Big jump in Omicron cases in India, tally reaches 578 on Monday

Dec. 27: There has been a substantial jump in the number of Omicron cases on Monday in India, thereby giving rise to fear among the people about a probable third wave knocking at the doors. India has registered a surge in Omicron cases as the country’s tally reached 578 on Monday. Delhi has recorded the most cases of Omicron in the country (142), followed by Maharashtra (141), Kerala (57), Gujarat (49) and 43 (Rajasthan), the Health Ministry said in a bulletin.

Alarmed by the spike in cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will start giving booster shots to frontline workers and those above 60 from January 10 and that vaccinations will begin for children between 15 and 18 years from January 3. Even the Allahabad High Court has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission of India to delay Uttar Pradesh elections and stop rallies. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has reached the poll panel’s office for a meeting today.