Most of the World’s Vaccines Likely Won’t Prevent Infection From Omicron

Most of the World’s Vaccines Likely Won’t Prevent Infection From Omicron

  A growing body of preliminary research suggests the COVID vaccines used in most of the world offer almost no defense against becoming infected by the highly contagious omicron variant. All vaccines still seem to provide a significant degree of protection against serious illness from omicron, which is the most crucial goal. But only the …

Dow falls 550 pts premarket on virus worries

Dow falls 550 pts premarket on virus worries

The Dow Jones Industrial Average index dropped over 550 points in premarket trade on Monday as concerns surrounding the Omicron coronavirus variant seemingly affected market sentiment. United States President Joe Biden is set to address the nation on December 21 and outline the details of the government’s Winter Plan to “fight against COVID-19.” Furthermore, Senator …

Health officials say omicron variant likely to cause record-high coronavirus cases, hospitalizations in U.S.

Health officials say omicron variant likely to cause record-high coronavirus cases, hospitalizations in U.S.

Top government health officials on Sunday warned that the United States will probably see record numbers of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations as the omicron variant spreads rapidly and forces Americans to again grapple with the dangers of a pandemic that has upended life around the globe.“Unfortunately, I think that that is going to happen. We …

Shares and oil prices lower as Omicron fears hit European markets

Shares and oil prices lower as Omicron fears hit European markets

London shares  fell sharply today as the prospect of tighter Covid-19 restrictions over Christmas leads to more turbulence for European markets. The rapid spread of the Omicron variant and its impact on the global economic outlook has also weighed on oil, with Brent crude trading more than 3% lower at just above $71 a barrel.The …

Oil prices drop 2% as rapid Omicron spread dims fuel demand outlook

Oil prices drop 2% as rapid Omicron spread dims fuel demand outlook

Omicron threat looms over winter holidays in Europe and U.S. Netherlands enters lockdown U.S. drillers add oil and gas rigs for second week in a row SINGAPORE, Dec 20 (Reuters) – Oil prices slumped 3% on Monday as surging cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant in Europe and the United States stoked investor worries that …

UK may face ‘hundreds of thousands’ of COVID cases per day – report

UK may face ‘hundreds of thousands’ of COVID cases per day – report

Tougher restrictions may reportedly soon be introduced in the face of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant, after experts warned there are likely already hundreds of thousands of new infections every day. Stricter measures could be imposed after Boxing Day, according to a report in The Sun newspaper, which said the contingency plan had not yet been …

The Netherlands imposes new virus lockdown

The Netherlands imposes new virus lockdown

LONDON (AP) — Nations across Europe moved to reimpose tougher measures to stem a new wave of COVID-19 infections spurred by the highly transmissible omicron variant, with the Netherlands leading the way by imposing a nationwide lockdown.All non-essential stores, bars and restaurants in the Netherlands will be closed until Jan. 14 starting Sunday, caretaker Prime …

Dow tumbles 530 pts at close on tapering, virus worries

Major stock market benchmarks in the United States ended the session in the red on Friday, with the Dow Jones plunging more than 530 points amid worries regarding both the monetary policy and the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Federal Reserve’s Christopher Waller and Mary Daly both expressed somewhat hawkish stances earlier …

NY to require boosters for ‘fully vaccinated’ status

NY to require boosters for ‘fully vaccinated’ status

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced during a press conference on Thursday that she is planning to introduce legislation that includes a booster shot within the definition of being “fully vaccinated.” While the Democratic governor noted that the legislation needed to be more fleshed out and required more data to be collected, she signaled …