Covid-19 pandemic: Global call for booster shot amid fresh Omicron curbs

Governments globally have tightened social mobility restrictions and made urgent pleas for citizens to vaccinate

Singapore suspended quarantine-free travel bookings and Australia boosted its readiness on Wednesday by announcing new vaccination funding for clinics and pharmacies. As surging Omicron infections just days before Christmas forced authorities to impose new curbs and expedite booster shots, Israel said it would administer a fourth dose of coronavirus vaccine to people over the age of 60 and medical personnel. It has become the first nation in the world to do so on such a widespread basis. 

Meanwhile, France’s health minister Olivier Veran said the country could soon have around 100,000 new Covid-19 cases a day, up from around 70,000 currently