India’s daily Covid curve showed marginal improvement today as the country reported 3.37 lakh cases, which is around 2.7 per cent lower than yesterday. With a tally of 3.89 crore cases, India is the second worst-hit country after the US.
The active cases have increased to 21,13,365, the highest in 237 days. The active cases now comprise 5.43 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has decreased to 93.31 per cent. The daily positivity rate has dropped from 17.94% to 17.22% while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 16.65 per cent.
The overall count of the highly infectious Omicron variant reached 10,050 today with 29 states reporting cases of the new strain.
The cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country have crossed the 161-crore mark. 94 per cent of India’s adults have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 72 per cent are fully vaccinated, according to the government.
Covid vaccination, including precaution doses, for individuals having lab test proven coronavirus infection will be deferred by three months after recovery, as per the new rules by the Centre. The suggestion is based on scientific evidence and recommendation of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, the Centre said.
Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) president HD Devegowda has tested positive for Covid-19, his office announced on Saturday. “He has no symptoms and his health is stable,” a statement read.
Delhi and Mumbai continued to witness a dip in Covid cases on Friday, logging 10,756 and 5,008 single-day cases, respectively. While the positivity rate declined to 18.04 per cent in the national capital, Mumbai saw daily cases dipping for the third day in a row.
Meanwhile, a study by AIIMS has reported milder symptoms and lower mortality among adolescents as compared to adults during the first and the second wave of the pandemic.
Latest, After taking the current Covid-19 situation into consideration, the Election Commission (EC) has extended the ban on physical rallies and roadshows till January 31.
The EC in a press note stated, “No road show, Pad-yatra, cycle/bike/vehicle rally and procession shall be allowed till January 31, 2022. Since contesting candidates for Phase 1 elections will be finalised on January 27, 2022, Commission has decided to allow physical public meetings of Political parties or contesting candidates in designated open spaces with a maximum of 500 persons or 50% of the capacity of the ground or the prescribed limit set by SDMA, whichever number is lesser, from January 28, 2022 till February 8 2022 (excluding the silence period).”
It added, “Since contesting candidates for Phase 2 elections will be finalised on January 31 2022, Commission has decided to allow physical public meetings of Political parties or contesting candidates in designated open spaces with a maximum of 500 persons or 50% of the capacity of the ground or the prescribed limit set by SDMA, whichever number is lesser, from February 1, 2022 till February 12, 2022 (excluding the silence period).”
The EC has also allowed 10 people for door-to-door campaigns.
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
