India’s daily coronavirus (Covid-19) infections jumped to 2,82,970 as the country saw a spike after a few days of marginal dip in daily tally. With this, the overall rally reached 3,79,01,241 including 8,961 cases of the Omicron variant, according to the data published on the Union health ministry’s website. There has been an 0.79 per cent increase in Omicron cases since Tuesday, the ministry informed.
The death toll reached 4,87,202 after over 400 people succumbed to the viral disease, the data also showed.
As of Wednesday morning, the country has a total of 18,31,000 active cases, the highest in the last more than seven months. According to the data, the active cases currently account for 4.83 per cent of the total caseload.
The national recovery rate stood at 93.88 per cent. Over the last 24 hours 1,88,157 people recuperated from the viral respiratory disease. Total recoveries now stand at 3,55,83,039.
As per the data, the daily positivity rate is at 15.13 per cent, while the weekly positivity rate is at 15.53 per cent.
On the vaccination front, the authorities have administered 158.88 crore doses under the nationwide vaccination drive.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on Wednesday said that while the daily positivity rate of the city’s Covid cases had seen a dip, it was not low enough for the Delhi government to lift the curbs imposed to contain the spread of the virus. He further added that government will monitor the situation for a few days. Jain added that Delhi would see around 13,000 cases on Wednesday, with a positivity rate of about 24 per cent.
“The Covid positivity rate has come down from 30 per cent to 22.5 per cent in Delhi. But it is not that low that all the curbs can be lifted suddenly,” said Jain.
With 50 per cent of the eligible teenagers vaccinated with the first dose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday tweeted, “Young and youthful India showing the way! This is encouraging news. Let us keep the momentum.” On Tuesday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had said, “Big day for India’s fight against Covid-19! Over 50% of our youngsters between 15-18 age group have received their 1st dose of Covid-19 vaccine…Your enthusiasm for vaccination is inspiring people all over India.”
In other news, scheduled international commercial passenger flights will remain suspended till February 28, a notice issued by the Director-General of Civil Aviation said Wednesday. The restriction does not apply to international cargo flights, those approved by the DGCA and flights from countries with which India has entered into an air bubble arrangement. Earlier, the DGCA had extended the ban till January 31, 2022, revoking its decision to resume scheduled international flights from December 15 onwards.
More about Omicron
The Omicron variant has been called a variant of concern by WHO based on studies that shows it has several mutations.
Still a lot of research is underway to evaluate its transmissibility, severity and reinfection risk.
The Omicron variant has been detected in several regions of the world. WHO reports that the likelihood of the Omicron variant spreading further globally is high.
It is not currently known if the Omicron variant is more or less severe than other strains of COVID-19, including Delta. Studies are ongoing and this information will be updated as it becomes available.
It is not yet clear whether Omicron can spread more easily from person to person compared to other variants, such as Delta.
However, being vaccinated and taking precautions such as avoiding crowded spaces, keeping your distance from others and wearing a mask are critical in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we know these actions have been effective against other variants.
Researchers are looking into any potential impact the Omicron variant has on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. Although information is still limited, WHO believes it is a reasonable assumption that the currently available vaccines offer some protection against severe disease and death.
It is also important to be vaccinated to protect against the other widely circulating variants, such as the Delta one. When it’s your turn, make sure to get vaccinated. If your vaccination involves two doses, it’s important to receive both in order to have the maximum protection.
According to WHO, early evidence suggests that people who have previously had COVID-19 could be reinfected more easily with Omicron, in comparison to other variants of concern. Information is still limited though and we will share updates as it becomes available.
Source: UNICEFRead more Health News
Latest update Omicron
