First Omicron case detected in Algeria

Algeria's Pasteur Institute (IPA) announced on Tuesday that it has detected the first Omicron case in a foreigner who entered Algeria on December 10.

"As part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus sequencing activity carried out by the Pasteur Institute of Algeria, it has detected the country's first Omicron variant case (B.1.1.529)," said the IPA.

"This foreigner tested positive upon arrival at the airport of Algiers and was accused by authorities," the same source said, adding, "another PCR test was conducted at the laboratory of the Pasteur Institute of Algeria, identifying the foreigner positive for the Omicron variant," it noted.

Algeria, which is aiming to speed up its vaccination campaign, is experiencing a worrying spread of the COVID-19 virus, causing the closure of certain schools as well as changes in the school holiday calendar.

Algeria's government has failed to meet its goal of vaccinating 70% of the population by the end of this year. With around 12,293,060 doses of anti-COVID-19 vaccines administered so far, the North African country has vaccinated about 14.3% of its population, according to Reuters' latest COVID Tracker update on Wednesday.