The Indonesian president, Joko Widodo, has urged people - including government officials - not to travel abroad after the country detected its first Omicron case.

Eurostar trains at Gare du Nord as France bars UK tourists over Omicron varian

The patient, who has no symptoms, is a cleaning worker at a hospital in Jakarta, reports the Associated Press. The person is being quarantined at the Athlete’s Village emergency hospital, where they work.

Widodo said: “I ask people and state officials to refrain from traveling abroad until the situation subsides.”

As of yesterday, Indonesia had recorded over 4.2 million Covid cases and more than 143,000 deaths.

Sweden to end vaccine pass exemption for Nordic neighbours

Sweden is to end vaccine pass exemption for its Nordic neighbours, authorities said today.

From 21 December, people from Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland will no longer have an exemption and will have to show their vaccine passes to enter the country, reports the Associated Press.

Swedish social affairs minister Lena Hallengren also encouraged all travelers to be tested for the coronavirus upon entry due to a “deteriorating” public health situation.

“The spread of infection is increasing sharply. The new virus variant omicron makes it difficult to predict the spread of infection in the future,” she said.

So far, the Swedish government has not resorted to lockdowns or business closures during the pandemic, with authorities instead emphasising individual responsibility.

Hallengren said that it was acceptable for people who are fully vaccinated and healthy to celebrate Christmas with friends and relatives, but told them to “be prepared to cancel if you get symptoms.”

She urged Swedes to “choose a smaller party” for celebrating New Year.