In one week, Omicron cases in Saudi Arabia increased by 38.2% (Friday, October 21, 2022)

The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the Covid-19 virus continues to spread globally, reaching 4.86 million cases by Friday, October 21, 2022. Saudi Arabia recorded the highest increase in Omicron cases, with weekly growth reaching 38.2 percent. GISAID recorded 123 new Omicron cases in the country. Daily cases in this region increased by 16.04 percent compared to the previous day.

Serbia followed with a weekly growth in Omicron cases of 10.57 percent. 1,193 new Omicron cases were reported in the country. Daily statistics show a 10.36 percent increase in Omicron cases compared to the previous day, which recorded 1,081 cases.

Next, the increase in Omicron cases in Puerto Rico rose by 6.42 percent to 9,508 cases compared to the previous week, Nepal with 1,132 additional Omicron cases (up 4.43%), and the Dominican Republic with 797 additional Omicron cases (up 3.1%).

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the addition of Omicron cases up to yesterday's data recorded 24,420 cases, or a 0.25 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.