The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the Covid-19 virus continues to spread globally, reaching 4.63 million cases by Sunday, January 1, 2023. According to GISAID data, the Republic of the Congo reported the highest increase in Omicron cases, with 137 new cases. The total number of Omicron cases in the Republic of the Congo currently represents 0 percent of the global total.
Guatemala follows with a weekly growth in Omicron cases of 18.89 percent, reporting 2,140 new cases. Daily statistics show a 4.54 percent increase in Omicron cases compared to the previous day's 2,047 cases.
Next, North Korea saw a 6.71 percent increase in Omicron cases, reaching 75,337 compared to the previous week. Japan reported 317,270 new Omicron cases (a 2.73% increase), and Peru saw a 2.41 percent increase, reaching 25,284 cases compared to the previous week.
In Indonesia, the number of Omicron cases reached 31,493, a 0.29 percent increase compared to the previous day. Since it was first monitored, the number of Omicron cases in Indonesia has 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.