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A day after an ICMR epidemiologist suggested that Omicron is a mild infection and everyone will get it, the Centre on Wednesday warned against treating the infection due to the Omicron variant as common cold and urged people to get vaccinated.
NITI Aayog Member V K Paul said the pandemic has again become intense, this time powered by the Omicron variant "which is rapidly replacing or has already replaced" Delta as the dominant form.
"Omicron is not the common cold and we cannot take it lightly just because it is causing mild infections. This variant has led to the collapse of the health system of some countries. Health workers at some places had to take leave leading to increased pressure." Stressing that vaccination is an important pillar in the Covid response programme, Dr Paul said, "We need to be vigilant, get vaccinated and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. It is society's responsibility to slow the spread".
Dr. Jaiprakash Muliyil of the Indian Council of Medical Research told NDTV on Tuesday that "a majority of us will not know we have been infected, probably more than 80% will not even know when we have it."
The epidemiologist stressed that booster shots of Covid vaccine will make no difference.
A sharp rise in Covid-19 infections has been noted in India with the case positivity climbing to 11.05 per cent on Wednesday from 1.1 per cent on December 30
The Union Health Ministry has said that Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Gujarat are emerging as states of concern due to the rise in Covid cases there.

Covid-19: Centre counters its own expert on Omicron, says don't treat it as common cold

A day after an ICMR epidemiologist suggested that Omicron is a mild infection and everyone will get it, the Centre has warned against treating it as common cold and urged people to get vaccinated



"Omicron is not common cold": Centre's warning on new variant

A day after an ICMR epidemiologist&nbsp;suggested that Omicron is a mild infection and everyone will get it, the Centre on Wednesday warned against treating the infection due to the Omicron variant as common cold and urged people to get vaccinated.
NITI Aayog Member V K Paul said the pandemic has again become intense, this time powered by the Omicron variant "which is rapidly replacing or has already replaced" Delta as the dominant form.
Byte Dr VK Paul, Member, NITI&nbsp;Aayog:&nbsp;"Omicron is not the common cold and we cannot take it lightly just because it is causing mild infections. This variant has led to the collapse of the health system of some countries. Health workers at some places had to take leave leading to increased pressure."&nbsp;
Dr. Jaiprakash Muliyil of the Indian Council of Medical Research told NDTV on Tuesday that "a majority of us will not know we have been infected, probably more than 80% will not even know when we have it."
The epidemiologist stressed that booster shots of Covid vaccine will make no difference.
A sharp rise in Covid-19 infections has been noted in India with the case positivity climbing to 11.05 per cent on Wednesday from 1.1 per cent on December 30
The Union Health Ministry has said that Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Gujarat are emerging as states of concern due to the rise in Covid cases there.

Covid Third Wave:&nbsp;The Centre has warned against treating the infection due to the Omicron variant as common cold and urged people to get vaccinated

A day after an ICMR epidemiologist&nbsp;suggested that Omicron is a mild infection and everyone will get it, the Centre on Wednesday warned against treating the infection due to the Omicron variant as common cold and urged people to get vaccinated.
NITI Aayog Member V K Paul said the pandemic has again become intense, this time powered by the Omicron variant "which is rapidly replacing or has already replaced" Delta as the dominant form.
"Omicron is not the common cold and we cannot take it lightly just because it is causing mild infections. This variant has led to the collapse of the health system of some countries. Health workers at some places had to take leave leading to increased pressure." Stressing that vaccination is an important pillar in the Covid response programme, Dr Paul said, "We need to be vigilant, get vaccinated and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. It is society's responsibility to slow the spread".
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/covid-india-update-nearly-2-5-lakh-cases-in-24-hrs-positivity-rate-jumps-to-13-1642046267775" target="_blank">Covid India update: Nearly 2.5 lakh cases in 24 hrs, PM Modi to meet chief ministers</a>
Dr. Jaiprakash Muliyil of the Indian Council of Medical Research told NDTV on Tuesday that "a majority of us will not know we have been infected, probably more than 80% will not even know when we have it."
The epidemiologist stressed that booster shots of Covid vaccine will make no difference.
A sharp rise in Covid-19 infections has been noted in India with the case positivity climbing to 11.05 per cent on Wednesday from 1.1 per cent on December 30
The Union Health Ministry has said that Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Gujarat are emerging as states of concern due to the rise in Covid cases there.

Soaring Omicron cases around the globe could increase the risk of a newer, more dangerous variant emerging, the World Health Organization in Europe warned on Tuesday.
While the variant is spreading like wildfire around the world, it appears to be far less severe than initially feared and has raised hopes that the pandemic could be overcome and life return to more normality.
But WHO senior emergencies officer Catherine Smallwood sounded an ominous note of caution, telling AFP that the soaring infection rates could have the opposite effect.
"The more Omicron spreads, the more it transmits and the more it replicates, the more likely it is to throw out a new variant. Now, Omicron is lethal, it can cause death ... maybe a little bit less than Delta, but who's to say what the next variant might throw out," Smallwood told AFP in an interview.
Europe has registered more than 100 million Covid cases since the start of the pandemic, and more than five million new cases in the last week of 2021, "almost dwarfing what we have seen in the past", Smallwood said.
Britain on Tuesday faced warnings of an impending hospital crisis due to staff shortages caused by a wave of Omicron infections, as the country's daily Covid caseload breached 200,000 for the first time.
 

Spiraling Omicron cases may lead to more dangerous Covid variants, warns WHO

Soaring Omicron cases could increase the risk of a newer, more dangerous variant emerging, warns WHO

Covid: WHO sounds ominous warning over Omicron variant

Soaring Omicron cases around the globe could increase the risk of a newer, more dangerous variant emerging, the World Health Organization in Europe warned on Tuesday.
While the variant is spreading like wildfire around the world, it appears to be far less severe than initially feared and has raised hopes that the pandemic could be overcome and normalcy returns to life.&nbsp;
But WHO senior emergencies officer Catherine Smallwood sounded an ominous note of caution, telling AFP that the soaring infection rates could have the opposite effect.
Byte Catherine Smallwood: "The more Omicron spreads, the more it transmits and the more it replicates, the more likely it is to throw out a new variant. Now, Omicron is lethal, it can cause death ... maybe a little bit less than Delta, but who's to say what the next variant might throw out,"
Europe has registered more than 100 million Covid cases since the start of the pandemic, and more than five million new cases in the last week of 2021, "almost dwarfing what we have seen in the past", Smallwood said.

Omicron:&nbsp;Soaring cases could increase the risk of a newer, more dangerous variant emerging, the WHO in Europe warned on Tuesday

Soaring Omicron cases around the globe could increase the risk of a newer, more dangerous variant emerging, the World Health Organization in Europe warned on Tuesday.
While the variant is spreading like wildfire around the world, it appears to be far less severe than initially feared and has raised hopes that the pandemic could be overcome and life would return to normalcy
But WHO senior emergencies officer Catherine Smallwood sounded an ominous note of caution, telling AFP that the soaring infection rates could have the opposite effect.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/covid-19-how-dangerous-is-new-ihu-variant-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-1641349531483" target="_blank">Covid-19: How dangerous is new IHU variant? Here's all you need to know</a>
"The more Omicron spreads, the more it transmits and the more it replicates, the more likely it is to throw out a new variant. Now, Omicron is lethal, it can cause death ... maybe a little bit less than Delta, but who's to say what the next variant might throw out," Smallwood told AFP in an interview.
Europe has registered more than 100 million Covid cases since the start of the pandemic, and more than five million new cases in the last week of 2021, "almost dwarfing what we have seen in the past", Smallwood said.
Britain on Tuesday faced warnings of an impending hospital crisis due to staff shortages caused by a wave of Omicron infections, as the country's daily Covid caseload breached 200,000 for the first time.
&nbsp;

Top Market News Headlines: 2022 trade kick starts with the market building another year of immunity against raging spread of Omicron. 

