Weekly Omicron Growth Highest in Pakistan (Sunday, October 16, 2022)

The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the Covid-19 virus continues to spread globally, reaching 3.66 million cases by Sunday, October 16, 2022. Pakistan ranks first, with a weekly increase in Omicron cases of 8.53 percent. GISAID recorded 2,175 new Omicron cases in the country. Daily cases in this region increased by 0.83 percent compared to the previous day.

Next is the Northern Mariana Islands, which recorded a 4.48 percent increase in Omicron cases compared to the previous week. Daily Omicron cases in this country increased by 3.38 percent compared to the previous day.

Furthermore, Omicron cases in India increased by 3.01 percent to 114,680 cases compared to the previous week; in Italy, there were 59,135 additional Omicron cases (a 2.69 percent increase); and in Japan, Omicron cases increased by 2.42 percent to 247,090 cases compared to the previous week.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, as of yesterday, there were 24,015 Omicron cases, a 0.02 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 everyone 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.