Coronavirus Omicron India Highlights | India saw the highest single-day rise of 309 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, taking the country’s tally of such cases to 1,270, the Union health ministry said on Friday. It also recorded 16,764 fresh COVID-19 cases and 220 more fatalities due to the viral disease. Of the 1,270 patients infected with the Omicron variant of the virus, 374 have either recuperated or migrated, according to the ministry’s data updated at 8 am.
Of the 1,270 patients infected with the Omicron variant of the virus, 374 have either recuperated or migrated, according to the ministry’s data updated at 8 am. Of the 23 states and Union territories that have recorded Omicron cases so far, Maharashtra has registered the highest number of 450, followed by Delhi (320), Kerala (109) and Gujarat (97).
The daily rise in the number of coronavirus cases crossed the 16,000 mark after 64 days, taking the country’s COVID-19 tally to 3,48,38,804, while the number of active cases of the infection has gone up to 91,361, according to the data. The death toll due to the viral disease has climbed to 4,81,080 with 220 more fatalities, the data stated. The country had witnessed 16,156 fresh coronavirus cases on October 27.
The 91,361 active Covid cases account for 0.26 per cent of the total caseload, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.36 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 8,959 cases was recorded in the active COVID-19 tally in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.34 per cent. It has remained below two per cent for 88 days now.
The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 0.89 per cent. It has remained below one per cent for 47 days now, according to the ministry. The number of patients who have recuperated has gone up to 3,42,66,363, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.38 per cent. The cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in the country so far has exceeded 144.54 crore.
India’s COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19 last year. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore coronavirus cases on May 4 this year and the three-crore mark on June 23.
The 220 new fatalities include 164 from Kerala and 22 from Maharashtra. Of the 4,81,080 Covid deaths reported so far in the country, 1,41,518 are from Maharashtra, 47,441 from Kerala, 38,327 from Karnataka, 36,765 from Tamil Nadu, 25,107 from Delhi, 22,915 from Uttar Pradesh and 19,757 from West Bengal.
Of the 4,81,080 Covid deaths reported so far in the country, 1,41,518 are from Maharashtra, 47,441 from Kerala, 38,327 from Karnataka, 36,765 from Tamil Nadu, 25,107 from Delhi, 22,915 from Uttar Pradesh and 19,757 from West Bengal. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that a state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.
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Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Chandigarh reports 49 new COVID19 cases & 8 recoveries in the last 24 hours
Total cases 65,895
Total recoveries 64,646
Death toll 1,079
Active cases 170
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates |
West Bengal records 3,451 fresh COVID cases, 1,510 recoveries, and 7 deaths todayActive cases: 10,710
Total recoveries: 16,08,011
Death toll: 19,764
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates |
Mumbai reports 5,428 new COVID19 cases in the last 24 hours
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates |
Any individual presenting with fever with/without cough, headache, sore throat, breathlessness, body ache, the recent loss of taste or smell, fatigue, and diarrhea should be considered as a suspect case of COVID-19 unless proven otherwise: Union Health Ministry
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates |
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and ICMR DG Dr. Balram Bhargava write to chief secretaries of all states/UTs set up round the clock functional RAT booths at different locations, engage medical and paramedical staff, and encourage the use of home test kits
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates |
88 new cases and 1 death reported in Uttarakhand today; Active caseload stands at 302: State government
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Sikkim announces new restrictions till January 10, 2022 amid Omicron threat
Pubs, discos, cinema halls, restaurants, fast food centres, bakeries, gymnasiums, barbershops, spas, and salons to operate with only 50% of seating capacity. Hotels, homestays, guest houses are also now required to operate with only 50% capacity. All social & political gatherings are to be organised with prior permission from DC and 50% space capacity.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates |
Kerala reports 2,676 fresh infections, 11 deaths and 2,742 recoveries; Active cases at 19,416, death toll 47,794
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Will have to learn to live with SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, many waves will come: Dr Gagandeep Kang
We will have to learn to live with SARS-CoV-2 & its variants which will continue to emerge. There will be many waves, time & again. But fortunately, #Omicron seems comparatively less severe than other variants. I believe we should be sending children to school, as generally COVID-19 infections are not much severe in children. Data available to inform a decision as to which vaccine should be used as a booster dose in India is very little: Dr. Gagandeep Kang, top virologist.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | 23 new cases of Omicron confirmed in Karnataka
