Over 10 international travellers who arrived in Bengaluru from southern African countries have gone untraceable, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike said on Friday. The travellers have switched off their phones, officials said.
This comes a day after the Karnataka government ordered a probe into test reports of the 66-year-old South African national, that allowed him to leave the country. The probe into the person’s test came after questions were raised on how he managed to get a negative report within three days after testing positive for Covid on arrival and also about him reportedly attending some official meetings, and leaving the country even as his genomic sequencing reports were awaited.
Meanwhile, Karnataka has introduced updated Covid-19 guidelines, according to which all cultural activities/fests, functions have been postponed till January 15, 2022, in all educational institutions.
Karnataka logged 413 new Covid-19 cases and four deaths on Friday, taking the total number of infections to 29,97,246 and the toll to 38,220. Bengaluru Urban continued to top the list of cases (212), as the city saw 185 discharges and two deaths. The total number of active cases in the state is now 6,896.
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
