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ANP Productions | Source: ANP
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New York
The US state of New York declares a state of emergency over concerns about the corona pandemic. That happened hours after Governor Kathy Hochul reported that the new Omicron variant is being closely monitored in her state, according to local media.
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Declaring a state of emergency gives authorities more options to intervene if the situation worsens. For example, according to NBC New York may be ordered to limit non-emergency medical procedures in hospitals. Potential staff shortages in healthcare can also be tackled more effectively.
The emergency measures will come into effect on December 3 and are not just related to Omicron. Authorities say pressure on hospitals has already increased in the past month. In the state of approximately 20 million inhabitants, about 300 corona patients are admitted to hospital every day.
much unclear
According to the news channel, Hochul said there are signs that the number of infections will increase significantly again in the winter. “And while the new Omicron variant has not yet been discovered in New York State, it is headed our way.”
Much is still unclear about Omicron, but it is feared that this virus variant could spread more quickly. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled the new variant discovered in South Africa as worrisome. Several countries, including the Netherlands, have introduced travel restrictions for countries in southern Africa to prevent the spread.
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