* The WHO said Omicron still poses 'very high' risk to healthcare systems
* Case numbers have shot up 11 percent across the world in the last week
* But it added that further data was needed to understand Omicron's severity
* Leaders are trying manage restrictions while keeping the economy open
Omicron still poses 'very high' risk and could overwhelm healthcare systems, the WHO warned on Wednesday, as the highly transmissible coronavirus variant fuelled record outbreaks in many countries.
Case numbers have shot up 11 percent globally in the last week, forcing governments from China to Germany and France to find a difficult balance between anti-virus restrictions and the need to keep economies and societies open.
The Netherlands and Switzerland said Omicron had become the dominant strain in their countries, and while some studies suggested it causes milder Covid-19, the World Health Organization urged caution.
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WHO Warns That A Covid "Tsunami" Will Drive Health Systems Towards Collapse
Covid "Tsunami" Will Drive Health Systems Towards Collapse: WHO -- AFP
Covid: Omicron and Delta driving tsunami of cases - WHO -- BBC
WHO: global COVID cases up 11% last week, omicron risk high -- AP
WHO warns of Omicron overload as France reports record of nearly 180,000 Covid cases -- France 24
WHO warns Omicron could overwhelm health systems as cases rise to record highs in Europe -- The Guardian
Coronavirus digest: Global cases surge due to omicron -- DW
France records its highest daily count of COVID-19 as WHO warns of a 'tsunami of cases' worldwide -- ABC News Australia
WHO: global COVID cases up 11% last week, omicron risk high -- Modern Healthcare