Omicron Variant: Mainland France reports first case of heavily mutated COVID-19 strain

French Healthcare authorities on Thursday confirmed first case of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in mainland France. According to Ile-de-France Regional Health ncy, cited by Associated Press, a 50-year-old living in city of Paris tested positive for Omicron variant after returning from a trip to Nigeria. However, infected individual showed symptoms after he and his wife tested positive on vember 25 on ir return to country.

While much remains unkwn about new variant of COVID virus, including its transmission capacity, apex health care bodies around world have continued to be concerned over heavily mutating virus. France reported its first Omicron case on Tuesday in island of La Reunion situated in France-Indian ocean. infected individual was identified to be a man who returned to island from South Africa and Mozambique on vember 20.

France to demand negative COVID report regardless of vaccination status

In a bid to curb spre of new COVID strain, Omicron, France has decided to amp up its inter-border travel restrictions. Speaking at weekly Defence Council meeting on December 1, French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal informed that all visitors from countries outside European Union (EU) will need to provide mandatory negative COVID reports on arrival, regardless of ir vaccination status beginning from weekend, Independent UK reported. results could be eir from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test taken within 48 hours before arrival.

It is pertinent to mention that global superpowers are w in constant vigilance after new heavily mutated variant of COVID virus, Omicron, was detected in South Africa. On Saturday, Germany, and Italy anunced that y h detected cases of Omicron, Euro News reported. Two linked cases of new variant, which is feared to be immune evasive, were also detected in Britain in persons having a travel history to sourn Africa, British Health Minister Sajid Javid informed, citing UK Health and Security ncy (UKHSA) via a Twitter post. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with 'Omicron'. Since n, cases have also been reported from Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Britain, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, Nerlands, France, South Africa, and United States' neighbour, Cana.

(With inputs from AP)

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