FT News Briefing Nations race to contain the Omicron variant
Nov 29, 2021
Countries are scrambling to handle the Omicron variant with new lockdowns and travel restrictions. The UK intends to block Meta’s $400 million acquisition of Giphy, raising questions about tech regulation. Meanwhile, the Iranian government faces increasing pressure as nuclear negotiations resume, revealing economic struggles among its citizens. The podcast also hints at the upcoming Ghislaine Maxwell trial, which promises to shed light on the Epstein case, adding another layer to a week packed with significant developments.
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Omicron Variant Concerns
- The Omicron variant appears more transmissible than Delta, potentially evading immunity from vaccines and prior infection.
- Global health authorities are concerned about Omicron's potential impact on the pandemic.
Targeted Approach to Omicron
- Instead of blanket travel restrictions, focus on targeted testing and genomic sequencing of positive cases.
- This approach allows for a more effective response to the variant's spread.
Meta/Giphy Deal Scrutiny
- The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) might reverse Meta's acquisition of Giphy over competition concerns.
- The CMA is worried that Meta could block rivals from accessing GIFs, potentially setting a precedent.