Omicron likely to be dominant Covid-19 variant in Europe by mid-January, says EU official

On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Omicron is expected to be the dominant coronavirus variant in the European Union nations by mid-January.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that Omicron is expected to be the dominant coronavirus variant in the 27-nation bloc by mid-January, amid concerns that a dramatic rise of in infections will leave Europe shrouded in gloom during the festive season.

The head of the EU's executive branch, however, said that the bloc is well-prepared to fight Omicron, with 66.6% of the European population now fully vaccinated against the virus.