"23 new cases of Omicron confirmed in Karnataka today, of which 19 are international travellers from USA, Europe, Middle East and Africa," says State Health Minister Dr Sudhakar K
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Andhra Pradesh logs 166 fresh COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths
Andhra Pradesh on Friday reported 166 fresh COVID-19 cases taking the tally to 20,77,145 while the toll rose to 14495 with two fatalities. Active cases stood at 1,154, a Health department bulletin said providing details of the last 24 hours ending 9 AM today.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya says India has crossed the milestone of 145 crore Covid vaccinations
"My gratitude to our doctors, scientists, healthcare & frontline workers for displaying immense grit, determination & resolve in the challenging 2021 year", he adds
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Kerala records 44 fresh confirmed cases of Omicron, total tally of Omicron at 107
Kerala records 44 fresh confirmed cases of Omicron, taking total cases of the coronavirus variant to 107 in the state: Kerala Health Minister Veena George
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates |
As COVID-19 precautionary measure, tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum closed till further notice: Rashtrapati Bhavan
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | New Year celebrations on beaches barred in Mengaluru
Entry of public to all beaches in the city, including Tannirbhavi, Surathkal and Panambur, has been prohibited after 7 PM on Friday in the wake of the spread of Omicron variant of Covid-19. In an order issued by Dakshina Kannada district administration, deputy commissioner K V Rajendra said any kind of New Year celebrations on beaches are not allowed after 7 PM.The celebrations are not permitted in public places also, the order said. The night curfew, introduced since December 28 from 10 pm to 5 am, is already in place in the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates
|As COVID cases are rising, we've to be fully prepared to tackle any situation. ICU beds, oxygen beds, ventilators should be ready & available at hospitals. I've reviewed preparations for vaccination of 15-18 age group: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates
| Tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan & Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum for general public will remain closed from January 1. The Change of Guard ceremony will also not take place till further notice: Rashtrapati Bhavan
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Omicron has started replacing Delta variant of coronavirus in India in terms of number of cases: Official Sources
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Sourav Ganguly discharged after COVID-19 treatment, to remain in home isolation
BCCI president and former India skipper Sourav Ganguly was on Friday discharged from the hospital after being treated for COVID-19 but will remain in home isolation for the next two weeks. The former skipper will be in home isolation under doctors’ supervision and has not been infected with the Omicron variant, hospital authorities said.
"We have discharged Ganguly this afternoon. He will have to be in home isolation for the next fortnight under doctors’ observation. After that the next course of treatment will be decided," a hospital official told PTI. The 49-year-old was rushed to the Woodlands Multispeciality hospital on Monday night as a precautionary measure after his RT-PCR test came positive for COVID-19.
He received the "Monoclonal Antibody Cocktail therapy" after admission. Ganguly was admitted to hospital twice earlier this year and underwent emergency angioplasty after having some cardiac issues. His elder brother Snehasish Ganguly had also tested positive for COVID-19 early this year.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Rahul Gandhi slams Centre for "missing" vaccination target
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed the Modi government for not fulfilling its “promise” to fully vaccinate all eligible beneficiaries against COVID-19 by the end of the year. The government had told the Supreme Court in June that it expected the entire eligible population to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by end of the year.
“The Centre had promised to vaccinate everyone with two doses of vaccines by end of 2021. Today, the year comes to an end. The country is still away from the vaccine. Another rhetoric bites the dust,” Gandhi said on Twitter. As on Friday afternoon, more than 144.67 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered across the country. More than 84.51 crore beneficiaries have received the first dose of the vaccines, while more than 60.15 crore beneficiaries have been received both the doses. The total number of eligible beneficiaries above 18 years of age is 94 crore.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | COVID-19: Mumbai police prohibit people from visiting beaches, sea faces, gardens for 12 hours from 5 pm daily
Mumbai Police on Friday issued an order under section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting people from visiting beaches, open grounds, sea faces, promenades, gardens, parks or similar public places between 5 pm and 5 am daily till January 15 in view of the prevailing coronavirus situation. DCP (operations) S Chaitanya issued the order, which came into force from 1 pm on Friday and will remain in force till January 15, unless withdrawn earlier.
“The city continues to be threatened with COVID-19 pandemic in light of the increase in cases and emergence of the new Omicron variant,” the order said. The prohibitory order was issued to prevent danger to human life, health and safety and to curb transmission of the virus, it added.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC extended in Mumbai till January 15
Restrictions under Section 144 ofCrPCextended in Mumbai till January15. As per the order released, Mumbai Police prohibits citizens from visiting beaches, open grounds, sea faces, promenades, gardens, parks, or similar public places, from 5 pm to 5 am
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Omicron now the main coronavirus variant in France
Omicronhas become the maincoronavirusstrain in France where the number of infections has surged in the last few days, the country's public health agency has said."62.4 percent of tests showed a profile compatible with the Omicron variant" at the start of this week, compared to 15 percent the previous week, the agency said in itslatest weekly survey published late Thursday.The Omicron variant's advance was expected because it is highly contagious and has become dominant in other European countries including Britain and Portugal.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | 73-year-old man who was tested positive for Covid's Omicron strain on December 15, dies of post covid death
DrDineshKharadi, Chief Medical and Health OfficerUdaipurDivision said that a 73-year-old man who was tested positive forCovid'sOmicron strain on December15, died today. "Later, he was tested negative two times, so this will not be called aCOVIDdeath but apost-Coviddeath," he further added.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Israel extends second Covid-19 booster to elderly in care facilities
Israel is extending its offer of a fourth Covid-19 vaccine dose to elderly people in care facilities, Health MinisterNitzanHorowitz said on Friday, citing their high exposure and vulnerability to infections. On Thursday, the Health Ministry's director-general,NachmanAsh, approved fourth doses for people with weakened immune systems and the administering of those shots began on Friday.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Omicron variant resistant to antibodies, two vaccine doses: Study
The Omicron variant of coronavirus is largely resistant to antibodies from people who recover from COVID-19 infection, and those vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, according to a study.The research, published in the journal Cell, also shows that several antibodies used to treat COVID-19 will be ineffective against Omicron.However, a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and mixing Pfizer andAstraZenecapreventives may protect well against the variant.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | 63 children among 243 new COVID-19 patients in Mizoram
Mizoram'sCOVID-19 tally rose to 1,41,400 on Friday as 243 more people, including 63 children, tested positive for the infection, a health official said. The northeastern state's coronavirus death toll remained unchanged at 542 as no fresh fatality was reported, he said.Mizoramhad registered 41 fewer cases on the previous day.Aizawldistrict recorded the highest number of 88 fresh cases, followed bySerchhip(73) andMamit(34). Sixty-three children are among the new patients, the official said.The single-day positivity rate dipped to 9.69 per cent from 9.80 per cent on the previous day, he said. The state now has 1,658 active cases, while 1,39,200 people havebeen cured of the disease so far. The recovery rate among the coronavirus patients stood at 98.44 per cent, while the mortality rate was at 0.38 per cent.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates
| The first Omicron case has been reported in the State. People have to remain alert and vigilant. We will hold a meeting today evening on the rising number of Covid-19 cases: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Odisha reports 228 new COVID cases, two more fatalities
Odisha on Friday reported the highest single-day spike of 228 new COVID-19 cases in the last three weeks, taking the tally to 10,54,834, a health department bulletin said. The state had on December 10 registered 286 such infections. The death toll rose to 8,460 as two more persons succumbed to the disease in Khurda district, it said. Fifty-three other COVID-19 patients have died due to comorbidities so far, the bulletin said.
Khurda, which comprises Bhubaneswar, reported the highest number of fresh cases at 105, and thirty-two children are among the new patients, it said. The state had on Thursday registered 225 fresh infections. Odisha now has 1,727 active cases, while 151 people were cured of the disease in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of recoveries to 10,44,594, the bulletin said. The state conducted 61,277 sample tests for COVID-19 on Thursday, and the daily positivity rate was at 0.37 per cent. Around 2.92 crore people have received the first dose of COVID vaccines, and more than 2.06 crore have been administered the second jab, it added.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates
| Till now, we've received 360 patients out of which 110 were Omicron affected. 89 of these patients have been discharged. All are stable. Not a single patient required ICU support because their oxygen saturation level was perfectly normal: Dr Suresh Kumar, LNJP,MD, Delhi
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | US woman tests positive for COVID-19 mid-flight, isolates for 5 hours in bathroom
A US woman was quarantined in an aeroplane bathroom for three hours after testing positive for COVID-19 halfway through a flight from Chicago to Iceland, according to media reports. Marisa Fotieo, a teacher from Michigan, said her throat began to hurt halfway through the trip on December 19 so she went to the bathroom to perform a rapid Covid test which confirmed she was infected, WABC-TV reported.
Before the flight, Fotieo told CNN she took two PCR tests and about five rapid tests, all of which came back negative. But about an hour and a half into the flight, Fotieo started to feel a sore throat. "The wheels started turning in my brain and I thought, 'OK, I'm going to just go take a test.’ It was going to make me feel better," Fotieo said.
"Immediately, it came back positive." Fotieo is fully vaccinated and has received the booster. She tests consistently since she works with an unvaccinated population. When she got her results in the aeroplane bathroom, over the Atlantic Ocean, she said she started to panic. "The first flight attendant I ran into was Rocky. I was hysterical, I was crying," Fotieo said. "I was nervous for my family who I just had dinner with. I was nervous for the other people on the plane. I was nervous for myself."
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Arunachal Pradesh logs 3 new COVID cases, tally at 55,339
Arunachal Pradesh on Friday reported three new COVID-19 cases, one more than the previous day, with the tally rising to 55,339, a health department official said. The death toll remained at 280 as no fresh fatality due to the infection was recorded in the last 24 hours, State Surveillance Officer Dr Lobsang Jampa said.
One more person recuperated from the disease during the period, taking the total number of recoveries to 55,038. The recovery rate among coronavirus patients in the state stood at 99.46 percent. Arunachal Pradesh now has 21 active Covid-19 cases, the SSO said. The Capital Complex Region, comprising Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa areas, has the highest number of active cases at 13, followed by Namsai at three, Lohit and West Kameng at two each and Tawang at one.
Altogether, 12,04,943 samples have been tested for COVID-19 so far, including, 149 on Thursday, Jampa said, adding that the positivity ratio was at 2.01 per cent. State Immunisation Officer Dr Dimong Padung said 14,61,096 people have been inoculated thus far.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Gloomy New Year for many as COVID-19 crashes the party again
New Year celebrations around the world have been called off as the coronavirus casts gloom over festivities for a second year but Australia was determined to enjoy the night and there were even signs North Korea was preparing fireworks. Global coronavirus infections hit a record high over the past seven-day period, with an average of just over one million cases detected a day worldwide between Dec. 24 and 30, some 100,000 up on the previous peak posted on Wednesday, according to Reuters data.
With numerous countries registering all-time highs, authorities in many places have called off celebrations to welcome in 2022, fearful that the all-conquering Omicron variant will take advantage of gatherings to spread even faster. But Australia is determined to ring in the New Year with a bang despite surges in infections to record levels in some places.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison wished people to "enjoy the evening", while Dominic Perrottet, premier of New South Wales state, urged everyone to "head out and enjoy New Year" even as daily infections in the state nearly doubled to a record 21,151.Perrottet said he took heart from higher levels of vaccination and the fact that hospitals were coping with the Omicron wave.
"Our position remains incredibly strong," he told reporters. Social distancing rules are in place and masks are required indoors in Sydney but thousands of people are expected to flock to its harbourside to watch New Year fireworks, with queues forming at many vantage points from early in the morning. Secretive North Korea also appeared to be preparing to buck the trend and celebrate the New Year with midnight fireworks at Kim Il Sung Square in its capital, Pyongyang.
Commercial satellite imagery showed preparations were under way with a stage being installed in the square, according to NK News, a Seoul-based website that monitors North Korea. The Rodong Sinmun state-run newspaper ran photographs of flower shops in Pyongyang crowded with mask-wearing customers buying blooms for the celebrations. North Korea sealed it borders after the pandemic began and has not reported a single case of COVID-19.
CHINA ON ALERT
Over the border in South Korea, the mood was not so festive. A traditional midnight bell-ringing ceremony has been cancelled for the second year and authorities announced an extension of stricter distancing rules for two weeks to tackle a persistent surge in Infections. China, where the coronavirus first emerged in late 2019, was on high alert against the virus, with the city of Xian under lockdown and New Year events in other cities cancelled and authorities urging restraint.
Authorities in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, will close 11 roads that usually draw big crowds for New Year, police said, while Malaysia has banned big gatherings nationwide and cancelled a spectacular fireworks display at the Petronas Twin Towers in the capital, Kula Lumpur. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida took to his official YouTube channel to urge people to wear masks at parties and limit the number of people attending, while Tokyo’s famous Shibuya entertainment district has banned year-end parties.
New Zealand, famous for its success in keeping the virus at bay, will see some celebrations. Its biggest city, Auckland, eased restrictions this week to let people enjoy some song and dance. Indian authorities started to impose stringent rules on Thursday to prevent big gatherings with night curfews in all major cities and restaurants ordered to limit customers. Despite the curbs, domestic tourists have been flocking to the famous beaches, pubs and nightclubs of Goa on the western coast to see in the New Year
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates
| As per the govt's order, there will be a night curfew from 11 pm to 5 am, and hence people will not be allowed to roam outside except in essential services. We request people to follow the guidelines and celebrate the New Year at their homes: Preet Pal, Gurugram ACP
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Countries with highest new COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates
| Night curfew from 11 pm till 5 am have been imposed in Puducherry with effect till 31st January 2022, except on the occasion of Vaikunta Ekadashi
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Omicron wave may have peaked in South Africa, overnight curfew lifted: Officials
South Africa has lifted overnight curfew rules that were first imposed nearly two years ago, with officials saying the country may have passed the peak of its fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. The decision announced by the Presidency on Thursday followed meetings of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC), which received updates on the management of the current fourth wave of COVID-19 in South Africa.
The wave is currently being driven by the Omicron variant, which was first detected in South Africa last month. “The curfew will be lifted. There will therefore be no restrictions on the hours of movement of people,” the Presidency said in a statement. The number of people permitted at public events has also been increased.
“Gatherings are restricted to no more than 1,000 people indoors and no more than 2,000 people outdoors. Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue may be used. All other restrictions remain in place,” according to the statement.
The Presidency cited several reasons for the decisions, which have been welcomed by the restaurant industry and members of the public who were cautioned on Wednesday by Minister of Police Bheki Cele that they would be arrested if they were out in public after midnight on Friday to celebrate the advent of the New Year. The curfew was in place from midnight to 4 am under the lowest level of South Africa’s five-level lockdown strategy.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Chinese cities on COVID alert as New Year holiday looms
China is on high alert against COVID-19 as the New Year holiday looms, with the city of Xian under lockdown while several New Year's Eve events in other cities have been cancelled and some provinces urged restraint in travel during the festive season. China reported 166 locally transmitted infections with confirmed symptoms for Thursday, according to the National Health Commission, with 161 from Xian, which is fighting the worst outbreak for a Chinese city this year.
The number of domestically transmitted infections in Xian have exceeded 1,200 during the Dec. 9-30 period. While the case load pales in comparison with many outbreaks overseas, China has insisted on stamping out infections quickly, especially ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February. "With the arrival of the New Year and the Lunar New Year, the number of people returning home from abroad will increase and the movement of people within China will rise," He Qinghua, an official at the National Health Commission, said on Wednesday.
