New York and Hawaii in the United States have reported their first cases of the Omicron form, as the US has implemented new steps to prevent COVID-19.

New York became the fourth state to confirm occurrences of the new strain. In contrast, Hawaii became the fifth, with at least ten cases confirmed across the United States, including a second in California.

Panama restricts travel from eight African nations due to the presence of the Omicron strain

Panama has placed a temporary travel ban on citizens of eight African nations, citing fears over the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 strain.

According to a statement from Panama, the limitation applies to tourists who have visited South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi within the preceding two weeks government.

Panamanians and residents must submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entry, while those not vaccinated must enter "preventative quarantine," the ministry added.

According to California, This is the second omicron case in two days

California has confirmed its second instance of the Omicron COVID strain in many days.

According to the Los Angeles County public health agency, a county resident is self-isolating after catching the infection last month while traveling to South Africa.

Additional cases were reported Thursday in the metropolitan area of New York City, Minnesota, Hawaii, and Colorado, bringing the total number of verified cases in the United States to at least ten.

Australia reports the possibility of Omicron variant transmission among the community

In Australia, New South Wales (NSW) has reported its ninth Omicron case, which authorities believe may be the first acquired by community transmission.

According to NSW Health, the "virus may have been acquired in the community, as the case has no history of international travel or connections to people who have."

According to authorities, the case involves a western Sydney student.