Top Market News Headlines: Kickstarting 2022 on Dalal Street, Earnings to IPOs to Budget & Elections

Kickstarting 2022 on Dalal Street on a muted note. Here are the stocks you need to watch

Top Market Headlines

Auto stocks, earnings and IPOs in focus as the markets set to enter third year of pandemic

2022 trade kick starts&nbsp;with the market building another year of immunity against raging <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi-health-minister-omicron-strain-gradually-spreading-in-the-community-1640849464788" target="_blank">spread of Omicron</a>. Amid muted volumes focus remains on the upcoming earnings season, auto stocks with sales numbers, and a strong lineup of IPOs in the first quarter of this year.
<h3>Here are the top headlines markets are reading-:</h3>
&bull; <a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/omicron-spread-us-just-hit-another-grim-record-in-covid-cases-1640746993690" target="_blank">Omicron spread</a> continues,&nbsp;Mumbai registering 8,063 of the fresh infection but BMC&nbsp;alerts 89% cases remain asymptomatic
&bull; State-wise&nbsp;curbs increase, <a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/west-bengal-suspends-uk-kolkata-flights-due-to-surge-in-covid-19-cases-1640870085191" target="_blank">West Bengal cuts flights</a> from Delhi and Mumbai&nbsp;to twice a week
&bull; Auto sales in focus: Maruti&nbsp;Dec sales down 4%, Hero Moto&nbsp;sales skid 11%
&bull; Earnings season kicks off Jan 12 - TCS,&nbsp;Wipro&nbsp;Infosys
&bull;&nbsp;IPO craze to continue; 23 firms line up public issues worth Rs 44,000 cr in Jan-March
&bull; Market focus on Budget by January end as precursor to crucial state elections&nbsp;
Also read and watch|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/how-musk-hired-ashok-elluswamy-via-twitter-application-now-musk-is-looking-for-ai-leads-1641180018493" target="_blank">How Musk hired Ashok Elluswamy via Twitter application, now Musk is looking for AI leads</a>

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said Thursday that people with no travel history have been infected for the Omicron Covid variant and this means it is gradually spreading in the community.Jain also said that 46 of 115 samples sequenced in the national capital so far had tested positive for the new strain. Delhi has reported the maximum number of Omicron cases so far — 263.Researchers at the United Kingdom's Cambridge University have warned of an "explosive" growth of Omicron cases in India within days, and said it is "hard to predict how high daily cases" could go.

Covid-19 Variant Omicron strain gradually spreading in the community, says Satyendar Jain

Delhi health Minister: Omicron strain gradually spreading in the community.

Omicron surging in the community, 46 of 115 samples positive: Delhi govt&nbsp;
263 cases of Omicron in capital city, highest in country
Explosive third wave in India within days: Cambridge tracker

Jain also said that 46 of 115 samples sequenced in the national capital so far had tested positive for the new strain. Delhi has reported the maximum number of Omicron cases so far- 263.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said Thursday that people with no travel history have been infected for the Omicron Covid variant and this means it is gradually spreading in the community. Jain also said that 46 of 115 samples sequenced in the national capital so far had tested positive for the new strain.&nbsp;
Delhi added 25 cases to its tally of the new heavily-mutated omicron variant on Thursday, staying ahead of Maharashtra for the second day in a row. The capital has recorded 263 cases of omicron variant since it was first detected in the country in early December, which is the highest in the country.
The increasing number of omicron cases could be the reason behind the sudden surge in the number of Covid-19 in the city.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Researchers at the United Kingdom's Cambridge University have warned of an "explosive" growth of Omicron cases in India within days, and said it is "hard to predict how high daily cases" could go.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi-covid-positivity-rate-over-1-amber-alert-explained-and-is-it-in-the-offing-1640828035046" target="_blank">Delhi Covid positivity rate over 1%: Amber alert explained and is it in the offing?</a>

As the world is battling fast spreading and highly infectious Omicron variant of Covid-19, reports about “Delmicron” have emerged over the last few days.
Omicron cases are raging in the US and UK, and have seen a rise in India. Some experts have said that there is a possibility that the West is caught between twin spikes of the Delta and the Omicron variants of the coronavirus.
So what is Delmicron?
Delmicron is not a new variant of the coronavirus but the Delta and the Omicron strains together fuelling Covid-19 cases.
Data shows Omicron is the more dominant variant in the US and accounts for 73 per cent of all new cases, up from less than 1 per cent at the beginning of the month.
In the UK, daily cases of Covid-19 surpassed the 1,00,000-mark for the first time on Wednesday. Omicron is also the main driver of the latest surge in Britain.
Experts say people with a weak immune system, the elderly and ones with comorbidities are at higher risk of getting infected with the Delta and Omicron variants.
Can the combination of Delta and Omicron lead to a new super strain? Experts are divided.
Moderna's chief medical officer Dr Paul Burton said it was possible that both the strains can swap genes and trigger a more dangerous variant.
Other researchers have also warned that such “recombination events” are extremely rare but cannot be ruled out.
 

What is Delmicron | Amid Omicron scare, what is this talk about Delmicron? Here's all you need to know

What is  'Delmicron' that may be driving Covid surge in US and UK? Know all about it here

Amid Omicron scare, what is this talk about Delmicron? Here's all you need to know

Omicron scare:&nbsp;What is this chatter about Delmicron?
What is Delmicron&nbsp;and how worried should you be?
No, Delmicron&nbsp;is not a new variant of Covid-19
Delmicron: Delta and Omicron combine fuelling Covid&nbsp;wave
UK, UK likely&nbsp;caught twin spikes of Delta &amp; Omicron
Who is at risk: Unvaccinated and people with low immunity
Can Delta and Omicron lead to a new super strain?
Experts say it's rare, but cannot be ruled out
&nbsp;

Delmicron:&nbsp;Experts say there is a possibility that the West is caught between twin spikes of the Delta and Omicron variants of Covid

As the world is battling fast spreading and highly infectious Omicron variant of Covid-19, reports about &ldquo;Delmicron&rdquo; have emerged over the last few days.
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/omicron-likely-to-cause-3-times-more-reinfections-than-delta-study-1638504950922">Omicron cases</a> are raging in the US and UK, and have seen a rise in India. Some experts have said that there is a possibility that the West is caught between twin spikes of the Delta and the Omicron variants of the coronavirus.
<h3>So what is Delmicron?</h3>
Delmicron is not a new variant of the coronavirus but the Delta and the Omicron strains together fuelling Covid-19 cases. Data shows Omicron is the more dominant variant in the US and accounts for 73 per cent of all new cases, up from less than 1 per cent at the beginning of the month.
In the UK, daily cases of Covid-19 surpassed the 1,00,000-mark for the first time on Wednesday. Omicron is also the main driver of the latest surge in Britain.
Experts say people with a weak immune system, the elderly and ones with comorbidities are at higher risk of getting infected with the Delta and Omicron variants.
Can the combination of Delta and <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/from-vaccine-to-test-efficacy-is-the-rt-pcr-enough-1638347387982">Omicron</a> lead to a new super strain? Experts are divided.
Moderna's chief medical officer Dr Paul Burton said it was possible that both the strains can swap genes and trigger a more dangerous variant.
Other researchers have also warned that such &ldquo;recombination events&rdquo; are extremely rare but cannot be ruled out.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/omicron-cases-doubling-in-1-5-to-3-days-who-says-1639895619135">Omicron cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, WHO says</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a review meeting on the Covid-19 situation in the country on Thursday evening amid rising concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, 60% of adults have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in India so far, health ministry said on Thursday.
India has recorded over 250 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 17 states and UTs so far out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.
In a communication to the states and Union Territories on Tuesday, the Centre said the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is at least thrice more transmissible than its Delta variant and asked them to "activate" war rooms, keep analysing even small trends and surges and keep taking strict and prompt containment action at the district and local levels.
There have been demands that the government allow booster doses of vaccines to be administered to those already fully inoculated against Covid-19, as has been done by many countries.

