Alarming! 2 cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19 reported in India

Dec. 2: In what seems to be a matter of concern, two cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19 were reported from Karnataka. The two persons who were detected are aged 66 and 46. It needs mention here that the Omicron has unprecedented number of spike mutations. WHO has said Omicron poses a “very high risk” that could have “severe consequences.”

However, the Union Ministry of Health urged upon the public not to worry. The health ministry said, “We need not panic but awareness is absolutely necessary.” It also stated, “Not going to and not organising mass gatherings will help in breaking chain of transmission of Omicron. Further,increased vaccine uptake is the need of the hour.”

The Omicron variant was reported in South Africa on 24 November, 2021. While travel related cases were reported in several countries between 27 November and 1 December, a transmission related case was detected in Portugal on 30 November. Cases of the variant have been found in South Africa, USA, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Germany, Hong-Kong, Israel, UK and several other countries.