PM advises work from home, pleads with public to vaccinate their children before strain becomes widespread, which he predicts will happen in several weeks

Country has Middle East's worst reported death rate from COVID; 60% of population vaccinated with 2 doses

MKs from 7 parties told to self-isolate due to exposure to Knesset Channel reporter suspected of having new strain; parliament considering further restrictions to prevent spread

Premier reportedly not planning a sweeping ban on international travel, is aiming to turn schools into environment that encourages vaccination

Number of cases multiplying in 1.5 to 3 days in places with community transmission, health organization warns

3 tested upon arrival at Cairo International Airport are found to be infected with the highly-contagious strain; travelers reportedly flew in from South Africa

Some 130 people at Knesset enter quarantine after 4 personnel catch virus, with 3 of those cases suspected to be Omicron; infected staff include opposition chief's gym trainer

British officials reportedly drawing up plans for 'circuit breaker' after Christmas; Dutch government expected to announce 'strict' shutdown; Paris cancels New Year's fireworks

Two in every five Israelis have little to no immunity against infection by Omicron, but don't jump to the conclusion that the inoculation effort has gone off track

Decision overrules separate court that paused mandate nationwide; employees who aren't fully vaccinated will need masks, weekly tests; Republican, conservative groups to appeal