Putrajaya has paused the plan to move the country into the endemic phase of COVID-19, due to the emergence of the Omicron variant of the virus.
According to Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, the decision was taken by the cabinet at a Quartet Ministers meeting yesterday, until more is known about the Omicron variant, which the World Health Organization (WHO)has dubbed as posing a "very high" risk globally.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament yesterday, Hishammuddin stressed that the travel ban imposed on seven African countries, namely South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, were based on health factors and not other reasons.
"I believe that these African countries understand that it isn't about diplomacy or geopolitics, but health. We don't want to jeopardise our progress in the last one-and-a-half years with irresponsible decisions," The Star quoted him saying.
It was initially reported that the Omicron variant was found by South African scientists on November 24, but now it has been revealed that the variant has taken a foothold elsewhere much earlier than the said date.
Among the countries which have reported cases of the variant are the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, Austria, Canada, Italy, Israel and Japan, among others.
Amid the breakout of the Omicron variant, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has urged the public to practise continued vigilance and adherence to COVID-19 protocols, and get their vaccine booster shots.
Source: The Star
Photo source: The Edge
Shuman
Wed Dec 01 2021

Subramaniam Sooryapparad I Saravedi Talk
HEMANATHAN I Saravedi Talk
Capt Murthi I Saravedi Talk
Kabil Ganesan I Saravedi Games
Kabil Ganesan I Saravedi Talk
YBhg Datuk Dr. Ravee Packirisamy I Saravedi Talk
GS Tharmann I Saravedi Games
Tamil Amutham_Week 4
Recap of the top 20 contestants of the Tamil Pechu Potti competition: They will engage in a Face-Off Challenge during the corresponding week of the Saravedi Night.
In Week 4, Thamayanthyi and Pugalini competed to win the coveted title. The event is also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
In Week 4, Thamayanthyi and Pugalini competed to win the coveted title. The event is also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
Vaara Raasipalan I 17th September 2023 - 24th September 2023
Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you! Don't miss Raasipalan, the weekly astrology program on Vaanavil every Sunday at 9am.
Social Experiment | Hari Malaysia | Astro Ulagam
Testing the Heart of Unity: Will Malaysians come to the rescue when someone is about to faint?
Watch the Hari Malaysia special social experiment to find out the result! Selamat Hari Malaysia, dear Malaysians!
#HariMalaysia60 #DemiNegaraku #astroulagam
Watch the Hari Malaysia special social experiment to find out the result! Selamat Hari Malaysia, dear Malaysians!
#HariMalaysia60 #DemiNegaraku #astroulagam