Omicron explosion now hits 89 countries with cases doubling in days WHO warns as rapid variant spreads ‘like lightning’

OMICRON has been reported in 89 countries and cases are doubling in one to three days in areas, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned today. WHO also revealed the super mutant coronavirus was spreading rapidly in countries with high levels of population immunity — raising fears about how spreadable it is and the effectiveness of vaccines.  GettyOmicron is rapidly spreading throughout Europe and the world[/caption] GettyA passenger wearing a protective face mask waits to board a train at Gare de Lyon in Paris[/caption] The agency designated Omicron a variant of concern in November. 26, soon after it was first detected. Much is still not known about it, including the severity of the illness it causes. A statement from WHO read: “There is still limited data on the clinical severity of Omicron. “More data are needed to understand the severity profile and how severity is impacted by vaccination and pre-existing immunity.” It added: “There is still limited available data, and no peer-reviewed evidence, on vaccine efficacy or effectiveness to date for Omicron.” Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Jean Castex warned the Omicron variant was “spreading at lightning speed” in Europe and will likely become dominant in France by the start of next year. Most read in The Sun DAD'S AGONY My boys were so excited about their 1st footie match… now I'll never take them XMAS TRAGEDY Mum was 'shopping at Sainsbury's' as house fire killed home alone twins, 3 & 4 FIRE HORROR Twins' presents were 'piled under tree' before fire 'sparked by Xmas lights' PAIN IN SPAIN Spain holidays are OVER as thousands of Brits cancel their breaks FLOW BEFORE YOU GO Man reveals how fast lateral flow tests turn positive as Omicron spreads WINTER WARMER Brits have hours to apply for up to £285 FREE before Xmas - can you claim? Nearly 3,000 people are in intensive care with Covid-19 in France, according to latest figures. Meanwhile, French people will become eligible for booster jabs four months from the date of their second. Mr Castex said: “While we have given time, a lot of time for those French people who were hesitant and had doubts, in January we will strengthen the incentive for vaccination because it is not acceptable that the refusal of a few million French people to be vaccinated, puts the life of an entire country at risk.” From today travellers will need to show a compelling reason for travel between Britain and France, under shock new rules announced to combat the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Nations across Europe are moving to reimpose tougher measures to stem a new wave of COVID-19 infections spurred by the highly transmissible omicron variant, triggering calls for protests from Paris to Barcelona. As case numbers escalated, alarmed ministers in France, and Austria tightened travel restrictions.  Paris cancelled its New Year’s Eve fireworks.  Denmark closed theaters, concert halls, amusement parks and museums.  Ireland has imposed an 8pm curfew on pubs and bars and limited attendance at indoor and outdoor events. AFPFrench PM Jean Castex vowed to upgrade rules forcing people to be jabbed[/caption]