Omicron Scare: 60% Indian adults fully vaccinated, PM Narendra Modi to hold key Covid meet today

Omicron Scare: 60% Indian adults fully vaccinated, PM to hold key Covid meet today

PM Modi to chair key Covid meet today amid Omicron scare

PM Modi&nbsp;to hold high level Covid-19 review meet today
Health Ministry: Over 60% Indian adults fully vaccinated
India has so far recorded over 250 Omicron cases
Centre has asked states to clamp curbs amid Omicron fears
Demand for booster shots as Omicron cases shoot up

Omicron in India:&nbsp;Over 250 cases of the new variant of coronavirus&nbsp;recorded across 17 states and UTs so far

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a review meeting on the Covid-19 situation in the country on Thursday evening amid rising concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, 60% of adults have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in India so far, health ministry said on Thursday.
India has recorded over 250 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 17 states and UTs so far out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.
In a communication to the states and Union Territories on Tuesday, the Centre said the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is at least thrice more transmissible than its Delta variant and asked them to "activate" war rooms, keep analysing even small trends and surges and keep taking strict and prompt containment action at the district and local levels.
There have been demands that the government allow booster doses of vaccines to be administered to those already fully inoculated against Covid-19, as has been done by many countries.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/omicron-alert-mumbai-and-delhi-see-a-big-jump-in-daily-covid-19-infections-1640224474635" target="_blank">Omicron Alert: Mumbai and Delhi see a big jump in daily Covid-19 infections</a>

India's tally of more infectious Omicron variant of coronavirus has risen to 200 so far, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Out of the 200 patients, 77 have recovered or migrated, the ministry added.
The Omicron cases have been detected in 12 states and Union Territories so far in the country.
Most cases have been reported in Maharashtra and Delhi with 54 cases each. 28 patients have recovered and discharged in Maharashtra while 12 have recovered in Delhi.
Telangana has registered 20 cases, Karnataka 19, Rajasthan 18, Kerala 15, and Gujarat 14 cases.
Meanwhile, the health ministry data updated on Tuesday showed that India recorded 5,326 new cases of coronavirus infections, the lowest in 581 days. The rise took the total tally of Covid-19 cases to over 3.47 crore, while the active cases declined to just over 79,000, which the lowest in 574 days .
The death toll climbed to 4,78,007 with 453 fresh fatalities, according to the government data. The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 54 days now.
The active cases have declined to 79,097 comprising 0.23 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has further improved to 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020,the ministry said.
A decline of 3,170 cases has been recorded in the active Covid-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

200 Omicron cases in India so far, over 5,000 new Covid-19 infections

India's tally of infectious Omicron variant of coronavirus has risen to 200 so far, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday

200 Omicron cases in India so far: Health Ministry

India's tally of more infectious Omicron variant of coronavirus has risen to 200 so far, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Out of the 200 patients, 77 have recovered or migrated, the ministry added.
The Omicron cases have been detected in 12 states and Union Territories so far in the country.
Most cases have been reported in Maharashtra and Delhi with 54 cases each. 31 patients have recovered and discharged in Maharashtra while 12 have recovered in Delhi.
Telangana has registered 20 cases, Karnataka 19, Rajasthan 18, Kerala 15, and Gujarat 14 cases.
Meanwhile, the health ministry data updated on Tuesday showed that India recorded 5,326 new cases of coronavirus infections, the lowest in 581 days. The rise took the total tally of Covid-19 cases to over 3.47 crore, while the active cases declined to just over 79,000, which the lowest in 574 days .
The death toll climbed to 4,78,007 with 453 fresh fatalities, according to the government data. The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 54 days now.

Omicron in India:&nbsp;The new Covid&nbsp;variant cases have been detected in 12 states and Union Territories so far in the country

India's tally of more infectious Omicron variant of coronavirus has risen to 200 so far, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Out of the 200 patients, 77 have recovered or migrated, the ministry added.
The Omicron cases have been detected in 12 states and Union Territories so far in the country.
Most cases have been reported in Maharashtra and Delhi with 54 cases each. 31 patients have recovered and discharged in Maharashtra while 12 have recovered in Delhi.
Telangana has registered 20 cases, Karnataka 19, Rajasthan 18, Kerala 15, and Gujarat 14 cases.
&nbsp;
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/headed-to-shimla-for-christmas-know-himachal-govt-rules-amid-omicron-fears-1640053067529">Headed to Shimla for holidays? Know Himachal govt rules amid Omicron fears</a>
Meanwhile, the health ministry data updated on Tuesday showed that India recorded 5,326 new cases of coronavirus infections, the lowest in 581 days. The rise took the total tally of Covid-19 cases to over 3.47 crore, while the active cases declined to just over 79,000, which the lowest in 574 days .
The death toll climbed to 4,78,007 with 453 fresh fatalities, according to the government data. The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 54 days now.
The active cases have declined to 79,097 comprising 0.23 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has further improved to 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020,the ministry said.
A decline of 3,170 cases has been recorded in the active Covid-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

The fast-spreading Omicron variant is now the dominant strain of Covid-19 in the United States.
Health authorities said that Omicron now accounts for 73.2 percent of new US cases over the past week ending Saturday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that in some regions of the country it already comprises more than 90 percent of new infections.
Early data suggests Omicron could be more infectious and possibly have higher resistance to vaccines. The early research though has suggested that it is not more severe than the Delta variant.
Many countries have returned to harsh restrictions due to the Omicron explosion. But in the United States, President Joe Biden does not plan on "locking the country down," press secretary Jen Psaki said earlier in the day.
Since it was first reported in South Africa in November, Omicron has been identified in dozens of countries.
The WHO has called for nations to redouble efforts to help end the pandemic, calling for new year events to be canceled because it was better to "celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later.

