India registered 7,145 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, 4.1 per cent lower than yesterday. With these fresh cases, the overall coronavirus tally in the country has mounted to 3,47,33,194.
Meanwhile, 289 succumbed to the Covid-19 infection, pushing the country’s toll to 4,77,158, according to the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare early Saturday.
The maximum casualties were reported in Kerala (243), followed by Maharashtra with 12 daily deaths.
Also, the top five states which have registered maximum cases are Kerala with 3,471 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 902 cases, Tamil Nadu with 621 cases, West Bengal with 580 cases and Karnataka with 238 cases.
As many as 81.34 per cent of the new cases were reported from these five states, with Kerala alone responsible for 48.58 per cent of the new cases.
India’s active caseload stands at 84,565 even as the total active cases declined by 1,850 in the last 24 hours.
Moreover, a total of 8,706 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, bringing the total recoveries to 3,41,71,471 across the country. With this, India’s recovery rate now stands at 98.38 per cent.
India has administered a total of 62,06,244 doses in the last 24 hours. As many as 1,36,66,05,173 doses have been administered so far in the country.
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
