Covid-19: India registered 7,495 new cases and 434 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Thursday morning.
With the addition of fresh fatalities, the death toll has mounted to 4,78,759.
Meanwhile, the Omicron infection tally has climbed to 236 across the nation. However, out of the total Omicron positive, 104 have been discharged after they recovered. So far, 16 states have reported Omicron infection, the Ministry added.
Maharashtra has recorded the maximum 65 cases of the Omicron variant followed by Delhi at 64, Telangana 24, Karnataka 19, Rajasthan 21 and Kerala 15.
Amid fresh concerns caused by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting on the Covid-19 situation in the country at 6.30 pm on Thursday.
The recovery of 6,960 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,42,08,926. Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020.
India’s active caseload is presently at 78,291. Active cases constitute 0.23 per cent of the country’s total positive Cases, which is the lowest since March 2020.
Also in the same period, a total of 12,05,775 tests were conducted across the country. India has so far conducted over 66.86 crore cumulative tests.
Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate at 0.59 per cent has remained less than one per cent for the last 39 days now.
The daily positivity rate stands at 0.62 per cent, which has also remained below two per cent for the last 80 days and less than three per cent for 115 consecutive days now.
With the administration of 70,17,671 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s Covid inoculation coverage has reached 139.70 crore.
More than 18.12 crore balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and union territories, the Ministry added.
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
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