"Coupled with the emergence of new variants such as Omicron, these scenarios will increase the risk of the epidemic spreading," He said. The popular Happy Valley amusement park in Beijing has cancelled an event to ring in the new year, while the Happy Valley park in the eastern city of Nanjing has dropped a drone show and fireworks from its line-up of celebrations for New Year's Eve.
In the financial hub Shanghai, the Great World amusement park said it will not organise special events such as stage performances, while no count-down will take place in core districts along Huangpu river. The central city of Wuhan, where COVID-19 first emerged in late 2019, will not hold any large-scale gatherings during New Year's Eve at certain public venues, including at Guanggu, one of the world's longest pedestrian shopping streets.
Several Buddhist bell-ringing ceremonies in the eastern cities of Nanjing, Yangzhou and Zhenjiang to celebrate the new year have also been scrapped. The northern province of Hebei, which will host some events for the Winter Olympics, said it urges residents not to travel unnecessarily during the New Year and Lunar New Year period.
Shanxi province, also in the north, advised residents not to head to other provinces for tourism, while the northwestern region of Ningxia said people have been encouraged not to leave the region unnecessarily. As of Dec. 30, mainland China had 102,083 confirmed symptomatic cases, including both local and imported ones, with the death toll at 4,636.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | India records 16,764 fresh COVID-19 cases including 309 of Omicron variant, 220 deaths
India saw the highest single-day rise of 309 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, taking the country’s tally of such cases to 1,270, the Union health ministry said on Friday. It also recorded 16,764 fresh COVID-19 cases and 220 more fatalities due to the viral disease. Of the 1,270 patients infected with the Omicron variant of the virus, 374 have either recuperated or migrated, according to the ministry’s data updated at 8 am.
Of the 1,270 patients infected with the Omicron variant of the virus, 374 have either recuperated or migrated, according to the ministry’s data updated at 8 am. Of the 23 states and Union territories that have recorded Omicron cases so far, Maharashtra has registered the highest number of 450, followed by Delhi (320), Kerala (109) and Gujarat (97).
The daily rise in the number of coronavirus cases crossed the 16,000 mark after 64 days, taking the country’s COVID-19 tally to 3,48,38,804, while the number of active cases of the infection has gone up to 91,361, according to the data. The death toll due to the viral disease has climbed to 4,81,080 with 220 more fatalities, the data stated. The country had witnessed 16,156 fresh coronavirus cases on October 27.
The 91,361 active Covid cases account for 0.26 per cent of the total caseload, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.36 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 8,959 cases was recorded in the active COVID-19 tally in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.34 per cent. It has remained below two per cent for 88 days now.
The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 0.89 per cent. It has remained below one per cent for 47 days now, according to the ministry. The number of patients who have recuperated has gone up to 3,42,66,363, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.38 per cent. The cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in the country so far has exceeded 144.54 crore.
India’s COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19 last year. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore coronavirus cases on May 4 this year and the three-crore mark on June 23.
The 220 new fatalities include 164 from Kerala and 22 from Maharashtra. Of the 4,81,080 Covid deaths reported so far in the country, 1,41,518 are from Maharashtra, 47,441 from Kerala, 38,327 from Karnataka, 36,765 from Tamil Nadu, 25,107 from Delhi, 22,915 from Uttar Pradesh and 19,757 from West Bengal.
Of the 4,81,080 Covid deaths reported so far in the country, 1,41,518 are from Maharashtra, 47,441 from Kerala, 38,327 from Karnataka, 36,765 from Tamil Nadu, 25,107 from Delhi, 22,915 from Uttar Pradesh and 19,757 from West Bengal. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that a state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Omicron antibodies could provide immunity against Delta Covid variant: Study
Being infected with Omicron may enhance immunity against the Delta variant of coronavirus, suggests a small study by researchers in South Africa. The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19, was first identified in November this year in South Africa and Botswana.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Omicron tally in country rises to 1,270
India logged 309 fresh Omicron infections, taking the total tally of such cases in the country to 1,270, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The 1,270 cases have been detected across 23 states and UTs so far, and 374 people have recovered or migrated.
