Hong Kong reports its first two cases of the Omicron variant in a man who had travelled from South Africa this month, and later in another man staying across the hall in the same quarantine hotel. (The New York Times)
The World Health Organization names the Lineage B.1.1.529 variant as "Omicron" and designates it as a "variant of concern" due to the variant's large number of mutations and an increased risk of reinfection. (The Hill)
Belarusian PresidentAlexander Lukashenko makes a public appearance at the Belarus–Poland border for the first time since the migrant crisis began. Lukashenko gives a speech to migrants, telling them that they are free to either return home or head west, saying, "If you want to go westwards, we won't detain you, choke you, beat you. It's up to you. Go through. Go." (Reuters)