Omicron live updates: New Zealand to start easing tough border controls

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a five-step plan to reconnect New Zealand to the rest of the world

• Largest study yet sheds new light on Covid-19 Omicron variant
• GCC countries reintroduce Covid measures amid surge in cases
• WHO: half of Europe will be infected with Omicron in weeks

Omicron – also known as B.1.1.529 – is a coronavirus variant with an unusually large number of mutations. It was first detected in South Africa, but has since spread around the world.

Follow our live blog below for the latest updates.

Updated: February 03, 2022, 4:20 AM