8,013 people testing positive for coronavirus in the past 24 hours, 22 per cent lower than yesterday’s daily spike of over 10,000 cases, India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,29,24,130, according to Union Health Ministry data updated today.
The death count climbed to 5,13,843 with 119 fresh fatalities, the data updated this morning stated. Kerala added 46 deaths as backlog to today’s tally.
The daily COVID-19 cases have remained less than one lakh for 22 consecutive days.
The active cases, comprising 0.24 per cent of the total infections, dipped to 1,02,601, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has marginally improved to 98.56 per cent, the ministry said.
Puducherry witnessed a steep fall in number of daily cases of coronavirus with only nine people testing positive for the disease on Monday, taking the aggregate to 1,65,720.
The active cases stood at 118, with 12 patients undergoing treatment in hospitals and the remaining 106 patients in home quarantine.
No fresh fatality was reported from any of the four regions in the last 24 hours, keeping the total death count steady, at 1,962.
Vaccinating 70% of the population in every country in the world against COVID-19 by mid-2022 has been the World Health Organization’s (WHO) rallying cry to end the pandemic.
But recently, public health experts say that while boosting immunity globally remains essential, the figure is neither achievable nor meaningful.
It has always been ambitious: Currently, just 12% of people in low-income nations have had one shot, according to Our World In Data. Earlier targets set by WHO – to reach 10% by September 2021, for example – were also missed.
WHO head of immunization Kate O’Brien said 70% remained more than just a “rallying cry”, even though some well-equipped countries with plenty of vaccines have also struggled to reach it.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance – WHO’s partner in the COVAX initiative aimed at getting shots to the world’s poorest – has pulled back from the “one-size-fits-all” 70% focus.
Reservations about the 70% target are a further sign that ending the pandemic globally may be a trickier, and longer, challenge than many had hoped.
One more person tested positive for COVID-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, taking the Union territory’s caseload to 10,017 on Monday, a health bulletin said.
Actor Shruti Haasan updated her social media followers on Sunday that she has tested positive for COVID-19.
Taking to her Instagram handle, the actor shared a picture that read, “Hi everyone! A quick not so fun update. Despite all safety measures I have tested positive for Covid. I’m on the mend and can’t wait to be back very soon! Thank you and see you soon lovelies.”
Kerala government issues more relaxations in COVID-19 guidelines as cases decrease in the state. 100% seating capacity allowed in hotels, bars, restaurants, & theatres. A maximum of 1,500 people, with one person in a 25 sq ft area, allowed for public functions
The national capital logged 484 COVID infections in the last 24 hours, according to Delhi’s health bulletin informed on Sunday.
With this, the active COVID cases in Delhi stand at 2,086, with a case positivity rate of 0.95 per cent.
As many as three COVID deaths and 554 recoveries from coronavirus have also been reported in the last 24 hours, the bulletin informed.
Delhi’s health bulletin also informed that the national capital presently has 4,777 containment zones.
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
