Sharjah 24 - Reuters: According to official media, Beijing recorded its first locally transmitted Omicron coronavirus infection on Saturday, only weeks before the Olympic Winter Games.

On Saturday, state television announced that the latest infection was the Omicron strain.

The person has "mutations particular to the Omicron variety," according to Pang Xinghuo of the city's disease control department.

A Haidian district official said officials blocked off the sick person's home and office and collected 2,430 samples for testing people linked to the two locations.

People returning from overseas for the Lunar New Year vacation commencing at the end of the month are at elevated risk of COVID-19 transmission due to Omicron, authorities have warned.
In addition, dozens of foreign and domestic flights have been cancelled.

Aside from Beijing, China has recorded Omicron variant infections in at least four additional provinces and municipalities: Tianjin, Henan, Guangdong, and Liaoning. The overall number of Omicron cases is unknown.

The NHC reported 165 new confirmed coronavirus cases for January 14, down from 201 the day before.