Omicron dominant strain in US, 73% new Covid cases are new variant

Omicron is already the dominant Covid strain in the US with 73% of the new coronavirus cases

Omicron is already the dominant Covid strain in the US

Omicron is already the dominant Covid strain in the US
73% of the new Covid&nbsp;cases in the US are Omicron
In some US regions, Omicron is 90% of the new cases
Early data suggests Omicron could be more infectious
Joe Biden&nbsp;has no plans to lock down US amid Omicron spread&nbsp;
WHO asks for cancellation of New Year&nbsp;events
&nbsp;

Omicron in US:&nbsp; In some regions of the country the variant already comprises more than 90 percent of new infections

The fast-spreading Omicron variant is now the dominant strain of Covid-19 in the United States.
Health authorities said that Omicron now accounts for 73.2 per cent of new US cases over the past week ending Saturday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that in some regions of the country it already comprises more than 90 per cent of new infections.
Early data suggests Omicron could be more infectious and possibly have higher resistance to vaccines. The early research though has suggested that it is not more severe than the Delta variant.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="Omicron%20cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, WHO says" target="_blank">Omicron cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days, WHO says</a>
Many countries have returned to harsh restrictions due to the Omicron explosion. But in the United States, President Joe Biden does not plan on "locking the country down," press secretary Jen Psaki said earlier in the day.
Since it was first reported in South Africa in November, Omicron has been identified in dozens of countries.
The WHO has called for nations to redouble efforts to help end the pandemic, calling for new year events to be cancelled because it was better to "celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later.

Amid global Omicron concerns, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Director Dr Randeep Guleria sounded alarm on Sunday.
Dr Guleria told news agency ANI that in view of rising Covid-19 cases in the United Kingdom, India should prepare itself for any eventuality.
"We should prepare and hope that things are not as bad as in the United Kingdom. We need more data on Omicron. Whenever there is a surge in cases in other parts of the world, we need to monitor it closely and be prepared for any eventuality. It is better to stay prepared than to get caught off-guard," said Guleria while talking to ANI.
India has so far reported over 150 cases of Omicron variant.
The new variant of Covid-19 was first reported to the World Health Organisation from South Africa on November 25. It has now spread to a number of countries and is likely to beat Delta as the dominant Covid variant.

Omicron alert: India should be prepared for any eventuality, says AIIMS chief Dr Gulerai

AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria has said that in view of rising Covid-19 cases in UK, India should prepare itself for any eventuality

AIIMS chief has sounded alert over Omicron in India

Amid global Omicron concerns, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Director Dr Randeep Guleria sounded alarm on Sunday.
Dr Guleria told news agency ANI that in view of rising Covid-19 cases in the United Kingdom, India should prepare itself for any eventuality.
Byte Dr&nbsp;Randeep&nbsp;Guleria:&nbsp;"We should prepare and hope that things are not as bad as in the United Kingdom. We need more data on Omicron. Whenever there is a surge in cases in other parts of the world, we need to monitor it closely and be prepared for any eventuality. It is better to stay prepared than to get caught off-guard.
India has so far reported over 150 cases of Omicron variant.
The new variant of Covid-19 was first reported to the World Health Organisation from South Africa on November 25. It has now spread to a number of countries and is likely to beat Delta as the dominant Covid variant.

Omicron Scare:&nbsp;India has so far reported over 150 cases of the new&nbsp;variant of Covid-19

Amid global Omicron concerns, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Director Dr Randeep Guleria sounded alarmed on Sunday.
Dr Guleria told news agency ANI that in view of rising Covid-19 cases in the United Kingdom, India should prepare itself for any eventuality.
Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/omicron-cases-in-india-cross-150-with-new-patients-in-maharashtra-gujarat-1639967888910" target="_blank">Omicron cases in India cross 150 with new patients in Maharashtra, Gujarat</a>
"We should prepare and hope that things are not as bad as in the United Kingdom. We need more data on Omicron. Whenever there is a surge in cases in other parts of the world, we need to monitor it closely and be prepared for any eventuality. It is better to stay prepared than to get caught off-guard," said Guleria while talking to ANI.
India has so far reported over 150 cases of the Omicron variant.
The new variant of Covid-19 was first reported to the World Health Organisation from South Africa on November 25. It has now spread to a number of countries and is likely to beat Delta as the dominant Covid variant.

As many as 101 positive cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected across 11 states and union territories so far, the government said on Friday and advised people to keep new year celebrations at low intensity.
It said that though daily Covid-19 cases are below 10,000 for the past 20 days, there is a need to stay vigilant in view of the new variant and rising cases in other countries.
With the coronavirus' Omicron variant spreading very fast across Europe and other parts of the world, people need to avoid non-essential travel, they must also avoid mass gatherings, and new year celebrations need to be at low intensity, the government said.
Giving details of Omicron cases in India, it said Maharashtra has reported 32 cases of the variant, Delhi 22, Rajasthan 17, Karnataka 8, Telangana 8, Gujarat 5, Kerala 5, Andhra Pradesh 1, Chandigarh 1, Tamil Nadu 1 and West Bengal 1, the government said.
Also watch: Omicron 70 times more contagious but less severe than Delta: study
Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), it also said that the Omicron variant is spreading faster than the Delta variant of the coronavirus in South Africa, where Delta circulation was low.
It is likely that Omicron spread will outpace Delta variant where community transmission occurs, the government said citing the WHO.
On the COVID-19 situation in the country, it said 19 districts are reporting weekly positivity between 5 and 10 per cent and five districts over 10 per cent.
Districts with over 5 per cent Covid case positivity rate need to ensure restrictive measures until it is below 5 per cent for at least two weeks, the government said.
It assured that sufficient systematic and strategic sampling is being undertaken for genome sequencing for detection of Omicron cases in India.
On COVID-19 vaccination, the government said that India has so far administered 82.8 crore first doses and 53.72 crore second doses.

101 Omicron cases in India, keep new year celebrations low-key: Centre

As many as 101 positive cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected across 11 states and union territories so far, the government said on Friday 

As many as 101 positive cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected across 11 states and union territories so far, the government said on Friday and advised people to keep new year celebrations at low intensity.
It said that though daily Covid-19 cases are below 10,000 for the past 20 days, there is a need to stay vigilant in view of the new variant and rising cases in other countries.
With the coronavirus' Omicron variant spreading very fast across Europe and other parts of the world, people need to avoid non-essential travel, they must also avoid mass gatherings, and new year celebrations need to be at low intensity, the government said.
Giving details of Omicron cases in India, it said Maharashtra has reported 32 cases of the variant, Delhi 22, Rajasthan&nbsp;17, Karnataka&nbsp;8, Telangana&nbsp;8, Gujarat 5, Kerala&nbsp;5, Andhra Pradesh&nbsp;1, Chandigarh&nbsp;1, Tamil Nadu&nbsp;1 and West Bengal 1, the government said.

It said that though daily Covid-19 cases are below 10,000 for the past 20 days, there is a need to stay vigilant in view of the new variant

As many as 101 positive cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected across 11 states and union territories so far, the government said on Friday and advised people to keep new year celebrations at low intensity.
It said that though daily Covid-19 cases are below 10,000 for the past 20 days, there is a need to stay vigilant in view of the new variant and rising cases in other countries.
With the coronavirus' Omicron variant spreading very fast across Europe and other parts of the world, people need to avoid non-essential travel, they must also avoid mass gatherings, and new year celebrations need to be at low intensity, the government said.
Giving details of Omicron cases in India, it said Maharashtra has reported 32 cases of the variant, Delhi 22, Rajasthan&nbsp;17, Karnataka&nbsp;8, Telangana&nbsp;8, Gujarat 5, Kerala&nbsp;5, Andhra Pradesh&nbsp;1, Chandigarh&nbsp;1, Tamil Nadu&nbsp;1 and West Bengal 1, the government said.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/omicron-70-times-more-contagious-but-less-severe-than-delta-study-1639644252421">Omicron 70 times more contagious but less severe than Delta: study</a>
Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), it also said that the Omicron variant is spreading faster than the Delta variant of the coronavirus in South Africa, where Delta circulation was low.
It is likely that Omicron spread will outpace Delta variant where community transmission occurs, the government said citing the WHO.
On the COVID-19 situation in the country, it said 19 districts are reporting weekly positivity between 5 and 10 per cent and five districts over 10 per cent.
Districts with over 5 per cent Covid case positivity rate need to ensure restrictive measures until it is below 5 per cent for at least two weeks, the government said.
It assured that sufficient systematic and strategic sampling is being undertaken for genome sequencing for detection of Omicron cases in India.
On COVID-19 vaccination, the government said that India has so far administered 82.8 crore first doses and 53.72 crore second doses.

