this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. the uk tops 100,000 daily covid cases for the second consecutive day a record high. scientists cautiously welcome studies suggesting the omicron variant is milder than delta. but the uk health secretary warns the number of infections could still lead to hospitals being overwhelmed. we do know with 0micron that it does spread a lot more quickly, it s more infectious than delta, so any advantage gained from reduced risk of hospitalisation needs to be set against that. tighter restrictions across europe spain is reintroducing mandatory mask wear outdoors and belgium is to close theatres
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 264.13 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.23 million and vaccinations soared to over 8.07 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University.
China is expected to continue its much-criticised Zero COVID policy, shutting the country to most of the world as a new study has warned of a "colossal outbreak" with over 6.30 lakh patients per day if it opens up.
Bengaluru: The state of Karnataka saw a 40 percent drop in Covid vaccinations in October, causing concern among health officials. According . | News Track