Saturday, January 21, 2023)

The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the Covid-19 virus continues to spread globally, reaching 6.08 million cases by Saturday, January 21, 2023. Haiti ranks first, with a weekly increase in Omicron cases growing by 132.89 percent. GISAID recorded 177 new Omicron cases in the country. Daily cases in this region increased by 132.89 percent compared to the previous day.

Following Haiti is China (PRC). Compared to the previous week, the increase in Omicron cases in this country grew by 99.71 percent. A total of 3,489 new Omicron cases were reported. Daily statistics show a 59.24 percent increase in Omicron cases compared to the previous day, which recorded 2,191 cases.

Next, Omicron cases in Lebanon increased by 57.71 percent to 593 cases compared to the previous week; in Austria, Omicron cases increased by 11.69 percent to 157,720 cases compared to the previous week; and in Georgia, there were 1,778 additional Omicron cases (a 10.23% increase).

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the total number of Omicron cases recorded to date is 33,394, a 0.1 percent increase compared to the previous day. Since it was first monitored, Omicron cases in Indonesia have continued to rise.

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) urges all parties to remain vigilant in the face of the global surge in Omicron cases. The public is urged to consistently adhere to the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands.