Coronavirus Omicron India Highlights | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 23 chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the COVID-19 situation in the country and the preparedness of healthcare systems, in view of the emergence of the fast-spreading new Omicron coronavirus variant. The meeting comes in the backdrop of India recording 236 cases of the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus across 16 states and union territories (UTs), out of which 104 have recovered or migrated, according to the Union Health Ministry. At the meeting attended by NITI Aayog’s Dr VK Paul, Home Secretary AK Bhalla, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava, AYUSH Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, among others, PM Modi discussed the threat posed by Omicron -- the new Variant of Concern (VOC), the state of public health response measures for containment and management of COVID19, availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders, and concentrators, ventilators, etc., availability of ICU/oxygen supported beds, the status of vaccination, etc. The officials briefed the Prime Minister about the emerging scenario globally driven by the new variant, with an overview of the surge in cases in countries having high vaccination coverage and the presence of Omicron Variant. He was also apprised of the technical brief and priority actions recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the context of Omicron. The prime minister was further informed about the states that are reporting a higher number of coronavirus cases, districts reporting higher positivity, and higher number of clusters, etc. The details of the Omicron cases reported in the country, including their travel history, vaccination status, and recovered status was also presented.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Delhi govt orders Sarojini Nagar Market to follow odd-even operations for weekend of December 25, 26 to prevent the market from becoming a Covid super spreader
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Indians flood markets, tourist spots despite Omicron concerns
Indians are crowding markets and taking packed flights to holiday destinations again despite calls from authorities urging restraint and caution amid rising cases of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus.In the coastal state of Goa, hugely popular as a tourist destination for its beaches and offshore casinos, hotels are running at nearly 90 percent occupancy, with some 90 flights landing in the western state daily, pushing air traffic volumes back to pre-pandemic levels.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Eight more people tested positive for Omicron in Kerala
Eight more people tested positive for Omicron in Kerala today, the total number in the State is 37. The first Omicron case in the State has been discharged, says State Health MinisterVeenaGeorge.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Remdesivir to be used in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19: Health ministry
The Centre on Friday saidRemdesivirdrug should only be used in patients with moderate to severe’ COVID-19 and those with no renal or hepatic dysfunction within 10 days of the onset of any symptom.It also warned against use of the drug in patients who are not on oxygen support or in home settings.According to the clinical guidance issued by the Union health ministry for management of the infection in adult patients,Remdesivirhas been asked to be used in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 and those with no renal or hepatic dysfunction within 10 days of onset of any symptom.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Maharashtra govt imposes night curfew in the state from 9 pm to 6 am
Amid the rising Omicron coronavirus cases in state, Maharashtra government on December 24 issued fresh curbs including 9 pm to 6 am night curfew ban of more than 5 people during that period.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed the 140 crore mark
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed the 140 crore mark today with more than 59 lakh vaccine doses have been administered till 7 pm today: Government of India
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Delhi's Sacred Heart Cathedral to remain closed for visitors today and on Christmas, due to the current Covid-19 situation
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Maharashtra reports 20 new Omicron cases; tally rises to 108
Maharashtra reports 1,410 new cases, 12 deaths and 868 discharges today; Active caseload stands at 8,426. 20 new cases of Omicron were reported in the state, takes case tally to 108. Out of these, 54 cases have been discharged following a negative RTPCRtest.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Govt's scientific groups deliberating on need for booster dose of COVID-19
The government’s scientific groups are deliberating on the need for booster dose of COVID-19 and they are reviewing all data from across the world as well as from India, officials said on Friday.Addressing a press conference,ICMRDirector GeneralBalramBhargavasaid discussions are going on to look at different aspects of booster dose."There is aCOVIDworking group, which has debated on it several times that those recommendations to the subcommittee of the National Technical Advisory Group ofimmunisationfollowing which it goes to the main technical advisory group ofimmunisationand then toNEGVACwhich will then be accepted by the Ministry of Health,” he said.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | BMC issues guidelines for international passengers arriving from Dubai in Mumbai
In an order dated December 24, all passengers arriving from theUAEand who are residents of Mumbai will have to undergo seven days home quarantine upon arrival in the city.Travellersresiding in other parts of Maharashtra other than Mumbai will be transferred by collector who shall arrange transport for suchtravellers.Thesetravellerswill not be allowed to take public transport, the order stated.Travellerswho have connecting flights to other States or other parts of Maharashtra will be allowed to take the connecting Hight, however, it is the responsibility of the Airport Authority to inform the respective Airport Officer regarding thetravellersarriving from Dubai, it said.All thetravellersarriving from Dubai and who are residents of Mumbai will be in home quarantine and will be followed by the Ward War Room for 7 days.On the 7th day,RT-PCRwill be done. If the test is negative, thetravellerwill self-monitor for further 7 days, howeverif the test is positive, they will be shifted to institutional quarantine as per the current guidelines for internationaltravellers.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Gujarat to impose night curfew from 11pm to 5am
Night curfew to be in force from 11pm to 5am daily inAhmedabad,Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot,Bhavnagar,Jamnagar,GandhinagarandJunagadhfrom 25th December, in view of current COVID19 situation, the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office said.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Mumbai reports 683 new COVID19 infections, 1 death today
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Goa Reports 67 COVID-19 Cases, No Death; Active Tally Now 453
The COVID-19 tally in Goa reached 1,79,965 on Friday after 67 cases were detected, while the death toll remained unchanged at 3,518, an official said.So far, 1,75,994 people have been discharged post recovery, including 43 on Friday, leaving the state with an active caseload of 453, he said.With 1,902 samples being examined in the last 24 hours, the number of tests in Goa went up to 16,07,977, he added.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Kareena Kapoor Khan recovers from COVID-19
Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan on Friday said that she has recovered from coronavirus.Khan, who had tested positive for COVID-19 on December 13, shared the news in a brief statement on her Instagram Stories.“I have tested negative for Covid-19. Thank you to my darling sister for being our anchor through this nightmare… My BFF Amrita we did this… my darling friends and family, my Poonie, Naina, and everyone for praying… My fans for your DMs,” the 41-year-old actor wrote.Khan also expressed gratitude to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for their continuous support.“The BMC for being so amazing and prompt… SRL Dr. Avinash Phadke Labs for being the best… And lastly my dear husband for being so patient to be locked in a hotel room… away from his family.Merry Christmas everybody stay safe! Ok bye have to kiss my babies like never before,” the actor concluded her statement.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | US to lift travel curbs on eight African countries
The Biden administration will lift travel restrictions on eight southern African countries imposed last month over concerns about the fast-spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant, a senior administration official told Reuters. Foreign nationals who are barred from the United States because they have been in one of the eight countries within the prior 14 days will again be allowed on U.S.-bound flights leaving after 12:01 a.m. ET on Dec. 31, the official added. The United States on Nov. 29 barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho,Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi in an "abundance of caution" over the variant detected in South Africa. The official said U.S. public health agencies had recommended lifting the travel restrictions because retaining them would have not a significant impact on U.S. cases given the widespread current U.S. transmission, confidence that an Omicron-specific vaccine would not be necessary and that existing vaccines and booster shots are highly effective. "This travel pause has served its purpose. It bought time to understandthe science, it gave time to analyze the variant," the official, who did not want to be identified because the decision has not yet been made public, told Reuters."This was not meant to keep Omicron out. We knew we couldn't do that. The point was to reduce the number of cases coming in - in those early days and weeks."
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Chandigarh administration bans entry of those not fully vaccinated against Covid at public places from January 1
Chandigarh administration bans entryof those not fully vaccinated againstCovidat public places from January 1, only fully vaccinated people will be allowed.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Delhi reports 180 new COVID19 cases in the last 24 hours
The active caseload stands at 782, test positivity at 0.29%.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Bhutan starts giving COVID-19 booster shots
Bhutan has started giving COVID-19 booster shots to senior citizens and priority groups as the Himalayan kingdom tries to stave off the Omicron variant, health ministry officials said on Friday. Those aged 65 and older, overseastravellers, health workers, sufferers from chronic ailments and all adults living in "high risk" areas are eligible, the officials said. "Bhutan becomes the first country in the South Asian region to administer booster doses," public service broadcaster BBS said in a report. Officials said Bhutan planned to inoculate more than 228,000 people in a week. "As we did for the second dose, mix and match is recommended even for the booster, given its higher efficacy,"SonamWangchuk, an official of the Royal Centre for Disease Control (RCDC), was quoted as saying in theKuenselnewspaper.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Rahul Gandhi demands compensation to families of COVID-19 deceased
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday demanded compensation to the families of those who died of COVID-19 and said it will be the first step towards justice to the victims.Sharing a news report on bodies being dumped in the Ganga during the second wave of COVID-19, Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi, “The truth of the pain of Covid deceased is flowing in the waves of the Ganga, which is not possible to hide. Compensating the families of the victims would be the first step towards justice.”
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Third COVID wave in India may peak in early February: IIT-Kanpur Study
The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India may peak by February 3, 2022, claims amodellingstudy by researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.However, the forecast is based on the assumption that India will follow the trends of rise in cases seen in many countries globally driven by the Omicron variant of coronavirus.The yet-to-be peer-reviewed study, posted on the preprint repositoryMedRxivon December 21, used a statistical tool named the Gaussian Mixture model to forecast the third wave.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Third Covid wave in India may peak in early February: IIT-Kanpur study
The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India may peak by February 3, 2022, claims amodellingstudy by researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. However, the forecast is based on the assumption that India will follow the trends of rise in cases seen in many countries globally driven by the Omicron variant of coronavirus.The yet-to-be peer-reviewed study, posted on the preprint repositoryMedRxivon December 21, used a statistical tool named the Gaussian Mixture model to forecast the third wave.In their study, the researchers used data from countries such as the US, UK, Germany, and Russia that are already facing the thirdCOVID-19 wave.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Treatment protocols for COVID-19 & Delta will apply to Omicron, says Rajesh Bhushan
The treatment protocols for COVID-19 & Delta will apply to Omicron. While the evidence emerges, the immune escape potential for Delta is higher & its high transmission rates will lead to high surge cases, said Union Health Secretary RajeshBhushan. He further added thatthere was a 10 fold increase in oxygen demand from 1st wave to 2nd wave. Thus, 18,800 metric tonnes of medical oxygen per day has been arranged for; cause for concern is 11 states where vaccination coverage is less than the national average.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | 89% of Adult Population Received First Dose: Rajesh Bhushan
89% of the adult population has received the first dose and 61% of the eligible population has received the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine, said Union Health Secretary RajeshBhushan
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Omicron has significant growth advantage over Delta, spreading fast through communities with doubling time of 1.5 to 3 days: Govt said quoting WHO
WHO on Dec 7 said that Omicronhas a significant growth advantage over Delta which means, it has greater transmissibility. Omicron cases double within 1.5-3 days, so we have to remain vigilant withcovidappropriatebehaviour, saidUnion Health Secretary RajeshBhushanon COVID-19.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | 358 Omicron cases in 17 States/UTs of India; 114 have recovered, says Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan
A total of 358 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported across 17 states of the country so far, Union health Secretary said on December 24. The number of recoveries stand at 114.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Europe, North America & Africa seeing an increase in COVID19 cases week-on-week; while Asia witnessing a decline, says Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan
While Europe, North America & Africa are seeing an increase in COVID19 cases week-on-week, Asia is still witnessing a decline in cases week-on-week, RajeshBhushansaid.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | World is witnessing the fourth surge & and the overall positivity is 6.1%, says Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on COVID19
The world is witnessing the fourth surge & and the overall positivity is 6.1%. Therefore, we have to be on guard and we can't afford to slacken, saidUnion Health Secretary RajeshBhushanon COVID19.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Millions travel across US as airlines cancel flights over Covid
Millions of Americans are traveling before Christmas even as national Omicron Covid-19 infections surpass Delta's peak and hospitals run out of space for patients.Several thousand travelers face a grim Christmas Eve as airlines United, Delta and Alaska said Thursday they were canceling December 24 flights due toCovid.United Airlines said it had called off about 120 flights over the "nationwide spike in Omicron cases," with Delta Air Lines telling customers they had pulled 90 flights.Alaska Airlines said they canceled 17 flights after some employees "may have been exposed to the virus,"adding more trips may be scrapped.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | France recommends Covid booster jab 3 months after initial vaccines
France on Friday recommended that adults receive a Covid-19 booster vaccination three months after their initial jabs, reducing the current guideline of five monthsto better fight the Omicron variant.The recommendation was published by the country's HAS health authority, which advises the government in the fight against Covid-19.It also recommended that the booster rollout be expanded to now include teenagers who are deemed to be at risk.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan's genome sequencing report for Omicron is negative, updates BMC
ActorsKareenaKapoorKhan and AmritaArorahad tested positive for COVID-19 on December 13.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Japan health panel approves Merck's oral Covid-19 treatment
Japanese regulators on Friday approved the Covid-19 antiviral pill developed by Merck & Co Inc, national broadcasterNHKreported. The approval was widely expected and opens the door to shipments of 200,000 doses across the country from this weekend, based on preparations announced by Prime Minister FumioKishida.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Section 144 imposed in Gautam Budha Nagar till December 31
PoliceCommissionerateon December24 said thatSection 144CrPChas been imposed inGautamBudhaNagartill December 31 ahead of the upcoming festive season amid fears over the Omicron variant of COVID-19. As per the order,masksand social distancinghave been mandated for public places.Activities in the containment zones will remain restricted except for medical and essential services. Multiplexes and cinema halls will have to follow properCovidprotocols, it said.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Odisha imposes restrictions on religious festivals, functions from December 25-January 2
Citing omicron threat and spread,Odishagovernment on December 24 announced restrictions on religious festivals, festivities and functions from December 25, 2021 to January 2, 2022.In the circular, the state government restricted the Christmas celebrations to Churches with a maximum of 50 people joining the mass. All the people have been directed to adhere to COVID-19 protocols.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | South Africa to roll out COVID-19 boosters immediately
South Africa will start offering booster shots of Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine from Friday, the health department said in a statement, following its approval for use as a booster by the health regulator a day earlier.Both J&J and Pfizer COVID-19 shots have beenauthorisedas boosters by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), but the move opens up boosters to the general public for the first time. So far, only J&J booster shots have been available for health workers. However the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has heightened the need for people to shore up their protections. "From 24th December 2021 the National VaccinationProgrammewill provide J&J booster vaccinations to anyone who received their last dose at least 2 months prior," the statement said, adding ideally it would also be within six months of their original shot.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Delhi completes first dose to 100% eligible people
Delhi CMArvindKejriwalsaid that the national capital has completed first dose of covid 19 vaccine.Salute to Doctors,ANMs, Teachers,ASHAs,CDVsand all other Frontline workers. Congratulations toDMs,CDMOs,DIOsand all district functionaries, the CM tweeted.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Millions travel across US as airlines cancel flights over Covid
Millions of Americans are traveling before Christmas even as national Omicron Covid-19 infections surpass Delta's peak and hospitals run out of space for patients.Several thousand travelers face a grim Christmas Eve as airlines United, Delta and Alaska said Thursday they were canceling December 24 flights due toCovid.United Airlines said it had called off about 120 flights over the "nationwide spike in Omicron cases," with Delta Air Lines telling customers they had pulled 90 flights.Alaska Airlines said they canceled 17 flights after some employees "may have been exposed to the virus,"adding more trips may be scrapped.A Christmas testing crunch compounded the country's problems, with pharmacy appointments in big cities booked, government sites overwhelmed and home kits nowhere to be found.At a newly opened federal testing site in New York City's Travers Park, people formed long lines, wearing puffy winter gear in the bone-chilling cold."I was planning to meet up with my family, but I might be positive for Covid, so that's something that I don't think is going to be happening," Queens resident Maria Felix said as she awaited her result.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Season's greetings? Omicron dampens festive spirit, worries hospitality sector
‘Tisindeed the season to be jolly but the emergence of a newCovidvariant and reimposed restrictions in some places just when things were looking up has the hospitality sector– and party-goers hoping to make the most of Christmas and year-end festivities – worried yet again.
Though Christmas lights are up in several cities, the feeling ofdéjàvu, of another year-end of lengtheningCovidshadows – this time of the Omicron variant – has dampened the Yuletide spirit. And while many restaurants and hotels are going ahead with their Christmas and New Year plans, it’s all edged with uncertainty and dread that another wave might be just around the corner. The party may not go on. But nobody can be sure. Be it Delhi or Mumbai, Kolkata orBengaluru, optimism for a happy and healthy end to the year clashes with the stress of not really knowing what lies ahead. The mantra, as an industry insider put it, is cautiously optimistic In the national capital, where the Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday directed district magistrates to ensure no Christmas and New Year gathering takes place in view of the rising Omicron cases, restaurateurs sought more clarity. TheDDMAorder, they said, permits bars and restaurants to operate with up to 50 per cent of seating capacity without specifying whether they can host Christmas and New Year parties. ''Whether we canorganisea party or not is agreyarea. We hope the government will issue a clarification before December 31,'' Joy Singh, co-partner ofRaastaand Yeti, toldPTI. He said they are opting to be cautious andorganisingonly sit-down lunches and dinners.
A restaurant owner in Khan Market, the buzzing shopping and eating destination in the heart of the city, said this is their turnaround moment but it may not happen.
''We were hoping the (DDMA) order would bring some relief but we will have to settle for 50 per cent of the crowd. Ever since the pandemic, we have been facing issues with lockdown and then the curbs… We understand there is the Omicron threat, but other areas are fully functional, so why target our industry?''SahilSambhiof the Drunken Botanist, a bar-eatery inGurgaon’sCyber Hub abutting Delhi, is equally despairing. “…This is the most rewarding time for the F&B industry. That said, we will abide to the 50 per cent rule strictly and will follow allCovidprotocols to the tee. We had planned a few events on the occasion, but I am afraid we have to cancel those now amid the fresh curbs imposed by the state government,” the director of Drunken Botanist toldPTI. Given the escalating number of cases and the fear of another wave, the industry is battling tremendous odds anyway. According to a survey by English news appInshorts, about 63 per cent of Delhi residents said they will ''stay at home'' while 29 per cent said they would like to be part of ''small gettogethers''. Of the 15,000 people surveyed, four per cent said they would like to dine-out or travel on the occasion. InKarnataka, the state government has said there will no deejays, no parties from December 31 to January 2. And the 50 per cent cap on occupancy also stands. To add to it, some groups have announced a shutdown on New Year’s Eve to press for a ban on the MaharashtraEkikaranSamiti, which recently allegedly defaced the statue of 19th century warriorSangolliRayanna, inBelagavi.
ChetanHegde, the owner of 1522- The Pub in the state capitalBengaluru, said business has dipped by 30 to 40 per cent in the last two years. ''We were expecting a good business this year but again the Omicron has surfaced. We are bound by all the restrictions,''HegdetoldPTI. ''We had sold our tickets online in good numbers but the restrictions came in the last minute,” addedHiteshTulsani, operations manager of theRaahiNeo Kitchen and Bar in the city. Tracking the falling numbers during peak season for the business, he said there was a crowd of about 500 people in his restaurant on December 31, 2019. This plunged to only 30 last year. And this year looks dismal too. The mood is distinctly downcast in TamilNaduas well. Residency Group COOGopinathB said they are waiting for an official communication from the government. If there is a ban, celebrations will be subdued; if not, New Year’s Eve will be a big celebration, complete with deejays. ''Covidwill not only affect the hospitality industry but also other kinds of industries… We want to be very careful instead of slipping into another mess,'' he said. The mood is optimistic but the uncertainty palpable in Mumbai as well.
''Currently, we are witnessing positive consumer sentiment following pent up demand,'' said Nikhil Sharma, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Regional Director - Eurasia. The company's Ramada PlazaJuhuproperty has been getting over 55 per cent footfalls for the Christmas and New Year period, and these bookings are expected to rise further for this period.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Omicron can evade protection offered by Covid vaccines, antibody therapies: Study
Omicron can evade the immune protection conferred by COVID-19 vaccines and natural infection, according to a peer-reviewed study which also suggests that the new variant of coronavirus is completely resistant to antibody therapies in use today. The study, published in the journal Nature on Thursday, also highlights the need for new vaccines and treatments that anticipate how the SARS-CoV-2 virus may soon evolve.
The researchers from Columbia University in the US and the University of Hong Kong noted that a striking feature of Omicron is the alarming number of changes in the variant's spike protein that could pose a threat to the effectiveness of current vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. The study tested the ability of antibodies generated by vaccination to neutralise Omicron in laboratory tests that pitted antibodies against live viruses and against pseudoviruses constructed in the lab to mimic the variant.
The researchers found that the antibodies from people double-vaccinated with Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines were significantly less effective at neutralising Omicron compared to the original virus. Antibodies from previously infected individuals were even less likely to neutralise Omicron, they said.People who received a booster shot of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are likely to be better protected, although even their antibodies exhibited diminished neutralising activity against Omicron, the study shows.
"The new results suggest that previously infected individuals and fully vaccinated individuals are at risk for infection with the Omicron variant," said David Ho, a professor at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. "Even a third booster shot may not adequately protect against Omicron infection, but of course it is advisable to get one, as you will still benefit from some immunity," Ho added. The researchers noted that the findings are consistent with other neutralisation studies, as well as early epidemiological data from South Africa and the UK, which show efficacy of two doses of the vaccines against symptomatic disease is significantly reduced against Omicron.
The study also suggests that all of the monoclonal antibody therapies currently in use and most in development are much less effective against Omicron. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. In neutralisation studies with monoclonal antibodies, only one -- Brii198 approved in China -- maintained notable activity against Omicron, according to the researchers. A minor form of Omicron is completely resistant to all antibodies in clinical use today, they said.
The study authors note that Omicron is now the most complete "escapee" from neutralisation that scientists have seen. They also identified four new mutations in the spike protein of Omicron that help the virus evade antibodies, a finding that could inform the design of new approaches to combat the variant. The SARS-CoV-2 virus uses the spike protein to enter and infect the human cells. The researchers suggest that new vaccines and treatments need to be developed that can better anticipate how the virus is evolving. "It is not too far-fetched to think that SARS-CoV-2 is now only a mutation or two away from being completely resistant to current antibodies, either the monoclonal antibodies used as therapies or the antibodies generated by vaccination or infection with previous variants," Ho added.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Two more Omicron cases in Andhra Pradesh, tally rises to 4
Andhra Pradesh on Friday reported two more positive case of Omicron variant of COVID-19 taking the tally of the new strain to four. The two new cases were reported from Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts, an official said, adding both persons arrived from foreign countries. A 39-year old woman who recently arrived from Kuwait, tested positive for the Omicron variant, East Godavari District Medical and Health Officer K V S Gowriswara Rao said.
The woman who landed at Vijayawada on December 19 tested positive for COVID-19 and her samples were sent to CCMB Hyderabad for genome sequencing and the result was declared as Omicron positive on December 23, the official said. "She is presently in home isolation and doing well. Her primary contacts tested negative," the DMHO told PTI. A 33-year old man landed in Visakhapatnam from UAE on December 15.
He suffered from fever and underwent treatment also. His samples were sent to CCMB for genome sequencing which resulted in positive for Omicron, a Vizag health department official said. A 33-year old man landed in Visakhapatnam from UAE on December 15. He is currently in home isolation, the official added. Earlier, a 39-year old woman and a 34-year old man, who, on different dates, came to the state from Kenya and Ireland respectively, tested positive for COVID-19 with the latest strain Omicron.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Uttar Pradesh to impose coronavirus night curfew from December 25
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday issued orders to initiate strict measures, including a statewide night curfew from December 25, in view of a rise in Covid cases in several states. The coronavirus night curfew will be applicable from 11 pm to 5 am, a senior official said here. Chairing a high-level meeting, the chief minister also instructed officials to cap the number of people attending events like marriages to 200. These events have to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, and organisers will be required to inform the local authorities about these, the official said.
Adityanath also asked the officials to ensure all traders follow the "no mask, no goods" policy at their establishments, he said. Masks should be made mandatory for everyone on the streets or in the markets. Police should carry out continuous patrols to ensure the guidelines are followed, the official said. Adityanath directed the officials to ensure that people arriving in Uttar Pradesh from other states or abroad are traced and tested for coronavirus, and extra vigilance is maintained on buses, railway stations and airports, he said.
He asked for a close watch to be kept on the health of those coming from outside the state after testing them, and if required, they should be admitted to hospitals or be quarantined, the senior official said. Monitoring committees did a commendable job in coronavirus management in the past, and directives have been issued to reactivate them in villages and urban wards, he said. The chief minister said that in view of the possibility of a third wave of COVID-19, the state made systematic preparations in the past which needed to be re-examined.
Facilities available at all government and private medical institutions of the state should be examined closely, and the Covid help desk and the day care centre in industrial units should be activated, he said. The situation in the state is under control at present. Forty-nine new cases of the infection were confirmed in the investigation of over 1.91 lakh samples tested in the last 24 hours. In the same time period, 12 people recovered from the infection, and the total number of active cases in the state now stands at 266. There are no Covid patients in 37 districts, the official said.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Multi-vitamins, paracetamol only treatment given to 40 Omicron patients at Delhi hospital
Multi-vitamins and paracetamol were the only treatment provided to Omicron patients at Delhi’s Lok Nayak hospital so far, doctors said on Friday. The LNJP Hospital, which is the Delhi government’s largest healthcare facility, has reported 40 cases of the new coronavirus variant of concern till now. Nineteen of these patients have already been discharged.
A senior doctor at the hospital said around 90 per cent of the patients are "asymptotic" and the rest showed mild symptoms like "sore throat, low-grade fever and body ache". "The treatment included only multi-vitamins and paracetamol tablets. We didn’t feel the need to give them any other medicine," he said. The doctor said most of the patients are those who tested COVID-19 positive at the airport upon arrival from foreign countries. Most of them are fully vaccinated and "three-four have even taken booster shots", he added.
The patients included an MP of an African country, a member of a royal family from a north Indian state, and family members of bureaucrats, a source said. According to data from the Union Health Ministry, Delhi has logged 67 Omicron cases so far, of which 23 have been discharged. Besides the LNJP Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram City Hospital, Max Hospital Saket, Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj and Batra Hospital in Tughlakabad have also set up facilities for treating and isolating suspected cases of Omicron following orders from the city government.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Thane district's COVID-19 count rises by 153, death toll by two
With the addition of 153 coronavirus positive cases, the infection count in Thane district of Maharashtra mounted to 5,71,669, an official said on Friday. These cases were reported on Thursday, he said. With the virus claiming the lives of two persons during the day, the death toll in the district rose to 11,603. Thane's COVID-19 mortality rate is 2.03 per cent, he added. In neighbouring Palghar district, the caseload has gone up to 1,39,080, while the death toll is 3,308 another official said.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Maharashtra govt to issue fresh guidelines to curb crowding in view of spike in COVID-19 cases
The Maharashtra government has decided to impose fresh restrictions in the state to avoid crowding in view of the rising cases of COVID-19, and it will issue guidelines regarding these curbs, an official said on Friday. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement late night on Thursday that the guidelines will be issued on Friday.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held talks with the members of the state COVID-19 task force. They discussed the ways to avoid crowding during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, weddings and parties at hotels and restaurants, it said. The statement said the meeting also discussed the restrictions imposed in other states and the spike in COVID-19 in USA and Europe. The daily coronavirus case count in Maharashtra has been rising over the past few days.
The state on Thursday reported 1,179 new coronavirus cases, a day after it saw 1,201 new infections. On Monday, the state had added 544 cases, while the next day it had logged 825 cases. On Thursday, Maharashtra reported 23 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, highest in a single day so far, which took the state’s tally of such cases to 88.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | India has 358 cases of Omicron strain, Maharashtra, Delhi top contributors, Health Ministry
As many as 358 cases of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 have been so far recorded in India, the Union ministry of health and family affairs said on December 24. The ministry said 114 of these patients have recovered from the viral disease.
The new variant has been found in 17 states so far with Maharashtra recording 88, the highest number of cases among states followed by Delhi where 67 cases of Omicron have been recorded so far, according to the health bulletin issued by the ministry. Telangana has 38 cases while Tamil Nadu has 34 cases of the Omicron variant.
On December 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while emphasising that the fight against the pandemic is not over directed authorities to send teams from the Centre to states which are reporting a surge in cases and have insufficient health infrastructure. “The fight against the pandemic is not over, he (the Prime Minister) said, and the need for continued adherence to Covid safe behaviour is of paramount importance even today,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
He chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the COVID-19 situation in the country and the preparedness of healthcare systems, in view of the emergence of the fast-spreading new Omicron coronavirus variant. Overall, India recorded 6,650 new cases of COVID-19 in last 24 hours. The country’s active caseload stands at 77,516 at present. As many as 140.31 Crore doses of vaccine have been administrated so far across the country, according to the Health Ministry.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Omicron likely to be dominant strain globally in 2022: Singapore experts
The new and highly transmissible Omicron variant of the deadly coronavirus has increased immune escape compared with the Delta variant and appears likely to become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain globally in 2022, according to Singapore-based experts. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the world to pull together to end the COVID-19 pandemic next year. "2022 must be the year we end the pandemic," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
But Singapore-based experts said much depends on how potent the Omicron variant is and asserted that it was futile to try and predict when the pandemic will end. It appears likely that Omicron will become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain globally in 2022, Public health expert Associate Professor Natasha Howard said, adding that the Omicron variant is more transmissible and has increased immune escape compared with the Delta strain.
The rise of the more transmissible variant, increased case numbers and hospitalisations are likely, said Howard, the interdisciplinary health policy and systems researcher from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health in Singapore. The implications of this are still unclear, but it shows that the pandemic is not controlled yet and until initial and booster COVID-19 vaccine doses are accessible to everyone eligible globally, we can expect new variants to emerge, she warned.
For the Singapore population, it is clear that two COVID-19 vaccine doses are not enough to provide reasonable protection against Omicron and people should get booster shots as soon as they are eligible, she said. Citing Imperial College modelling data, she said that the risk of reinfection with the Omicron variant is more than five times higher and it does not appear milder than the Delta variant. Omicron will likely be the cause of a significant wave of COVID-19, said Associate Professor Ashley St John from the Duke-NUS Medical School’s Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Four new cases take COVID tally of Andamans to 7,708
Amid rising Omicron cases in the country, four more persons with travel history have tested positive for COVID-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Island, taking the tally in the Union Territory to 7,708, a health department official said on Friday. All the four new patients were detected after they arrived at the airport here, he said.
India has recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 16 states and UTs so far and out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. One more person was cured of the disease in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of recoveries in the archipelago to 7,573, the official said.
The death toll remained at 129 as no new fatality due to the infection was reported during the period, he said. The Union Territory now has six active cases. The local administration has adopted an approach of tracking, testing and treating, he said, adding that people arriving here from the mainland are mandatorily required to undergo COVID tests. Altogether, 5,89,087 people have been inoculated with 2,99,061 of them having received both doses of the vaccines. The Andaman and Nicobar administration has conducted over 6.57 lakh sample tests for COVID-19 so far, and the positivity rate stands at 1.17 per cent, the official added.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | No omicron case in Assam yet, prepared to deal with variant: Minister
The Assam government on Thursday said no case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in the state so far Replying to a Zero Hour discussion initiated by BJP MLA Suman Haripriya in the assembly Health and Family Welfare Minister Keshab Mahanta said the state government is preparing itself to deal with a possible outbreak of the variant.
There is no case of omicron in Assam as yet We have taken all necessary steps to prevent the spread of the variant classified as a variant of concern by the World Health Organisation he said We are training our field officers again We have been asked to focus on tracking and full vaccination The chief minister has also discussed the preparedness with officials of the Health Department he addedA total of 236 cases of the omicron variant have been recorded in 16 states and Union Territories in India till date.
Meanwhile Assam reported 113 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday raising the tally to 619932 while the death toll mounted to 6153 with one more fatality a bulletin issued by the National Health Mission saidAltogether 611530 people have recovered from the disease The total number of vaccine beneficiaries stood at 36714946
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Home isolation system being strengthened, says Delhi govt
There were over 280 active cases of COVID-19 under home isolation in Delhi till December 21, even as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the system was being strengthened to combat the pandemic. On Thursday, 118 COVID-19 cases and one death were recorded, according to the latest health bulletin.
On Wednesday, the national capital had logged 125 cases, the highest since June 22, with a positivity rate of 0.20 per cent, while there was zero death due to the coronavirus infection, official figures said. Kejriwal on Thursday held a review meeting in view of the rising cases of Omicron variant of the infection in the city. He took stock of the preparations and asserted that the system of home isolation was being strengthened.
"From hospitals to medicines, the Delhi government's preparations are solid. The system of home isolation was being strengthened. It is an appeal to you all to be careful and do not allow this new variant to spread," he tweeted in Hindi after the meet. According to the data shared by authorities during the meeting, 289 active cases of COVID-19 were under home isolation in Delhi till December 21.
During the meeting, it was also shared that a helpline is operational 24x7 manned by 25 executives in three shifts, handling 600-700 calls per day. About 1,000 calls can be handled with present strength of manpower, officials said. There is sufficient stock of pulse oximeters and thermometers, they said.
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | A total of 66,98,09,816 samples tested up to December 23, of which 11,65,887 were tested on December 23, says Ministry of Health
Coronavirus Omicron India LIVE Updates | Religious places in Delhi to remain open on Christmas, New Year's Eve for celebration, prayers: DDMA
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Thursday clarified that religious places will remain open on Christmas and New Year’s Eve for celebrations and prayers subject to strict compliance of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour. “Various communications are being received seeking clarifications about the status of permission for celebrating Christmas festival and New Year’s Eve in the territory of Delhi in view of the DDMA order as well as instructions issued (on Wednesday),” the authority said in an order.
“On this issue, it is to clarify that as per … DDMA order no. 492 dated December 15, all religious places (temples, mosques, churches, gurdwaras, etc.) are already permitted to open for visitors/devotees to offer prayers/devotion /celebrations within such places subject to strict compliance of related SoPs” and adherence of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour, it said.
The DDMA, which devises COVID-19 management policies for the capital, said no separate permission is required for these activities. Amid a rise in coronavirus cases and the threat of the new variant of concern, Omicron, the DDMA had Wednesday directed district magistrates to ensure no Christmas and New Year gathering takes place in the national capital.
However, restaurants and bars will continue to operate with up to 50 per cent of the seating capacity. Marriage-related gatherings are permitted with a maximum of 200 people in attendance. The DDMA also directed the district magistrates (DMs) to identify potential COVID-19 superspreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year.
“All social/political/cultural/religious/festival related gatherings are prohibited throughout NCT of Delhi… All district magistrates and DCPs shall ensure that no cultural event/gatherings/congregation takes place for celebrating Christmas or New Year in the NCT of Delhi,” the DDMA order stated. The national capital logged 125 cases on Wednesday, the highest since June 22, when it had reported 134 cases of the infection.
The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police have also been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks. According to the Union Health Ministry, Delhi has logged 64 cases of Omicron so far, of which 23 have been discharged. According to officials, most of the Omicron patients are fully vaccinated and have mild symptoms.