Since the discovery of Omicron variant last month, fears of it becoming dominant across the globe and taking over Delta variant which wreaked havoc early this year have been high.
These fears seem to be coming true as Omicron is fast becoming the dominant strain in UK. The first death due to Omicron has also been reported in London, confirmed by UK PM Boris Johnson on Monday.
Sajid Javid, UK Health Secretary said on Monday, "since last week, we've learnt two things about this variant. The first is that no variant of COVID-19 has spread this fast. There are now 4,713 confirmed cases of omicron in the UK."
Stressing on the high number of cases in the coming days, Javid added, "while omicron represents over 20% of cases in England, we've already seen it rise to over 44% in London and we expect it to become the dominant COVID-19 variant in the capital in the next 48 hours."
As fears persist and grow with each passing day, queues of people could be seen to get vaccinated in London.

Omicron explosion in UK: Govt says it will be dominant strain in 48 hours

Amid fears about Omicron variant, UK Health Secretary has said, 'Omicron to become dominant in UK in 48 hours'

Omicron to become dominant in UK in 48 hours: UK official

Since the discovery of Omicron variant last month, fears of it becoming dominant across the globe and taking over Delta variant which wreaked havoc early this year have been high.
These fears seem to be coming true as Omicron is fast becoming the dominant strain in UK. The first death due to Omicron has also been reported in London, as confirmed by UK PM Boris Johnson on Monday.
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Monday no variant of Covid has spread this fast/
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Javid&nbsp;also warned of&nbsp;high number of cases in the coming days
SOT
As fears persist and grow with each passing day, queues of people could be seen to get vaccinated in London.

As fears persist and grow with each passing day, queues of people could be seen to get vaccinated in London.

Since the discovery of Omicron variant last month, fears of it becoming dominant across the globe and taking over Delta variant, which wreaked havoc early this year, have been high.
These fears seem to be coming true as Omicron is fast becoming the dominant strain in UK. The first death due to Omicron has also been reported in London, confirmed by UK PM Boris Johnson on Monday.
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on Monday, "since last week, we've learnt two things about this variant. The first is that no variant of Covid-19 has spread this fast. There are now 4,713 confirmed cases of omicron in the UK."
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/omicron-could-cause-75-000-deaths-in-uk-by-april-end-warns-study-1639321002381" target="_blank">Omicron could cause 75,000 deaths in UK by April-end, warns study</a>
Stressing on the high number of cases in the coming days, Javid added, "while Omicron represents over 20% of cases in England, we've already seen it rise to over 44% in London and we expect it to become the dominant Covid-19 variant in the capital in the next 48 hours."
As fears persist and grow with each passing day, queues of people could be seen to get vaccinated in London.

With two new Omicron cases in Maharashtra and one in Gujarat, the tally of people infected with the new Covid variant in India has gone up to 41.
On Monday, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh reported their first Omicron cases.
As of now, Omicron cases have been detected in Maharashtra (20), Rajasthan (9), Karnataka (3), Gujarat (4), Kerala (1) and Andhra Pradesh (1) and Union Territories of Delhi (2) and Chandigarh (1).
Officials said that the two new Omicron patients in Maharashtra were fully vaccinated.
The two new cases are a 39-year old woman in Pune and a 33-year-old male in Latur. The state health department said both patients have a travel history to Dubai and three of their close contacts have been traced. All three of them tested negative for Covid-19.
A 42-year-old man who had returned from South Africa to Surat in Gujarat has tested positive for the new strain.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said his government will impose restrictions, if required, around Christmas and New Year to curb the spread of Omicron.

Omicron in India: 2 new cases in Maharashtra, 1 in Gujarat take tally to 41 

With four new new Omicron cases each in Delhi and Rajasthan, two in Maharashtra and one in Gujarat, the tally of people infected with the new Covid variant in India has gone up to 49.


Omicron in India: New cases in Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra,  Guj take tally to 49 

With four new Omicron cases each in&nbsp;Delhi and Rajasthan, two&nbsp;in Maharashtra and one in Gujarat, the tally of people infected with the new Covid variant in India has gone up to 49.
Delhi government on Tuesday confirmed 4 new cases of the Covid&nbsp;variant taking the number of cases in the Capital to 6.&nbsp;
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said his government will impose restrictions, if required, around Christmas and New Year to curb the spread of Omicron.
In Rajasthan&nbsp;the number of Omicron cases have gone up to 13 with four fresh infections.
On Monday, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh reported their first Omicron cases.
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As of now, Omicron cases have been detected in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala,&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh,&nbsp;Delhi and Chandigarh.
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Officials said that the two new Omicron patients in Maharashtra were fully vaccinated.
The two new cases are a 39-year old woman in Pune and a 33-year-old male in Latur. The state health department said both patients have a travel history to Dubai and three of their close contacts have been traced. All three of them tested negative for Covid-19.
A 42-year-old man who had returned from South Africa to Surat in Gujarat has tested positive for the new strain.
&nbsp;

Omicron Variant: 4 fresh cases each in Delhi and Rajasthan, 2 in Maharashtra,&nbsp;1 new case in Gujarat

With four new Omicron cases each in&nbsp;Delhi and Rajasthan, two&nbsp;in Maharashtra and one in Gujarat, the tally of people infected with the new Covid variant in India has gone up to 49.
Delhi government on Tuesday confirmed 4 new cases of the Covid&nbsp;variant taking the number of cases in the Capital to 6.&nbsp;
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said his government will impose restrictions, if required, around Christmas and New Year to curb the spread of Omicron.
In Rajasthan&nbsp;the number of Omicron cases have gone up to 13 with four fresh infections.
On Monday, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh reported their first Omicron cases.
As of now, Omicron cases have been detected in Maharashtra (20), Rajasthan (13), Karnataka (3), Gujarat (4), Kerala (1) and Andhra Pradesh (1) and Union Territories of Delhi (6) and Chandigarh (1).
Officials said that the two new Omicron patients in Maharashtra were fully vaccinated.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/omicron-reduces-vaccine-efficacy-spreads-faster-who-1639331525561" target="_blank">Omicron reduces vaccine efficacy, spreads faster: WHO</a>
The two new cases are a 39-year old woman in Pune and a 33-year-old male in Latur. The state health department said both patients have a travel history to Dubai and three of their close contacts have been traced. All three of them tested negative for Covid-19.
A 42-year-old man who had returned from South Africa to Surat in Gujarat has tested positive for the new strain.

The Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus could cause between 25,000 and 75,000 deaths in the United Kingdom by April next year, if additional protection measures are not taken, a new study has warned.
The study conducted by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and South Africa’s Stellenbosch University states that in the most optimistic scenario, involving low immune escape and high booster dose efficacy, the hospitalisation rate is likely to rise to 60 per cent of the peak that the UK saw in January this year. 
Meanwhile the Boris Johnson govt will open up Covid booster vaccines for everyone aged 30 and over in England  from Monday, as one of the key actions aimed at tackling the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. 
There are around 7.5 million people aged 30 to 39, and 3.5 million of those are eligible for boosters from Monday, NHS England said. It comes as early analysis shows booster jabs being effective against the Omicron variant, the first cases of which have started being hospitalised now.
There is no reported death from the variant in the UK yet, but experts warn that it is set to take over from Delta as the dominant coronavirus variant by the end of this year.

