omicron threat

The emergence of the EG.5 Omicron variant, designated a ‘variant of interest’ by the WHO, is unlikely to pose a significant pandemic threat in India, as there has been no significant change in the incidence rate of Covid-19 or hospitalizations. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that although there have been increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties of EG.5, there have been no changes in disease severity to date. Till now, 243 new sub-variants have been found in India, with none of them posing any serious threat.

JN.1 sub-variant may lead to a rise in case counts. But with Covid-appropriate behaviours, including masking, we can carry on with our lives

Mandaviya said the government continues to aggressively pursue genomic surveillance to detect Covid-19 clusters and new variants, if any, even though the cases of the viral infection have reduced. “We are constantly taking samples and testing them. Till now, 243 new sub variants have been found. None of them pose any serious threat,” the union health minister said. The WHO (World Health Organisation) has declared EG.5 or Eris a Variant of Interest (VOI).

China has yet to detect any dangerous Covid mutations in the six weeks since the virus was unleashed on the country’s 1.4 billion people after the abandonment of the rigid curbs that held the pathogen largely at bay. That’s bolstering hope that a new variant after Omicron is less likely to emerge, even as China contends with an explosive wave.

Despite the recent discovery of the BF.7 variant in the state, genome research experts indicate the XBB and BA.2.75 strains are still the most prevalent locally and will be closely monitored.

The latest subvariant of the Omicron variant BF.7, known as the 'Omicron spawn', that was first detected in China, has reached other countries like the United States, UK, Australia and Belgium.

Surge in infections in various countries from Omicron sub-variants is not of undue concern, given low severity and hospitalisation. Scientists hope it’ll stay that way

The city reported 73 new cases of the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the tally to 238. This is the biggest jump after 63 new cases were reported on Monday.

Two suspected Omicron cases have led private hospitals in Kolkata to revive their old Covid porotocol, including noting down travel histories of patients with symptoms and isolating those who have been abroad recently or in contact with such individuals.

To stay ahead of the omicron threat, public health experts want the government to urgently decide on booster shots, especially for the immunocompromised and elderly. While India has detected 36 cases so far, it is predicted to replace Delta as the dominant variant in the months to come.

Assam on Saturday revised the present Covid-19 containment guidelines in view of the emergence of the Omicron variant. Night curfew will continue, but with a revised time and a fine Rs 1,000 has been imposed for not wearing masks or spitting in public.

The World Health Organization's chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan said low Covid testing was a worldwide problem that can seriously impact genomic surveillance.

The number of people going for RT-PCR tests at hospitals has seen an upswing over the last two weeks. While many opting for the test are those who want to travel out of the country and essentially need a certificate, others are people who had recently travelled back and suspect having contracted the Omicron variant of the virus.

As the year 2021 draws to a close amid the threat of another wave of coronavirus pandemic with the emergence of Omicron variant, health experts have warned people not to forget the death and devastation caused by the virus in the last two years and stay alert to ward off another surge.

Members of the Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (AHNA) met on Monday to discuss a possible spike in Covid-19 cases due to the Omicron variant. The members resolved to keep Covid facilities ready and expand capacity threefold if needed.

In the midst of worries over the upcoming surge of Covid-19 cases, and the omicron threat, there is some good news. In terms of average monthly testing over the last six months, Hyderabad is among the top three districts in the country.

In the wake of the threat posed by coronavirus variant Omicron, four more international passengers from “at-risk” countries tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday, said officials.​​

The state government is fully prepared to protect the lives of the people, especially the children, from Omicron, health minister Mangal Pandey tells B K Mishra in an exclusive interview

Ahead of the omicron threat looming over the country, the state conducted a mock drill of all pressure swing adsorption (PSA) plants in Bihar on Thursday to ensure their functionality and readiness to provide oxygen in the event of an emergency. The state can now produce over 490 metric tonnes of oxygen per day through a variety of techniques.