Maharashtra recording the maximum number of 450 cases followed by Delhi at 320, Kerala 109 and Gujarat 97. The daily rise in COVID-19 cases crossed the 16,000 mark after around 64 days taking India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,48,38,804, while the active cases increased to 91,361 ,according to the data updated at 8 am.
India saw 16,764 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll climbed to 4,81,080 with 220 daily fatalities, the data stated. A total of 16,156 new coronavirus infections were reported in a span of 24 hours on October 27. The active cases have increased to 91,361 comprising 0.26 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.36 per cent, the health ministry said.
An increase of 8,959 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Approximately 90% adults vaccinated with first dose: Health Ministry
"Approximately 90 percent of the adult population in India has been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the first dose," Luv Aggarwal said.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | SMS will be sent to eligible elderly population for precautionary dose from Jan 10
Government will send SMS to the eligible elderly population to remind them for taking the precautionary dose that starts from January 10, the Union Health Ministry said.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | On Covid norms violation in poll rallies, top Niti Aayog official says 'it is in domain of EC'
On violation of COVID rules in political rallies amid rising infections, Niti Aayog Member (Health) Dr. VK Paul says, "It is in the domain of the Election Commission and it is not the right forum to take up this issue."
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Covaxin found to be safe, immunogenic in 2-18 age group: Bharat Biotech
Hyderabad-based vaccine maker Bharat Biotech announced on December 30 that COVID-19 vaccine was found safe, immunogenic for the 2-18 year old age group during clinical trials. Citing data from the phase 2, 3 clinical trials, the company said in a statement that neutralising antibodies in children, on an average, were found to be 1.7 times higher than in adults.
The multi-centre study was done across six hospitals in India and all children received two 0.5mL doses of Covaxin, which is the same formulation indicated in adults, the company said. A total of 526 children were enrolled into Group 1 (ages 12 through 18 years, n=176), Group 2 (ages 6 through 12 years, n=175), Group 3 (ages 2 through 6 years, n=175).
A total of 374 subjects reported either mild or moderate severity symptoms, with 78.6 percent getting resolved within a day. The Whole-Virion inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has proven to be safe, well-tolerated and immunogenic in paediatric subjects, the company said. The clinical trials conducted in the paediatric population between June-September 2021 have shown robust safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity.
Pain at the injection site was the most commonly reported adverse event, the release said. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Biotech, said, "Covaxin's clinical trial data from the paediatric population is very encouraging." He further added that, "Safety of the vaccine is critical for children and we are glad to share that Covaxin has now proven data for safety and immunogenicity in children. We have now achieved our goal of developing a safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccine for adults and children."
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | South Korea to extend curbs amid Omicron surge, serious COVID-19 cases
South Korea said on Friday it will extend stricter social distancing rules for two weeks amid a persistent surge in serious coronavirus infections and concerns over the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant. The government reinstated the curbs on Dec. 18, six weeks after easing them under a "living with COVID-19" scheme, as record-breaking numbers of new infections and serious cases put a huge strain on the country's medical system.
Daily tallies have since decreased, with 4,875 new cases on Thursday, after spiralling near 8,000 two weeks ago, but the number of critically ill patients still hovers around their highest level of 1,000, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The extension is also aimed at bracing for a further spread of Omicron cases by using the time to secure more hospital beds and encourage a booster vaccine shot campaign, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said.
"We should reserve sufficient beds that can cover some 10,000 cases a day, and we should also speed up booster shots and children's vaccinations," he told an intra-agency meeting. The curbs, which will be effective until Jan. 16, ban gatherings of over four fully vaccinated people, and require restaurants, cafes and bars to close by 9 p.m. (1400 GMT) and movie theatres and internet cafes by 10 p.m.
Unvaccinated people can only dine out alone, or use takeout or delivery services. Nearly 91% of South Koreans aged 12 or older are fully vaccinated. Total infections stand at 630,838, including 894 Omicron cases, with 5,563 deaths, the KDCA said. Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol told a briefing the Omicron variant is likely to be dominant in the near future, as seen in the United States and much of Europe. South Korea has cancelled its traditional midnight bell-ringing ceremony for the second straight year, as the coronavirus stifles New Year celebrations and scaled back other festivities around the globe amid efforts to contain rampant transmission.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | 52-year-old man in Maharashtra who died of 'non-Covid reason' later found infected with Omicron
A 52-year-old person in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad who died due to "non-Covid reasons" was later found to be infected with the Omicron variant of coronvirus, as per the Maharashtra government's health bulletin.
