By Caroline Davies (now); Martin Belam and Samantha Lock (earlier)
Low level of vaccine take-up thought to be factor in Slovakia; Germany’s Jens Spahn says more than 1% of population have Covid
- South Africa’s new cases have risen over 300% in a week
- Covid booster shots significantly strengthen immunity, trial finds
- Black and south Asian Brits urged to get jabs to cut higher death rates
- New York health officials report at least five cases of Omicron variant
- Auckland celebrates end of lockdown with brunch and traffic gridlock
California is reporting its second confirmed case of the Omicron variant in as many days.
The Los Angeles County public health department says a full vaccinated county resident is self-isolating after apparently contracting the infection during a trip to South Africa last month.
