India reported 33,750 new cases of Covid-19 and 123 deaths from the disease. The country has 1,700 cases of Omicron, according to Union health ministry update.
Maharashtra maintaining its position as the top contributor with 510 cases. Delhi remained the second-most contributor with 351 cases, followed by Kerala (156), Gujarat (136) and Tamil Nadu (121).
Further, as many as 10,846 people recuperated from the viral disease, taking the total number of Covid-related recoveries in the country to 3,42,95,407.
While the active cases in the country account for less than 1 per cent (0.42) of total cases, the recovery rate currently stands at 98.20 per cent.
Under the ongoing vaccination drive, 145.68 crore vaccine doses have been administered across the country so far.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, the weekly positivity rate in the country currently stands at 1.68 per cent and the daily positivity rate stands at 3.84 per cent.
Meanwhile, India begins vaccinating teens aged 15 to 18 from Monday, expanding its inoculation campaign as coronavirus cases spike in the country. Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin will be the only vaccine administered to the age group. Nearly 600,000 adolescents have registered for their Covaxin shots according to data on the CoWIN platform. India’s estimated population in the 14-17 category is around three crore.
Later this week, the Health Ministry is expected to issue guidelines on “precaution doses” and whether this third dose will be a repeat of the previous two or a different kind. Current evidence suggests that a third dose, same or different, boosts antibodies but the latter gives a larger boost, improving the odds of staving off a symptomatic infection. Two doses, however, continue to protect against disease at least for nine months, the Indian Council of Medical Research said last week, citing local as well as international studies.
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