Omicron could cause 75,000 deaths in UK by April-end, warns study

The Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus could causse between 25,000 and 75,000 deaths in the United Kingdom by April next year, if additional protection measures are not taken, a new study has warned.

Omicron could cause 75,000 deaths in UK by April-end: study
Study by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
UK announces booster jabs for everyone above 30 years

Meanwhile the Boris Johnson govt will open up Covid booster vaccines for everyone aged 30 and over in England from Monday

The&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant of the novel&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;could cause between 25,000 and 75,000 deaths in the United Kingdom by April next year, if additional protection measures are not taken, a new study has warned.
The study conducted by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and South Africa&rsquo;s Stellenbosch University states that in the most&nbsp;optimistic scenario, involving low immune escape and high booster dose efficacy, the hospitalisation rate is likely to rise to 60 per cent of the peak that the UK saw in January this year.&nbsp;
Meanwhile the Boris Johnson govt will open up Covid booster vaccines for everyone aged 30 and over in England&nbsp; from Monday, as one of the key actions aimed at tackling the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.&nbsp;
There are around 7.5 million people aged 30 to 39, and 3.5 million of those are eligible for boosters from Monday, NHS England said. It comes as early analysis shows booster jabs being effective against the Omicron variant, the first cases of which have started being hospitalised now.
There is no reported death from the variant in the UK yet, but experts warn that it is set to take over from Delta as the dominant coronavirus variant by the end of this year.

The World Health Organisation expressed concerns on Thursday that rich countries spooked by the Omicron variant could step up the hoarding of Covid-19 vaccines and strain global supplies again. The UN body warned that vaccine hoarding by the rich nations may complicate efforts to stamp out the pandemic.
The WHO has reiterated its advice to governments against the widespread use of boosters in their populations. It has asked the well-stocked countries to send doses to low-income countries that have largely lacked access to them.
Meanwhile, the European Union's drug regulator said Thursday it is closely following the spread of the new variant and whether new vaccines will be required to fight it. Vaccine makers are racing to update their Covid-19 shots against the newest coronavirus threat even before it's clear a change is needed.
While there was still little evidence that additional doses were needed to protect against developing severe Covid disease, many vulnerable people and health workers in poorer nations have yet to receive a single dose and remain at great risk.
 

Amid Omicron fears, WHO warns against vaccine hoarding by rich countries

Amid Omicron spread, WHO has warned against vaccine hoarding by rich countries, advises against booster shots

WHO warns against vaccine hoarding by rich countries

The World Health Organisation expressed concerns on Thursday that rich countries spooked by the Omicron variant could step up the hoarding of Covid-19 vaccines and strain global supplies again. The UN body warned that vaccine hoarding by the rich nations may complicate efforts to stamp out the pandemic.
The WHO has reiterated its advice to governments against the widespread use of boosters in their populations. It has asked the well-stocked countries to send doses to low-income countries that have largely lacked access to them.
Meanwhile, the European Union's drug regulator said on Thursday it is closely following the spread of the new variant and whether new vaccines will be required to fight it. Vaccine makers are racing to update their Covid-19 shots against the newest coronavirus threat even before it's clear a change is needed.

Omicron Variant:&nbsp;The WHO&nbsp;has warned that vaccine hoarding by the rich nations may complicate efforts to stamp out the Covid pandemic

The World Health Organisation expressed concerns on Thursday that rich countries spooked by the Omicron variant could step up the hoarding of Covid-19 vaccines and strain global supplies again. The UN body warned that vaccine hoarding by the rich nations may complicate efforts to stamp out the pandemic.
The WHO has reiterated its advice to governments against the widespread use of boosters in their populations. It has asked the well-stocked countries to send doses to low-income countries that have largely lacked access to them.
Meanwhile, the European Union's drug regulator said Thursday it is closely following the spread of the new variant and whether new vaccines will be required to fight it. Vaccine makers are racing to update their Covid-19 shots against the newest coronavirus threat even before it's clear a change is needed.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/who-s-warning-on-omicron-may-change-pandemic-course-without-action-1639025751148" target="_blank">WHO's warning on Omicron: 'May change pandemic course without action'</a>
While there was still little evidence that additional doses were needed to protect against developing severe Covid disease, many vulnerable people and health workers in poorer nations have yet to receive a single dose and remain at great risk.
&nbsp;

The World Health Organization has said the omicron variant of the coronavirus may change the course of the pandemic.
The UN body has called on countries to vaccinate as fast as possible and keep measures in place to protect people from infection.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the we "can prevent omicron becoming a global crisis", adding that "the virus is changing, but our collective resolve must not."
The organization also said while there's early evidence that omicron is milder than the delta strain, it's too early to be definitive.
The WHO said early evidence suggests the omicron variant may be spreading faster than the highly transmissible delta variant but brings with it less severe coronavirus disease -– though it's too early to make firm conclusions.
The WHO's comments come among swirling concerns about the new variant that first emerged in southern Africa last month.
The variant fear prompted some countries to shut their borders.

WHO's warning on Omicron: 'May change pandemic course without action'

WHO: Omicron may change pandemic course without action

The World Health Organization has said that the omicron variant of the coronavirus may change the course of the pandemic.
The UN body has called on countries to vaccinate as fast as possible and keep measures in place to protect people from infection.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the we "can prevent omicron becoming a global crisis", adding that "the virus is changing, but our collective resolve must not."
The organization also said while there's early evidence that omicron is milder than the delta strain, it's too early to be definitive.
The WHO said early evidence suggests the omicron variant may be spreading faster than the highly transmissible delta variant but brings with it less severe coronavirus disease -&ndash; though it's too early to make firm conclusions.

Omicron Variant:&nbsp;The WHO has called on countries to vaccinate as fast as possible and keep measures in place to protect people

The World Health Organization has said the omicron variant of the coronavirus may change the course of the pandemic.
The UN body has called on countries to vaccinate as fast as possible and keep measures in place to protect people from infection.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the we "can prevent omicron becoming a global crisis", adding that "the virus is changing, but our collective resolve must not."
The organization also said while there's early evidence that omicron is milder than the delta strain, it's too early to be definitive.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/omicron-not-more-severe-than-delta-variant-says-dr-anthony-fauci-1638929863299" target="_blank">Omicron not more severe than Delta variant, says Dr Anthony Fauci</a>
The WHO said early evidence suggests the omicron variant may be spreading faster than the highly transmissible delta variant but brings with it less severe coronavirus disease -&ndash; though it's too early to make firm conclusions.
The WHO's comments come among swirling concerns about the new variant that first emerged in southern Africa last month.
The variant fear prompted some countries to shut their borders.

Top US scientist Anthony Fauci has said that early indications suggested the Covid-19 Omicron variant was not worse than prior strains. He added that Omicron was possibly milder, while cautioning it would take weeks to judge its severity.
Speaking to AFP, President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor broke down the knowns and unknowns about Omicron into three major areas: transmissibility, how well it evades immunity from prior infection and vaccines, and severity of illness.
The new variant is "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta, the current dominant global strain, Dr Fauci said.
Current data also indicates re-infections are higher with Omicron and it is likely better at evading immunity from vaccination.
On the question of severity, Dr Fauci said "it almost certainly is not more severe than Delta".
Dr Fauci said a more transmissible virus that doesn't cause more severe illness and doesn't lead to a surge of hospitalizations and deaths was the "best-case scenario."