"A 52-year-old man with a travel history to Nigeria died of a heart attack on December 28, 2021 at Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's Yashwantrao Chavan Hospital. This patient has had diabetes for the last 13 years. The death of this patient is due to non-covid reasons. Coincidently, today's NIV report reveals that he was infected with the Omicron virus," the bulletin said.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Gatherings capped at 50 persons in Maharashtra as coronavirus cases surge
Maharashtra Government has capped the attendance at gatherings in open or closed spaces at 50, following a surge in coronavirus cases in the state.Not more than 100 persons in enclosed spaces and 250 persons in open spaces were allowed to attend a marriage function or a social, cultural, political and religious gathering earlier.
The state government issued fresh guidelines on Thursday night, capping the number of attendees at these events to 50 persons. The new order also stipulates that only 20 persons can attend last rites.Maharashtra recorded 5,368 coronavirus cases on Thursday, a spike of 1468 cases from a day before. This propelled the state’s COVID-19 tally to 66,70,754.At present, there are 18,217 active cases in the state. With 1193 COVID-19 patients discharged in the day, the number of those recovered rose to 65,07,330.
Maharashtra on Thursday reported 198 new cases of the Omicron variant, including 190 in Mumbai alone, taking the tally of cases of this latest coronavirus variant in the state up to 450.
Coronavirus Omicron LIVE Updates | Maharashtra reports jump in cases with 5,368 COVID-19 infections, 22 deaths
In a major spike, Maharashtra reported 5,368 new coronavirus infections and 198 cases of the Omicron variant, the state health department said. The day before, the state had recorded 3,900 new COVID-19 cases. The deaths of 22 coronavirus patients were reported on Thursday. One of them, a 52-year-old man with a travel history to Nigeria who died of a heart attack on December 28, tested positive for Omicron on Thursday. But his death had nothing to do with the infection, the health bulletin said.
The patient had been admitted to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's Yashwantrao Chavan Hospital. He also had diabetes for the last 13 years, it said. The caseload of COVID-19 cases in the state rose to 66,70,754, while death toll reached 1,41,518. The number of active cases in the state rose to 18,217. In a span of 10 days — from December 21 to 30 — the new daily cases surged from 825 to 5,368.
Maharashtra on Thursday reported 198 new cases of the Omicron variant, including 190 in Mumbai alone. But as per the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the city reported 153 Omicron cases during the day, including 141 patients who had not traveled abroad recently. The difference in state and BMC figures could not be reconciled. The tally of Omicron cases found in the the state so far went up to 450.
Of the 198 Omicron cases reported by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) during the day, only 30 patients had recent international travel history. Four Omicron cases were reported in Thane city, while Satara, Nanded and the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations reported one case each. Of the new COVID-19 cases, the Mumbai region recorded 4,556 cases, Pune 512, Nashik 107, Kolhapur 64, Nagpur 44, Aurangabad 33, Latur 28, Akola 14.
The Pune region recorded 15 deaths, Latur four, Mumbai three deaths. Nagpur, Akola, Aurangabad, Kolhapur and Nashik regions did not report any death. The health department said that 1,193 COVID-19 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the recovery count to 65,07,330. The state's recovery rate stands at 97.55 per cent.
Currently, 1,33,748 people are in home quarantine and 1,078 others are in institutional quarantine, it added. Nine districts and three municipal corporations did not report any fresh COVID-19 case. As many as 1,18,543 coronavirus tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, taking the overall tally of tests conducted to 6,88,87,303. Maharashtra's coronavirus figures are as follows: New cases 5,368; Total cases - 66,70,754; Active cases 18,217; Total deaths 1,41,518; Recovery count 65,07,330, Total tests: 6,88,87,303.
