Weekly Omicron Growth Highest in the Northern Mariana Islands (Tuesday, May 17, 2022)

The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the Covid-19 virus continues to spread globally, reaching 3.2 million cases by Tuesday, May 17, 2022. According to GISAID data, the Northern Mariana Islands recorded the highest increase in Omicron cases, with 1,451 new cases. This represents 0.05 percent of the total global Omicron cases.

Serbia follows in second place. Compared to the previous week, Omicron cases in the country increased by 40.74 percent, with 114 new cases reported. Daily statistics show a 6.54 percent increase in new Omicron cases compared to the previous day, which recorded 107 cases.

Next, new Omicron cases in Chile increased by 34.01 percent to 6,127 compared to the previous week; Kosovo saw a 31.68 percent increase to 345 cases; and Bangladesh reported 1,233 new cases (a 19.94 percent increase).

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, 11,240 new Omicron cases were recorded, a 0.49 percent increase compared to the previous day. Since its initial detection, Omicron cases in Indonesia have continued to rise.

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