Omicron not more severe than Delta variant, says Dr Anthony Fauci

Top US scientist Anthony Fauci has said that early indications suggest the Covid-19 Omicron variant is not worse than prior strains. See his take on the new variant

Omicron not more severe than Delta variant, says Dr Fauci

Omicron not more severe than Delta variant, says Dr Fauci
Dr Fauci: New Covid&nbsp;variant not worse than prior strains&nbsp;
'Too early to judge, but Omicron possibly milder than Delta'
Omicron variant is "clearly highly transmissible": Dr Fauci
'Omicron is likely better at evading immunity from vaccination'

Omicron Variant:&nbsp;Top US scientist Anthony Fauci has said that early indications suggested the new&nbsp;Covid-19 variant was not worse than prior strains

Top US scientist Anthony Fauci has said that early indications suggested the Covid-19 Omicron variant was not worse than prior strains. He added that Omicron was possibly milder, while cautioning it would take weeks to judge its severity.
Speaking to AFP, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser broke down the knowns and unknowns about Omicron into three major areas: transmissibility, how well it evades immunity from prior infection and vaccines, and severity of illness.
The new variant is "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta, the current dominant global strain, Dr Fauci said.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/fauci-urges-americans-to-get-boosters-as-first-omicron-case-reaches-us-1638412612546" target="_blank">Fauci urges Americans to get boosters as first Omicron case reaches US</a>
Current data also indicates re-infections are higher with Omicron and it is likely better at evading immunity from vaccination.
On the question of severity, Dr Fauci said "it almost certainly is not more severe than Delta".
Dr Fauci said a more transmissible virus that doesn't cause more severe illness and doesn't lead to a surge of hospitalizations and deaths was the "best-case scenario."

Amid growing concerns over the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the Indian Medical Association has warned about the third wave of the coronavirus if necessary precautions are not taken.
The new variant of the coronavirus has so far infected 23 people in India.
The apex medical body on Monday said that the scientific available till now suggests that Omicron variant is highly infectious and will infect more people.
The doctors' body also demanded that the government expedite the proposal of vaccinating individuals aged 12 to 18 years.
Apart from vaccine for children, the IMA has also urged the government to give additional dose of Covid-19 vaccine to healthworkers, frontline workers and vulnerable groups.
The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa. Since then, cases have been found in over two dozen countries.
The Indian government has implemented strict measures for international travellers, especially those arriving from countries identified as ‘at risk’.
 

Omicron in India: IMA warns of 'massive' third Covid wave, if necessary precautions are not taken

Amid growing concerns over the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the Indian Medical Association has warned about the third wave of the coronavirus if necessary precautions are not taken




Take precautions or there will be a third Covid wave: IMA

Amid growing concerns over the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the Indian Medical Association has warned about the third wave of the coronavirus if necessary precautions are not taken.
The new variant of the coronavirus has so far infected 23 people in India.
The apex medical body on Monday said that the scientific available till now suggests that the Omicron variant is highly infectious and will infect more people.
The doctors' body also demanded that the government expedite the proposal of vaccinating individuals aged 12 to 18 years.
Apart from vaccine for children, the IMA has also urged the government to give additional dose of Covid-19 vaccine to health workers, frontline workers and vulnerable groups.

Omicron:&nbsp;The doctors' body also demanded that the government expedite the proposal of vaccinating individuals aged 12 to 18 years
&nbsp;

Amid growing concerns over the Omicron variant&nbsp;of Covid-19, the Indian Medical Association has warned about the third wave of the coronavirus if necessary precautions are not taken.
The new variant of the coronavirus has so far infected 23 people in India.
The apex medical body on Monday said that the scientific available till now suggests that the Omicron variant is highly infectious and will infect more people.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/omicron-variant-flying-to-india-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-1638730734158" target="_blank">Omicron variant | Flying to India? Here's all you need to know</a>
The doctors' body also demanded that the government expedite the proposal of vaccinating individuals aged 12 to 18 years.
Apart from vaccines for children, the IMA has also urged the government to give an additional dose of the&nbsp;Covid-19 vaccine to health workers, frontline workers and vulnerable groups.
The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa. Since then, cases have been found in over two dozen countries.
The Indian government has implemented strict measures for international travellers, especially those arriving from countries identified as &lsquo;at risk&rsquo;.

India reported 17 more cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 on Sunday taking the tally to 21 in the country.
Nine persons in Rajasthan capital Jaipur, seven in Maharashtra's Pune district and a fully vaccinated man who arrived in Delhi from Tanzania have tested positive for the variant. -
Most of those who tested positive either recently arrived from African countries or were in contact with such people.
With this, four states and the national capital have now reported cases of the potentially more contagious variant which has sparked a fresh alert across the world.
The nine people who tested positive in Jaipur include four members of a family who returned from South Africa recently.
"Genome sequencing has confirmed that nine persons are infected with the omicron variant," Rajasthan health secretary Vaibhav Galriya said.
The new cases in Maharashtra include a woman who along with her two daughters came from Nigeria, her brother and a man who returned from Finland in the last week of November, officials said.
The total number of confirmed Omicron cases in Maharashtra has gone up to eight now.
In a statement, the state health department said, "The 44-year-old, woman, who is a Nigerian citizen of Indian origin, her daughters aged 18 and 12, arrived on November 24 from Lagos in Nigeria to meet her brother in Pimpri Chinchwad area.
"The woman, her two daughters, her 45-year-old brother and his two daughters aged 7 and one-and-a-half years, have tested positive for the Omicron variant as per the report given by the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV)." Their thirteen contacts had been traced and tested, it said.
The country reported the first two cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 on Thursday in Karnataka -- a 66-year-old South African flyer and a 46-year-old Bengaluru doctor with no travel history. Both men are fully vaccinated. On Saturday, a 72-year-old NRI from Gujarat and a 33-year-old man from Maharashtra's Thane tested positive for the new strain.

Omicron cases in India rise to 21, Delhi and Rajasthan report first cases

India reported 17 more cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 on Sunday taking the tally to 21 in the country. See details

Omicron cases in India rise to 21, 1st cases in Delhi, Rajasthan

India reported 17 more cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 on Sunday taking the tally to 21 in the country.
Nine persons in Rajasthan capital Jaipur, seven in Maharashtra's Pune district and a fully vaccinated man who arrived in Delhi from Tanzania have tested positive for the variant. -
Most of those who tested positive either recently arrived from African countries or were in contact with such people.
With this, four states and the national capital have now reported cases of the potentially more contagious variant which has sparked a fresh alert across the world.
The nine people who tested positive in Jaipur include four members of a family who returned from South Africa recently.
The new cases in Maharashtra include a woman who along with her two daughters came from Nigeria, her brother and a man who returned from Finland in the last week of November, officials said.
The total number of confirmed Omicron cases in Maharashtra has gone up to eight now.

