--- title: "COVID-19 Update: Omicron Variant Update" description: Review our COVID-19 Update from 16 December 2021. image: https://www.globalguardian.com/hubfs/GG%20ArticleFeatureImages%207_GG_Feature%20copy%204.png --- [+1 (703) 566-9463](tel:+17035669463) | [Emergency Support](https://www.globalguardian.com//emergency-support) [![GG Logo Main White](https://www.globalguardian.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GlobalGuardian_Oct2019/Logos/GG%20Logo%20Main%20White.png?width=208&height=45&name=GG%20Logo%20Main%20White.png "GG Logo Main White")](https://globalguardian.com) - [Corporate ](https://www.globalguardian.com/corporate-solutions) - [Personal ](https://www.globalguardian.com/personal-solutions) - [Government](https://www.globalguardian.com/government-solutions) - [Outcomes](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies) - [ Travel Security ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Traveler%20Security) - [ Executive Protection ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Executive%20Protection%20and%20Transportation) - [ Emergency Response ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Emergency%20Response) - [ Medical Assistance ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Medical%20Assistance) - [ Event Security ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Event%20Security) - [ Video Surveillance ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Asset%20Security) - Learn - [ Global Digest ](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-digest) - [ Newsroom ](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom) - [ Webinars ](https://www.globalguardian.com/media-room#t4) - [ Global Guardian Academy ](https://academy.globalguardian.com/) - [ FAQ ](https://www.globalguardian.com/faq) - Company - [ About Global Guardian ](https://www.globalguardian.com/about-global-guardian) - [ Executive Leadership ](https://www.globalguardian.com/executive-leadership) - [ Menu of Services ](https://www.globalguardian.com/service-menu) - [ Global Coverage ](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-coverage) - [ Contact Us ](https://www.globalguardian.com/contact) - [ Careers ](https://www.globalguardian.com/careers) [![Request Security](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2233164/aecafd49-7abe-4a80-95c2-e37dbbacda44.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2233164/aecafd49-7abe-4a80-95c2-e37dbbacda44) # COVID-19 Update: Omicron Variant Update December 16, 2021 | [Security Alerts](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/topic/security-alerts) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fcovid19-update-12-16%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fcovid19-update-12-16%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fcovid19-update-12-16%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fcovid19-update-12-16%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=COVID-19%20Update%3A%20Omicron%20Variant%20Update) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fcovid19-update-12-16%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fcovid19-update-12-16%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fcovid19-update-12-16%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) #### Latest DEVELOPMENTS - Concern over the Omicron variant appears to be lessening as more data comes out. [A preliminary study in South Africa](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/14/world/africa/omicron-south-africa-study.html) shows Omicron to cause significantly less severe illness than the Delta variant or the original strain of COVID-19. The study showed that hospital admissions are significantly lower during the Omicron-driven fourth wave—38 admissions per 1,000, compared with 101 per 1,000 during the Delta-driven wave, and 131 per 1,000 when the Beta variant was dominant. - While the Omicron variant does appear to evade immunity much more than other variants, the data out of South Africa shows that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine’s efficacy against severe illness and hospitalization was still about 70 percent after two doses.  - [Data out of Britain](https://www.nytimes.com/article/omicron-coronavirus-variant.html?name=styln-coronavirus®ion=TOP_BANNER&block=storyline_menu_recirc&action=click&pgtype=LegacyCollection&variant=0_Control&is_new=false) shows that after six months, two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine provided no protection at all from infection from Omicron. Two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech had an effectiveness of just 34 percent. But a Pfizer-BioNTech booster had an effectiveness of 75 percent against infection. - As a result of the positive data, and its own surge, the United Kingdom reversed course on banning travel from southern Africa, and [removed all countries from its "Red List"](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-47639452?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=61b8ae814a8abc5c898910e4%26UK%20removes%20all%20African%20countries%20from%20the%20red%20list%262021-12-14T14%3A49%3A23.160Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:b7c7c8f4-2650-49f2-9521-07f321c18a46&pinned_post_asset_id=61b8ae814a8abc5c898910e4&pinned_post_type=share) on 15 December.  - While the UK dropped its travel bans, others have issued new bans on travel: - France has [banned all travel to and from the UK](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/16/world/france-uk-travel-restrictions-omicron.html) starting 18 December, unless there is a compelling reason, due to concerns over the surge in cases in the UK.  - South Korea and Hong Kong have issued new travel bans for multiple countries, including in Africa and elsewhere.    [![omicron map 16 december](https://www.globalguardian.com/hs-fs/hubfs/omicron%20map%2016%20december.png?width=850&name=omicron%20map%2016%20december.png)](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/health/coronavirus-variant-tracker.html?name=styln-coronavirus®ion=TOP_BANNER&block=storyline_menu_recirc&action=click&pgtype=LegacyCollection&variant=1_Show&is_new=false) STANDING BY TO SUPPORT The Global Guardian team is standing by to support your security and safety needs. To learn more about our corporate Duty of Care and Family Memberships, global tracking and intelligence platform (including COVID-19 updates and customized travel information), and medical evacuation capabilities, click below or call us at + 1 (703) 566-9463. [![Request Security](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2233164/71797a38-0e6b-40f6-a22c-490cf3752bd2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2233164/71797a38-0e6b-40f6-a22c-490cf3752bd2) [** Previous Post](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/russia-ukraine-tensions-dec2021) [Next Post **](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/log4j-flaw) ## Check Out Our Latest Updates [ ### Global Guardian's Zev Faintuch Featured in Newsweek TRUMP WARNS OF ‘MASSIVE ATTACK’ ON IRAN AMID QUESTIONS OVER ENDGAME Global Guardian Head of Research and Intelligence Zev Faintuch contributed analysis to Newsweek as... ](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/newsweek-july-24-2026) [ ### Major U.S. Attack on Iran Appears Imminent The situation in the Middle East continues to escalate vertically, horizontally, and rhetorically with increasing signs that the United States (U.S.) is poised to launch a... ](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/major-u.s.-attack-on-iran-appears-imminent) [ ### Conflict with Iran Escalating after Deaths of U.S. Service Members The U.S. military has now struck Iran for 10 straight days, targeting military installations threatening tanker ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and other sites in Bandar... ](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/conflict-with-iran-escalating-after-deaths-of-u.s.-service-members) ### Subscribe Here Sign up today to receive monthly articles curated by the Global Guardian team on relevant and important safety and security topics. ![ul listed](https://www.globalguardian.com/hubfs/ul-listed.png "ul listed") ![GG_CertificationFooter_Black-01](https://www.globalguardian.com/hubfs/GG_CertificationFooter_Black-01.webp "GG_CertificationFooter_Black-01") ![ndaa compliant](https://www.globalguardian.com/hubfs/ndaa2.png "ndaa compliant") ##### Solutions [Corporate Solutions](https://www.globalguardian.com/corporate-solutions) [Personal Solutions](https://www.globalguardian.com/personal-solutions) [Government Solutions](https://www.globalguardian.com/government-solutions) ##### Services [Traveler Security](https://www.globalguardian.com/#1) [Asset Security](https://www.globalguardian.com/#2) [Cyber Security](https://www.globalguardian.com/#3) [Customized Security](https://www.globalguardian.com/#4) ##### Learn [Global Digest](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-digest) [Newsroom](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom) [Case Studies](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies) [FAQ](https://www.globalguardian.com/faq) [COVID-19](https://www.globalguardian.com/covid-19-newsroom) ##### Company [About Global Guardian](https://www.globalguardian.com/about-global-guardian) [Executive Leadership](https://www.globalguardian.com/executive-leadership) [Global Coverage](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-coverage) [Careers](https://www.globalguardian.com/careers) [Licensing](https://www.globalguardian.com/licensing) ##### Talk to Us [+1 (703) 566-9463](tel:+17035669463) [Contact Us](https://www.globalguardian.com/contact) [Request Security](https://www.globalguardian.com/request-security-services) [Emergency Support](https://www.globalguardian.com/emergency-support) [Travel Agents & Affiliates](https://www.globalguardian.com/air-ambulance/travel-agents-affiliates) Stay Connected ### STAY CONNECTED Join Our Community [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-guardian-llc/) © Copyright 2026 Global Guardian. All Rights Reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.globalguardian.com/privacy-policy) [|](https://www.globalguardian.com/privacy-policy) [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://www.globalguardian.com/privacy-rights-request-form) | [Privacy Rights Request Form](https://www.globalguardian.com/privacy-rights-request-form) [|](https://www.globalguardian.com/privacy-policy)[XML Sitemap ](https://www.globalguardian.com/sitemap.xml)[| ](https://www.globalguardian.com/privacy-policy)[HTML Sitemap](https://www.globalguardian.com/html-sitemap) Global Guardian needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our [Privacy Policy.](https://globalguardian-2233164.hs-sites.com/privacy-policy) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=986625&fmt=gif)