Laos reports 1,291 new COVID-19 cases, 73,738 in total

The COVID-19 cases in Laos continued to increase with 1,291 new infections reported on Tuesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 73,738.
Pfizer: Omicron vaccine can be ready in 100 days
The head of US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer says the company could have a new vaccine for the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in less than 100 days.
4 killed, 19 wounded in strong storm in Turkey's Istanbul: governor's office
The death toll in a powerful southwest wind storm in Turkey's largest city Istanbul on Monday increased to four, the Istanbul Governor's Office said in a statement.
Canada reports 2 cases of Omicron variant
Canada says two cases of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the country's capital, Ottawa.
Philippines suspends resumption of tourist entry
The Philippine government has reversed its decision to allow entry to some international tourists. This comes as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has been spreading in Africa and Europe.
G7 health ministers to discuss Omicron variant
The UK government says it will call an urgent meeting of Group of Seven health ministers on Monday to discuss how to address the worldwide spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. The country holds the G7 presidency this year.
S.Korea reports 3,901 more COVID-19 cases, total rises to 432,901
South Korea reported 3,901 more cases of COVID-19 as of midnight Thursday compared to 24 hours ago, raising the total number of infections to 432,901.