In light of the spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, The World Economic Forum has postponed its annual meeting in Davos scheduled for next month, in Switzerland.

The Forum said in a statement that “continued uncertainty” over the Omicron variant had forced a rethink and it now planned to host the meeting in early summer.

“Current pandemic conditions make it extremely difficult to deliver a global in-person meeting,” it said. “Despite the meeting’s stringent health protocols, the transmissibility of Omicron and its impact on travel and mobility have made deferral necessary.”

Switzerland tightened restrictions to curb infections and protect the healthcare system.

It reintroduced a work-from-home requirement and excluded the unvaccinated from large parts of public life.

With a population of around 8.5 million, Switzerland has reported about 160,000 coronavirus cases this month.

The government has called in the armed forces to assist hospitals with patient care, transport, and vaccinations.

Readers Bureau, Contributor

Edited by Jesus Chan

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