COVID-19 WRAP | Omicron variant reported in 89 countries

December 18 2021 - 20:12

Premier League clubs to meet over Covid-19 crisis — reports

Premier League clubs will meet on Monday to discuss disruptions caused by Covid-19, British media reported, after nine scheduled top-flight matches have been postponed due to outbreaks at various teams.

Chelsea and Liverpool had key players missing on Thursday while Tottenham Hotspur, who had 13 cases among players and staff, have not played since December 5 and had three games postponed in all competitions.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said managers and players will hold their own meetings next week after a number of club bosses called for more clarity on the criteria for postponing games due to Covid-19.

December 18 2021 - 15:48

Rampant Covid-19 variant on the rampage in 89 countries, says WHO

The Omicron variant of Covid-19, revealed by SA scientists just 23 days ago, has been reported in 89 countries, the World Health Organisation said on Saturday.

The number of cases is doubling every 1.5 to three days in areas with community transmission, the WHO said.

December 18 2021 - 11:00

Ukraine reports its first case of Omicron coronavirus variant

Ukraine has detected its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant, Health Minister Viktor Lyashko said on Saturday.

The infected person recently returned to Ukraine from the United Arab Emirates, Lyashko said on Facebook.

So far Ukraine has reported 3.6 million cases of COVID-19 and 92,929 deaths

- Reuters