Strict control, vaccine research give China edge on Omicron

[superadmin]

With the world reporting more cases of Omicron variant on Tuesday and more Western countries hastening to close their doors, China, where so far only Hong Kong has reported cases, is calmly and confidently responding to possible challenges with vaccine research and the experience gained from China's dynamic zero-COVID policy. 

Chinese observers said that China will benefit from its COVID-19 policy of preventing imported cases and domestic flare-ups which continues to show its unique advantages facing Omicron. In comparison, observers warned that Western countries are likely to be gripped by Omicron if the variant proves highly infectious, with their unscientific easing of epidemic control measures and overconfidence in vaccines.  

On Tuesday, Scotland reported three additional cases of the Omicron variant, bringing the total number in the UK to at least 14, media reported.

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