WASHINGTON, Nov 27 — New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a state of emergency in the state due to a spike in new coronavirus infections and hospitalisations, Sputnik reported according to her executive order.

BRUSSELS, Nov 27 —  A new Covid-19 variant known as B.1.1.529 has been confirmed in Belgium, Xinhua news agency quoted Belgian Minister of Health and Social Affairs Franck Vandenbroucke as saying on Friday.