G7 to Hold Emergency Meeting on the 29th to Discuss Omicron Measures

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Group of Seven (G7), including the United States and Japan, has decided to convene an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures against the newly discovered COVID-19 variant in Africa, 'Omicron.'

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the 28th (local time), the UK government, the chair country of the G7, announced this decision. The emergency meeting is expected to be held remotely, such as online.

Reports indicate that Omicron has been detected in countries including the UK, Canada, Germany, and Italy, with infections rapidly spreading.

Although no cases have yet been confirmed in Japan or the United States, concerns about Omicron are growing.

In this emergency meeting, detailed analysis of Omicron is expected, including whether there is a possibility of reducing its infectivity, in addition to discussing countermeasures against Omicron.

The UK government announced on the same day that a third new infection case had been discovered. According to BBC, the infected person has already left the UK but was identified to have visited central London, where the UK Parliament is located.

In response to the spread of Omicron, governments worldwide are strengthening regulations. The UK has reinstated the mandatory wearing of masks on public transportation and requires PCR testing for overseas arrivals. Israel has decided to ban entry for all foreigners.