The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the COVID-19 virus is spreading globally, reaching 428,650 cases by Thursday, January 20, 2022. Mayotte ranks first, with a weekly increase in Omicron cases growing by 1,700 percent. GISAID recorded 54 new Omicron cases in the country. Daily cases in this region increased by 38.46 percent compared to the previous day.
Following Mayotte is Croatia (Hrvatska), with a weekly growth in Omicron cases reaching 1,263.64 percent. Daily Omicron cases in the country increased by 400 percent compared to the previous day, which recorded 30 cases.
Furthermore, Omicron cases in Poland increased by 450.21 percent to 1,315 cases compared to the previous week, Slovenia saw a 1,619-case increase (up 423.95 percent), and New Zealand saw a 382.05 percent increase, reaching 376 cases compared to the previous week.
Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the number of Omicron cases recorded today is 902, a 2.85 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.