Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, which has spread rapidly within the US, already arrived in Korea last month, authorities confirmed, raising concerns over the spread of the strain believed to have resistance against updated vaccines. | asianewsnetwork
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday, the XBB.1.5 subvariant accounted for 21.7 percent of all COVID-19 infections there as of Dec. 24, and then nearly doubled in a week to reach 40.5 percent of total COVID-19 cases as of Saturday.
Concerns are growing as researchers at Columbia University recently announced that XBB subvariants have resistance against updated vaccines as well as Evusheld, a monoclonal treatment for COVID-19. Entrants departing from Hong Kong and Macau will also be subject to mandatory COVID-19 tests starting Saturday. Visitors must receive a PCR or rapid test before entering the country and fill out the Q-code questionnaire that asks about recent travel history and symptoms. COVID-19 tests after entering the country will be conducted only for those with symptoms.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DOH: No cases of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 detected in PHNo cases of the highly contagious Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 have been detected in the country, according to the Department of Health on Tuesday.
Read more »
New Year brings new commander to WesmincomNew Wesmincom commander, Major General Roy Galido says the actual turnover might be on the second week of January.
Read more »
Yoon says South Korea, US discussing exercises using nuclear assetsThe Chosun Ilbo newspaper quotes the South Korean president as saying that the joint planning and exercises would be aimed at a more effective implementation of the US 'extended deterrence.'
Read more »
South Korea, US discuss joint nuclear exercisesSEOUL: Seoul and Washington are discussing joint planning and exercises involving US nuclear assets to counter growing threats from the nuclear-armed North, South Korean President...
Read more »
US not discussing nuclear exercises with South Korea, says BidenThe United States is not discussing joint nuclear exercises with South Korea, President Joe Biden said on Monday, contradicting remarks by his South Korean counterpart as tensions flare with North Korea.
Read more »