Omicron in India:&nbsp;Most of those who tested positive either recently arrived from African countries or were in contact with such people

India reported 17 more cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 on Sunday taking the tally to 21 in the country.
Nine persons in Rajasthan capital Jaipur, seven in Maharashtra's Pune district and a fully vaccinated man who arrived in Delhi from Tanzania have tested positive for the variant.
Most of those who tested positive either recently arrived from African countries or were in contact with such people.
With this, four states and the national capital have now reported cases of the potentially more contagious variant which has sparked a fresh alert across the world.
The nine people who tested positive in Jaipur include four members of a family who returned from South Africa recently.
"Genome sequencing has confirmed that nine persons are infected with the omicron variant," Rajasthan health secretary Vaibhav Galriya said.
The new cases in Maharashtra include a woman who along with her two daughters came from Nigeria, her brother and a man who returned from Finland in the last week of November, officials said.
The total number of confirmed Omicron cases in Maharashtra has gone up to eight now.
In a statement, the state health department said, "The 44-year-old, woman, who is a Nigerian citizen of Indian origin, her daughters aged 18 and 12, arrived on November 24 from Lagos in Nigeria to meet her brother in Pimpri Chinchwad area.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/maharashtra-reports-another-7-cases-of-omicron-variant-9-cases-in-rajasthan-1638721384996" target="_blank">Maharashtra reports another 7 cases of Omicron variant, 9 cases in Rajasthan</a>
"The woman, her two daughters, her 45-year-old brother and his two daughters aged 7 and one-and-a-half years, have tested positive for the Omicron variant as per the report given by the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV)." Their thirteen contacts had been traced and tested, it said.
The country reported the first two cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 on Thursday in Karnataka -- a 66-year-old South African flyer and a 46-year-old Bengaluru doctor with no travel history. Both men are fully vaccinated. On Saturday, a 72-year-old NRI from Gujarat and a 33-year-old man from Maharashtra's Thane tested positive for the new strain.

The emergence of Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus has led to a lot of changes in travel guidelines for passengers arriving in India from abroad.
Here are the rules announced by the Indian govt for international arrivals in effect from December 1:
All international passengers will have to submit a travel history of the last 14 days on govt&rsquo;s Air Suvidha portal before the taking the flight to India. The travel history is a part of a self-declaration form.
Passengers travelling to India will also have to upload a negative RT-PCR report. The test should have been conducted within 72 hours prior to the journey.
Airlines will only be allowed to board passengers who have submitted their travel history and a negative RT-PCR test result.
All international passengers will have to undergo thermal screening on arrival at an Indian airport and those who are found symptomatic will be immediately isolated and taken to a medical facility. If they test positive, standard operation procedure like quarantine and tracing and testing of contacts will be followed.
All travellers from &lsquo;at risk&rsquo; countries listed by the govt will have to submit a sample for a Covid-19 test on arrival at the airport. They will have to wait at the airport till the report comes. The cost for these tests will have to be borne by the passengers.
According to the govt list, at risk countries are the European countries, the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.
If they test negative, they will have quarantine at home for 7 days and do a re-test on the 8th day.
If the passenger tests positive at the airport, the sample will be sent for genome sequencing and they will be taken an isolation facility.
There are two kinds of Covid-19 tests that the passengers can choose from &ndash; the standard RT-PCR test and what is being called a rapid PCR test. Passengers can also pre-book this test.
While the RT-PCR takes about 4 hours for the report to come and is cheaper, the rapid PCR tests takes 30 mins to 45 mins but costs more.
Several airports like Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai have reduced the price of the rapid PCR by Rs 500-600 since more people are opting for it as it is quicker. But the test still costs more than Rs 3000.
Passengers arriving from countries not in the &lsquo;at risk&rsquo; list will be allowed to leave the airport and self-monitor themselves for 14 days.
Random testing of international arrivals will also be done at the airports. The govt will pay for these random tests.
However, India is not entirely resuming regular international flights. The govt had announced that regular international flights would resume from December 15 but it was put on hold due to the Omicron variant.
Currently international passengers flights operations are mainly restricted to countries India has air bubble agreements with.

Omicron variant | Flying to India? Here's all you need to know

All travellers from &lsquo;at risk&rsquo; countries listed by the govt will have to submit a sample for a Covid-19 test on arrival at the airport. They will have to wait at the airport till the report comes.

The emergence of Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus has led to a lot of changes in travel guidelines for passengers arriving in India from abroad.
Here are the rules announced by the Indian govt for international arrivals in effect from December 1:
All international passengers will have to submit a travel history of the last 14 days on govt&rsquo;s Air Suvidha portal before the taking the flight to India. The travel history is a part of a self-declaration form.
Passengers travelling to India will also have to upload a negative RT-PCR report. The test should have been conducted within 72 hours prior to the journey.
Airlines will only be allowed to board passengers who have submitted their travel history and a negative RT-PCR test result.
All international passengers will have to undergo thermal screening on arrival at an Indian airport and those who are found symptomatic will be immediately isolated and taken to a medical facility. If they test positive, standard operation procedure like quarantine and tracing and testing of contacts will be followed.
All travellers from &lsquo;at risk&rsquo; countries listed by the govt will have to submit a sample for a Covid-19 test on arrival at the airport. They will have to wait at the airport till the report comes. The cost for these tests will have to be borne by the passengers.
According to the govt list, at risk countries are the European countries, the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.
If they test negative, they will have quarantine at home for 7 days and do a re-test on the 8th day.
If the passenger tests positive at the airport, the sample will be sent for genome sequencing and they will be taken an isolation facility.
There are two kinds of Covid-19 tests that the passengers can choose from &ndash; the standard RT-PCR test and what is being called a rapid PCR test. Passengers can also pre-book this test.
While the RT-PCR takes about 4 hours for the report to come and is cheaper, the rapid PCR tests takes 30 mins to 45 mins but costs more.
Several airports like Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai have reduced the price of the rapid PCR by Rs 500-600 since more people are opting for it as it is quicker. But the test still costs more than Rs 3000.
Passengers arriving from countries not in the &lsquo;at risk&rsquo; list will be allowed to leave the airport and self-monitor themselves for 14 days.
Random testing of international arrivals will also be done at the airports. The govt will pay for these random tests.
However, India is not entirely resuming regular international flights. The govt had announced that regular international flights would resume from December 15 but it was put on hold due to the Omicron variant.
Currently international passengers flights operations are mainly restricted to countries India has air bubble agreements with.

IIT Kanpur professor Manindra Agrawal has claimed that mild  Covid-19 third wave is likely to peak in India between January and February.

 Mild Covid-19 third wave likely to peak in India between Jan, Feb : IIT Kanpur professor

IIT Kanpur professor Manindra Agrawal has predicted that a mild Covid-19 third wave is likely to peak in India between January and February next year.&nbsp;
In contrast to a South African research study, Agrawal said that Omicron does not seem to be bypassing natural immunity from Covid-19 in any significant way.&nbsp;&nbsp;
He said that there is no need to panic about the new variant but citizens must remain careful.&nbsp;
Agrawal also&nbsp;said that the Omicron variant is not leading to critical cases but only mild infection. The data gathered so far suggests that the variant has only mild symptoms, even as its transmissibility appears to be high.&nbsp;
Recommending the&nbsp;mild lockdown&nbsp;including night curfew, restrictions on crowding to&nbsp;control the spread of the virus and reduce the peak value, he said that&nbsp;the third&nbsp;wave in the country is nearly certain; however, how bad it will get will depend on how the government tackles it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

IIT Kanpur professor Manindra Agrawal has claimed that mild&nbsp;&nbsp;Covid-19 third wave is likely to peak in India between January and February.

omicron variant

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